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VCU School of Medicine Virginia Commonwealth University

David Nichols Obituary

David Buell Nichols WHITE STONE - David Buell Nichols, M.D., 62, died quietly at home the morning of Dec. 30, 2010, surrounded by his family. Dr. Nichols is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dianne, and their two children, Sarah Buell Nichols of Wilmington, Del., and her fiancé Tom Nagle; and their son, David Robertson Nichols of White Stone and his wife Ivana; three brothers and their wives, Peter and wife Van, Scott and wife Kim, John and wife Becky; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter Alexander Cunningham Nichols and Marian Buell Nichols. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Dr. Nichols received his medical degree from McGill University in 1976. While studying there he met his future wife. He and Dianne moved to Newport News for his family practice residency under the direction of the Medical College of Virginia at Riverside Hospital in Newport News. Dr. Nichols founded White Stone Family Practice in 1979 and was the primary physician for Tangier Island for the past 31 years. He was named Country Doctor of the Decade by a national physician staffing firm during the dedication in August 2010 of the David B. Nichols Health Center on Tangier Island. He was also an accomplished pilot, certified to fly both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. At Dr. Nichols' request, a private family funeral service is planned on his beloved Tangier Island, while a public celebration of his life will be held this spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Tangier Island Health Foundation, Box 788, Irvington, VA 22480.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jan. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for David Nichols

17 Entries

Raymond and Cynthia Shackelford

January 17, 2011

To Dr. Nicols' Family and Friends and the Staff at White Stone Family Practice,

We are so sorry for your loss. We learned about Dr. Nichols selfless service to others when our daughter did her Physician's Assistant internship with him. We are so grateful for two gifts Dr. Nichols gave to our daughter when she worked with him: his demonstration of total commitment to the health of his patients and his belief that she can make a difference through her work. Those gifts will live in her throughout her life, and words can't express how much we appreciate that.
Dr. Nichols was a true humanitarian and a blessing to all.

Dr. Angela Herring

January 11, 2011

To the Family, Friends, Staff and Patients of Dr. Nichols,
I am so sorry for your great loss.
I knew Dr. Nicols from our Family Practice Training at Riverside Hospital in Newport News. He is leaving too early but has accomplished so much for so many during his time here.

JoAnn Allen

January 8, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Nichol's family. The community will in loving remembrance miss him. He completed his purpose on earth and was needed somewhere else. I believe.

Shelly& Greg Vieth

January 5, 2011

May God Bless the Nichols family he was truly an Angel my husband had the pleasure of knowing him for a very long time and visited his office frequently he will be missed by him and many God bless you all!

Todd Feeley

January 5, 2011

My thoughts are with you in your time of loss. It seems we never have enough time with the truly great people in this world, let the memories of his compassion and efforts outlast all of us.

Ben & Mary Copeland

January 4, 2011

Dear Family of Dr. Nichols, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. What a wonderful person to have for a husband, father, and sibling. How lucky to have been his patient, his friend, neighbor, or co-worker. I only knew of Dr. Nichols from the news media. My husband and I traveled to Tangier Island several times. How great to have such a caring doctor attend the people of Tangier for over 30 years, as well as his White Stone Family Practice. Everyone, please continue to donate to the Tangier Island Health Foundation to honor and remember such a fine human being. Our sincerest sympathy, Mary Copeland

Elizabeth Russell

January 3, 2011

When Dr. Nichols first came to White Stone, his office was across the parking lot from my Mother's home (Edwinetta). When she came to live with me in Yorktown, Dr. Nichols called one of his aviation/medical friends to let him know that he was sending a special patient to him and expected her to be returned in "good condition!" The Yorktown doctor took his words seriously and nine years later sent Mom home after her last visit with a bouquet of flowers and instructions to tell Dr. Nichols that he had taken "good" care of her! Upon our return to the White Stone area, he once again became Mom's doctor and friend. Over the years she was one of his "ladies" that received the kiss on the cheek. My Mother loved him dearly and he was indeed a treasure. He will be missed! My prayers are with his family.

W.Vivian Quinlan

January 3, 2011

January 3, 2011

I was Dr. Nichols patient since 1985 and I loved him like a son. Yes, I am one of the old ladies he smooched on the cheek each time I saw him. Besides his outstanding service to the community and extended community, he cared for my husband until his death in 2004. When I first went to see him, I made an appointment for my George to see him later in the same week. He told George that he would care for him as if he was his own father. He held true to his promise. I shall never forget this beautiful man and regard it a special privilege to have been in his care. May God Love and Bless his family as they adjust to this new phase of life. One in which they will find that David Nichols lives on in each one of them as surely as if he were still with them.

Vivian Quinlan, Mathews, Virginia

January 3, 2011

May God bless him and his family for his kindness for so many years and for so many people. Dr. Nichols is a true angel on earth and now in heaven.

Joan Pierce

January 3, 2011

As a healthcare professional in the Home Health field, I only knew of Dr. Nichols through the voices of his patients when I visited them in the White Stone area. Affectionately, they referred to him as "Dr. Copter" because he flew to care for so many. Though I have relocated far from White Stone, the love and affection his patients shared with me (for him) remains intact in my heart and memories. May it offer you, His Loved ones, a small measure of comfort that he was loved, cherished and will be missed by so many he cared about and to whom he ministered. May God Bless and Keep You All knowing how well Dr. Nichols deomstrated his love for others in service.

Cindy Kellar

January 2, 2011

Dr. Nicols will be missed by so many people. He touched the lives of a vast amount of citizens he never even knew. Word spread throughout the community very quickly of his selfless acts of kindness he has shown to everyone he came in contact with. God has called another angel home. My thoughts and prayers are with this family during this difficult time.

Sandy Chandler

January 2, 2011

I knew Dr. Nichols from the time he opened White StoneFamily Practice. I thought of him more as a true friend, he was there during the good and the bad. I will miss him so much. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Carol Tysor

January 2, 2011

I never knew Dr. Nichols. I was only able to read about him in the newspaper. This world has lost a wonderful servant. I hope that all who read this will take the opportunity to keep the good work this precious man did alive by donating to the Tangier Island Health Foundation and by using their own gifts and talents to serve others as he did. Thank you for your service and inspiration to others Dr. Nichols. God bless you and your family

Jean Stewart

January 1, 2011

My deceased parents William and Hazel Lowry lived across from you on Tabb's Creek. He would buzz his home when returning from Tangier Island. We enjoyed watching him fly.
He made house calls on his boat.You helped me (daughter and brother) walk through all the experiences with my father who had Alzheimers. Mom had to go on dialysis. He is one of a kind Doctor. Taken away to soon. White Stone and Tangier Island have lost the best. My prayers are with the famiy and family members.

January 1, 2011

I only new him a stort time, but felt he was a carring Docter full of empathy for his patients and family.
Sincerly,
Dr. G. A. Nethaway

Byron Wright

January 1, 2011

May the peace of God be with you in this time of sorrow.

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