Matthew Wayne Nichols

Born on September 10, 1942, in Jackson, Mississippi, Wayne spent his childhood in Santa Barbara, California, where he developed a lifelong love for the sea. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Gunner's Mate on the USS Helena.

As a child, Wayne's family travelled extensively across the US, from the awe-inspiring Statue of Liberty to the majestic Yosemite National Park. During his time in the Navy, he broadened his horizons even further, traveling all over Asia and the major ports of the western United States.

Following his military service, Wayne embarked on a successful career as an aerospace machinist. He took immense pride in his work, especially knowing that some of the parts he crafted were on a Space Shuttle Mission.

In San Jose California, in 1973, Wayne married the love of his life, Gloria (Gomez) Nichols. Soon after they moved to Phoenix Arizona and together, they built a loving family and cherished their 50 years of marriage. Wayne was a devoted husband and an exceptional father to their son, Cy Matthew.

Beyond his family and career, Wayne enjoyed a variety of hobbies. He was a skilled darts player, an avid soccer, baseball and football fan, and a true animal lover. An outdoorsman, from his time as a Boy Scout, he especially loved the thrill of fishing and was known to devour books as fast as he devoured carne asada fries!

Wayne will be remembered by all who knew him as an eternal joker, a man with an infectious smile behind his beard and a twinkle in his eye. He was also an avid hater of vegetables, much to the amusement (and sometimes exasperation) of his family. He'd regale them with stories of how flowered pillowcases gave him headaches, and on family road trips, he'd have the uninitiated staring out the window searching for a mythical "bulliatress or a rotisserie," leaving them with a smile and a sense of wonder.

Wayne was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret R. Nichols (Byrd); father, Matthew E. Jenco; and stepfather, Chester V. Nichols.

Wayne will be profoundly missed by his wife, Gloria; son, Cy Matthew; and all who knew him.

No immediate service is planned, but a celebration of life will be held at a future date. Details will be announced at a later time.