David L. Nicklin

Dave was my first "teacher" in college. He seemed to believe in me when I didn't believe in myself. I remember, he once found me by telephone to remind me that I was missing an important exam. I, of course, was asleep on someone's couch. He was a kind man, committed and full of a gentle humor. His impact, on me, has helped to shape my life and my art. He helped me to love language and all he asked in return was that I pursue my dreams with vigor and honesty.

Dear Ruth, Kelly, Claudia, Polly, Jim and Families,
Sharon and I will be represented at the service this evening, but not remotely in the way we would have chosen. You are all in our thoughts.
Michele

Sue: I took an ethnic literature class from your father-in-law the summer of 1990. He was a wonderful teacher who gave us challenging pieces and led vibrant discussions.

My condolences to you and all of your family.

I had the privilege of being in a couple of Dave Nicklin's classes at UNO in the mid-70's. He was one of my all-time favorite professors. He was kind, empathetic, warm, and personable. My sympathies go out to all his family, and I will keep all of you in my prayers. He was a wonderful man.

Molly: I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing. I remember both he and Ruth from my UNO Theatre and KVNO Radio days. My condolences to you and your family ... and may you all find comfort in your cherished memories.

Dave Nicklin was a great teacher, a mentor, and a fine man who lived his beliefs. I will miss him.

I did not know David Nicklin, but I did know his wonderful parents. They pastored my Methodist Church in Oskaloosa in the mid 1950's. I was inspired by their personal courage in the battle for Civil Rights. I remember the day when Mrs. Nicklin (also a pastor) stood at the door of a bus while we boarded: our two African American members had been denied entry into the swimming pool in Lawrence, Kansas. Without discussion, the Nicklins shepherded us back to Oskaloosa. What a wonderful legacy.

I feel like I should have gotten to know him a lot better then I had the chance to do so. I was just looking through an album of family pictures the other day that my father, David's first cousin, had collected and saw a picture of him with his parents and the smile is the same, almost as if the smile were a prediction of the man that was to follow!

Love to all of the family!

Dear Nicklin Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May the memories that you shared and the love of family and friends help you in the days ahead.