David R Nicholas

David R. Nicholas, born in San Mateo, California on December 31, 1947, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at Fairfax Inova Hospital. He was surrounded by family at his passing, as he was throughout his life. His life was one of service and quiet leadership, punctuated by service in the United States Marine Corps, with the State of Ohio’s park system, as Special Agent-in-Charge with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a Boy Scout den leader, and as a priest with Community of Christ. He was undeniably a family man, helping to raise his younger brothers and sisters after his father’s early death, raising three children with his wife, Paula, and serving as uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Nature played an important part throughout Dave’s life. He studied ornithology at Ohio State University and served as instructor for several undergraduate classes before taking a position as the Chief Park Ranger with Ohio State Parks. Even after moving on to a law enforcement position with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Dave continued to share his love of the “out-of-doors,” as he called them, with anyone who might be interested. Dave’s 26-year career in law enforcement began in Ohio before moving on to a position with the Federal government. He worked closely with tribes throughout the country, and particularly along the East Coast. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Clara Nicholas, his brother Irvin, and sister Dixie. He is survived by his wife, Paula, his daughter Heather and son-in-law Frank, daughter Megan, son Andrew, grandsons Joseph and Samuel, brothers Daniel, Duane, John and James, and his sisters Leona and Diana. Family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.