Gary W. Nicholson
Gary Wayne Nicholson went home to be with his Savior on
Sunday, October 11, 2009. He was born March 1, 1939 to Kay MacDonald
and Carl Nicholson in San Bernardino, California. When he was eight
years old, Gary's family moved to Billings, Montana. In 1958, he
graduated from Billings Senior High and attended the University of
Montana.
Happily on December 27, 1958, Gary married his high school
sweetheart, Janet (Mook) Nicholson. He was drafted in 1962 and
served eighteen months in Germany with the U.S. Army. Also, in 1962
Gary and Janet had a son, Jeffery Nicholson, and later in 1972 their
daughter Jill (Nicholson) Morrow was born.
Gary worked for MDU for 38 years and retired in 1997. He also worked
for First Student for four years and most recently as a bus
assistant for District 2.
Among the many things Gary loved to do was hunting, shooting guns,
fishing, and most especially riding his motorcycle across his
beloved Beartooth Mountains.
Gary served the Lord for more than 40 years and sought to lead
others to Christ by letting his Light shine. He was kind, generous,
and honest. Gary attended The Church of God of Prophecy church on
Hallowell Lane for many years but New Life Church of Powell
(Wyoming) had been his church home for the past five years. He was
involved with the jail ministry in Billings, sharing God's love with
the inmates. Gary loved people. He attended various Christian
men’s breakfasts, a different one each day of the work week.
He also was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association.
Gary enjoyed being around friends and family. He would have done
anything for anyone. But of all the people in the world, Gary
cherished his three granddaughters-Sierra, Madison, and Sophe. If
you wanted to see his eyes sparkle, all you need do is talk about
his granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents;
his father Carl Nicholson; mother Kay MacDonald; and step father Don
MacDonald.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Janet (Mook) Nicholson of
Billings; son Jeffery Wayne Nicholson of Laurel; daughter Jill
(Nicholson) Morrow; son-in-law Tim Morrow; and three granddaughters
of Powell, WY.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to New Life Church of
Powell building fund, P.O. Box 782, Powell, WY 82435.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Inurnment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
Tim, Jill, Sierra, Madison and Sophe,
We were so sorry to hear of your sudden and tragic loss. Although we didn't know your dad very well he was always a joy to see at church. He always had a smile on his face and you could see God shining through him. You could see he was very proud of his granddaughters. We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. God will get you through.
With a lot of love,
Gary, Donna, Nate and Sami
We will miss Gary's smiling face and quick wit and firm handshake on Sunday mornings at New Life. Gary truly loved to share his love of the Lord with others. We were glad to know him.
Blessings and prayers, Larry & Barbara Dodge, Clark WY
What can one say at a time like this? We have lost a wonderful soldier for Christ and he will be missed greatly by all. Yet my heart leaps for joy as I picture Gary in the arms of our savior I can almost hear the rejoicing going on way down here. I am sorry for the loss to the family and the deep spots it will leave. I know for sure it is Gary's wish that we all are shooting for the mark of Christ and that we will all be united with him in heaven. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
BILL&MARY BRAZELTON
Janet, Jill, Tim and family,
Gary was a true blessing to everyone he came into contact with. His compassion and child-like love for God was contagious. All the time I was attending New Life, I looked forward to seeing him especially. What a great witness to the awesomeness of God to see a "real man" worshipping Jesus with all that was in him; both hands raised high truly focused on his Savior.
I pray that God will comfort all of you through this time and until you can see him again, in Heaven!!
God Bless All of You,
Sincerely,
Juliet Wardwell
Dear Janet,
We just heard about the loss of your beloved husband. We have all been touched by you and your husband's kindness to others here at Bench.
