Thomas H. Nicholson

NICHOLSON, Thomas H.
Of Kalamazoo, MI Thomas H. Nicholson, age 72, passed away peacefully at home at 11:00 A.M., on December 20, 2009. Tom was born December 27, 1936 in Kalamazoo the son of Frank and Mable Holroyd Lakie who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a first wife: Patricia Nicholson, sister, Donna Cummings. Surviving is his wife, Sandy Nicholson: and daughter, Cindi David Westerhouse; brother and sister, David Jackie Lakie, Margie Kingsbury; brother-in-law, George Cummings; and several nieces and nephews. Tom retired after 32 years of service with the Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Department. Tom was an avid golfer, fisherman, and loved to ride his Harley Davidson. His "priority one" hobby was playing his trumpet. He played with the Portage Senior Center band for many years. His favorite place to vacation was in the Upper Peninsula, "God's country", in Manistique at Indian Lake. Tom graduated from Richland High School. He then enlisted in the Navy for eight years. He was a Police officer for Kalamazoo Township Police for 2 years. He attended the FBI academy two times. While working for the Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Dept., he was a member of the Dive team, and the shooting range officer. Tom won several shooting awards, and through the NRA earned five masters badges as distinguished expert. In the 1960's, he placed third place in the Olympics for marksmanship. In 1981 he graduated from Nazareth College with a BS degree in Criminal Justice. He was past Master of the Richland Masonic Lodge #217. He volunteered and organized Multiple Sclerosis Christmas and Spring parties. He was affiliated with the MS board for 15 years, and achieved Vice Chairman on the MS board. Tom was a wonderful husband and father. He was always there for his family and friends. He will be missed, but we know that he is in Heaven with his Savior, Jesus Christ. Services will be held at 1:00 o'clock Wednesday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick with Pastor Shan Martin officiating. Friends may meet the family today from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the chapel. Interment will follow with full military honors in Prairie Home Cemetery in Richland. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or the charity of your choice. www.langelands.com