Randy J. Nichols

Randy Nichols, 65, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2020, in the afternoon at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo surrounded by a few of his immediate family members. He was born March 18, 1955 in Grand Rapids, to the late Robert and Rosemary (Szczepanski) Nichols. Randy was united in marriage to Margaret "Margie" Ford on January 6, 1979.

Randy was a man of faith, music and love of family, friends and creatures big and small. He was a true servant of God and our Lord Jesus Christ. He was a person who naturally connected with others and loved people from all walks of life. A man with a big heart, a great sense of humor, and considered by many to be forever young. Randy dearly loved his wife, Margie, of 41 years, his only child, Felicia, his son-in-law, Ryan, and his only grandchild, Alia, who was the light of his life. He had a particularly special place in his heart for his cats and praying mantises. He was a fan of sci-fi, comedy and horror; Halloween was one of his favorite holidays. He had a true appreciation and knowledge of music and was a talented guitarist with the band TNS in the 1970s, which was one of the highlights of his life. TNS participated in many Battle of the Bands and performed in various locations across Michigan. A proud moment came four decades later when the band was approached by an archival record label to be added to a compilation album celebrating various bands from that era titled, Warfaring Strangers: Acid Nightmares (2017). Randy retired from Michigan Bell/Ameritech/ATT with 35 years of service as a telecommunications field dispatch center clerk. As an organ donor, Randy gave of himself selflessly at the end of his life through Gift of Life Michigan and was celebrated as a hero with an Honor Walk.

Randy is survived by his wife, Margaret "Margie" Nichols; daughter, Felicia (Ryan) Vliek; granddaughter, Alia; sister, Cynthia "CJ" (George) Brocker; nieces and nephews, Portia (Ben) Peacey, Gina (Gary) Brocker-Gaughan, Stephanie (Sloth) Ford, Jessica (Eric) Beckman, Adam (Linda) Ford, Nathan (Tara) Ford and Ashlie (Matthew) Chouinard; brothers-in-law, Jerry Ford and Chuck (Donna) Ford; numerous extended family and many friends; and his cat, fur-baby, Karma. Preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert and Rosemary (Szczepanski) Nichols; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Cordell and Donna (Stover) Ford; step father-in-law, Elwin Smith. At the family's request, cremation has taken place. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private celebration of Randy's life will be announced at a later date. Services are entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, Randy would have appreciated donations in his memory to Mel Trotter Ministries, Grand Rapids or to Crash's Landing and Big Sid's Cat Rescue and Placement Center, Grand Rapids.