Michael Dale Nicoholas

MICHAEL DALE NICHOLAS

Michael Dale Nicoholas (Feb. 1, 1973 ­ Nov. 9, 2006) was born in Eureka, Calif. to Jim and Mardy Nicholas.

Mike grew up in Sacramento, where he graduated from Cordova High School in 1991. Mike continued his education by earning a bachelor's degree in Political Science at California State University, Chico in 1995. Mike also served his country in the Marine Reserves. Mike was an avid soccer player and played competitively. He continued his love and interest in soccer by coaching his daughter's soccer teams.

While in college, he met and later married Jodi Elizabeth on June 7, 1997. Mike and Jodi were blessed with one daughter, Madison Reilly Nicholas. The family enjoyed the outdoors and went camping as often as possible. As a close-knit family, they also spent many vacations together at Disney parks and Disney cruises.

Since 1998, Mike had been a Probation Officer for Butte County. He served many years on the BASS Task Force and was a well-respected, hard working employee. His fellow officers remember him as a total professional, but also as the "Original Prankster". Mike loved his work, his fellow officers and the community he served.

Besides his wife, Jodi and his daughter, Madi; Mike is survived by his Father and Mother; Jim and Mardy Nicholas of Chico; his brother, Jim of Bakersfield; his sister and brother-in-law, Charmaine and Paul Kuss of Paradise, Utah and his grandmother, Mary Nicholas of Chico. Also surviving, is Mike's mother-in-law, Betty Roxburgh; his father-in-law, David Graham and wife, Susan; brother-in-laws: James and John Graham and their families.

Mike was a devoted uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Many other family and friends who came to know and love him will miss Mike. The memory of his strength, compassion, sense of humor and devotion to his work and to those he loved will sustain all who were lucky enough to have been a part of his life.

A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006, at the Bidwell Presbyterian Church in Chico. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be sent to Bidwell Funeral Homes in Chico.

Donations will be split between an education fund for Mike's daughter, Madison and an organization to be determined at a later date that provides health and wellness services to law enforcement officers.