We will always remember his generous donation to a student of ours last year. He also called and checked on our student while he was hospitalized. Gary always greeted us here at Bench with a smile and good wishes. Be God comfort you in this difficult time. Please know that you are in your hearts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Rae Jean Koch, Jeanne Weber, Lou Taylor from special ed at Bench
We'll miss you, Gary. Whenever we see you at church we are blessed with your smile. You are a living testimony to us. Our Sunday is not complete if we dont talk to you. Personally I was encouraged when you mentioned you had by pass heart surgery cause my father had angioplasty. We are sad because we'll miss you so much but we know you are happy and rejoicing with the Lord. We wont forget you. We thank and praise the Lord that we met somebody like you..
Luz
It has been a privilege to get to know Gary and Janet over the past five years at New Life Church. We will miss Gary's "ready smile", "glad to see you" hand shake", and his "sense of humor". His love for being in the presence of the Lord was evident every Sunday and we know he is now enjoying every wonderful moment in Heaven and being with his Lord! We also realize he will be greatly missed by everyone who knows him and loves him on this side of Heaven. We pray for the family that the God of all Comfort will hold you and hug you during this time of separation.
Luanne Loloff
I worked with Gary at MDU and he was so delightful. We nicknamed him "St. Nick" because he was so happy and fun to be around. I am sorry for your loss and pray God's peace and comfort for you.
With Sympathy,
Christie Bragg
Janet and children
We were so sorry to hear of Gary passing. When we lived in Billings so many years ago, he was such a blessing to us. We have thought of you all often through the years. Heaven has truly gained a saint. Know that we are praying for all of you.
Herman & Nellie Lowe
Salt Lake City, Utah
Janet, Jeff, Jill and entire family
We still can't believe he is gone. He had just called and talked to my Mom and Dad (Robert and Wilma) the other day. Gary was a wonderful man and he blessed everyone who met him. God made him so special and we are so blessed to know him. I remember Gary, Jill and I going hunting in the green pickup and Jill and I rode in the back and shot a sage chicken. My husband Jim and I have two awesome mule deer mounted in our living that we shot of rattlesnake butte with Gary. I remember when my Mom was really sick and I called Gary and he prayed with me over the phone. I pray that each of us could share God's work and word like him. We can make God and Gary proud. May, God hold each of you in his arms and comfort you in all the days ahead. I know we will see him again in HEAVEN and it is going to be great. We sent all our love and hugs. Love in Christ Jim, Katrina, Kirsten and Garrett Johnson Wibaux,MT
I was sorry to hear about your loss. I waited on Gary at Perkin's every Tuesday morning, up until 5 years ago. He was always so happy and had a smile on his face, a smile that lite up a room. He was truly one of the nicest guys I have every met. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shawnda Musgrave
I was privileged to know Brother Gary for many years. He was a dear friend to me for the ten years I lived and worked in Montana. He always had such a great love for God and for people. Our prayers are with you-- Janet, Jeff, and Jill and family. May God's wonderful grace be sufficient during this time of deep sorrow.
We love you all.
Wendell and Yvonne Lowe
Douglasville, Georgia
Tim, Jill & girls we are so sorry in the loss of your Dad, Jill. He was so friendly and always shook our hand and talked to us. Just know you are in our prayers that the Holy Spirit will be a great comfort to you.
Rommie & Joyce Claudson
Janet, Jeff, Jill and family,
This earth has been a better place because of Gary's presence. We have been blessed to have known him and his love for you and His Lord, where he has been such an inspiration to us all. We will miss him dearly.
Please know you all are in our prayers. May you feel the Lord's comfort, assurance of His help and strength, and His grace as you face the days ahead. Love always, Jim and Gladys
Dearest Janet and Family, I am so sorry for all of you to loose
your Husband, Dad,Father in Law and Grampa. He was such a special person. So easy to talk to and shared his love of the Lord so easily with all of us. All of us at New Life will miss him so much. He certainly did a lot with his life. He dearly touched every Person he came in contact with, during his life. What an example he gave us all to follow. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you, everyday.
Teri Boyd
Luanne Loloff