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Keith Nichols Obituary
Keith D. Nichols, 68, of Reno, who until four years ago was a longtime Woodland resident, passed away late Sunday evening, June 27, 2010. Keith was born on Dec. 23, 1941, in Oakland. For all that he endured, Keith was nicknamed by his team of doctors as the "Bionic Man" because he survived numerous heart conditions as well as kidney failure.
Called "Poppa" by his grandkids, he was a proud and well respected Teamster for 30 years. Keith moved to Woodland where he lived for many years and coached baseball. He was loved by the players he coached, not only as a coach but also a mentor, and often visited years later by the players.
Every decade of his life he added to his long list of friends that enjoyed his quick wit and sense of humor.
Before his illness, he was an avid golfer and poker player. He had many friends at Mountain Valley Golf Course. He was always "The Life of the Party" and will be loved and missed by all.
Keith leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Gloria Nichols, of Reno; sons, Jeff and his wife Frances Nichols of Reno, Rick Nichols of Reno; daughter, Dana Sandoval and husband Nick Sr. of Woodland; and grandsons, Zac, Ivan, Ronan; and granddaughter, Brooke and Numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 12:30 p.m., Friday July 2, at the Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 100 Bishop Manogue Drive, Reno, Nevada; phone (775) 751-1874.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith Nichols
Sponsored by anonymous.
Leo & Lenny Beneze
July 13, 2010
Where do I begin? I'm writing this for Leo especially because he cannot bring himself to call and hear your voices yet. Leo looked forward to calling Keith to hear his voice and he loved it when Keith called him. When Keith's speech was difficult and breathing was labored I would hear Leo try to keep positive and he'd say, "let me call you back tomorrow, you get some rest". Then, Leo would hang the phone up and fall apart. He wanted to take the trip to see Keith and Gloria but Leo doesn't breathe well in high altitudes, so it did not happen in time. Although Leo and Keith were able to keep in touch by phone Leo will always regret not getting to Reno. Keith was a great neighbor and although we didn't get many years as neighbors, it seemed like Keith was someone you knew forever. Leo knew Keith loved to play cards as much as he did. Keith must have felt close enough to Leo to call about 11:30 one night because he and Gloria (in their jammies) went out on the deck to have a last smoke only to realize the door locked behind them. We were blessed to know Keith and Gloria and Leo feels like he knows the kids. He will call and catch up on things once he can bring himself to hear your voices. We are both truly sorry for your loss. Keith's passing leaves a huge void in all your lives but it is so wonderful that you have such wonderful memories that will never fade.
Chuck and Susie
July 12, 2010
Dear Gloria, Jeff, Dana and Rick, What can we say, Keith was so awesome. He was always so proud of his family. Gloria you were a very good wife to him, we should all take a lesson from you, You made him so happy. Keith, you will be missed by many thank you for allowing us into your life. I am so grateful we got to see you and spend time with you, you were so happy that day. Good-bye our friend, we love you. Chuck and Susie
July 9, 2010
Dear Gloria
We were sorry to hear about Keith, we will truly miss him. I think about the card games we had, a great time. When we think of him it puts a smile on our face.
Dick & Dora
Ana Gallardo
July 8, 2010
Dear Keith, I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet you and your family. My memories of me tagging along with you all to trips are some of the best times of my life. Ever since I met you I knew your family meant the world to you. You Gloria,Rick,Jeff and my best friend Dana whom I consider my family as well will forever be in my heart, I will forever miss the great person that you are. Im relieved to know your no longer in pain.I know that you will watch over me I LOVE YOU KEITH !!!
Ron Zurney
July 8, 2010
Dear Gloria and family
I am sorry to hear about your loss.
kieth was a good friend and realy fun to play poker with. Ill miss him and i
will never forget him.
Doug Shigematsu
July 8, 2010
Dear Gloria and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Keith was a good friend and mentor. I will miss his "All IN", "TAKE THAT", and all the other jokes and sayings. We loved to laugh and joke with him. I will miss calling him "Pappa Smurf" and the only man to wear shorts that went down to his ankles. Poker will never be the same without Keith at the table! Golf will never be the same without Keith teeing it up! I cherish in my heart, the time I was able to spend with him.
Linda Carner
July 5, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Lou Velasquez
July 4, 2010
Jeff and family, I am really sorry for your loss. Keith was a very special person in my life. He was like an uncle to everyone who he coached.
Rose Scott
July 4, 2010
Dear Gloria and Family- we were sorry to hear of Keiths passing. He was always fun to be around and one of a kind. He will be missed.
Your old friend Rose Scott, Gina Heird, Junior Heird, and Tom Scott.
George Lamson
July 4, 2010
I am a poker dealer from Reno, Nevada and I had come to know Keith at the Atlantis Poker Room. I just want to say that I am sorry to hear of his passing. He was a very nice man and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Keith and his family.
July 2, 2010
Dad i miss your counsel i love and hate the traits you gave me although i will keep them forever...you stood by me no matter how good or how bad things would be. You always told me"Your Word is Worth more Than Credit or Money" i will try to keep myself and my word as Honrable as yours.
July 2, 2010
i love you ill miss thumping me on my forehead and will miss you
love and peace
Love Ronan Sandoval
Xavier (Wally) Reyes
July 2, 2010
Keith, thanks for the great times we had on the golf course. You and your funny jokes and pranks you used to play on me. You were old school tough. You and Jeff taught me how to play the sports betting lines in Reno and how to gold dredge. I learned a lot of mechanic stuff working for you at the Wash House. I will miss you Keith. Thank you for everything you had done for me. I truly appreciate it. Be sure to look in on me from time to time. Miss you buddy.
Robert Duncan
July 2, 2010
Thank you Keith for all the great times. You taught me baseball and how to play poker. The times at your house were fun, especially during the reign of the 49ers. I remember when you raised some hogs; that was some of the best bacon! I can go on and on about the memories. I always felt proud to tell you about my family cause you were so proud of yours. You did a wonderful job! Hats off to you Keith, I will always remember you.
Robert Duncan
Jeff Nichols
July 1, 2010
Dad ..... words can't describe how I feel, I cursed the sun as it rose the first day after your passing - I couldn't bare the thought of you not being there for me, us, them, . Such a void ....... a giant void . I only take solice in knowing your truly free; no more wires, tubes, iv's, etc .
Please take your well deserved rest with the almighty, .... then you can organize the angels into a union. I love you dad.
Your ever loving son,
July 1, 2010
pappa you were so full of joy,happiness and lovable. You were the best pops. i remember i use to read you stories and put bandaids on your
arms i love u so much.im always going to love you forever
I love you Pappa
Brooke Sandoval
Zac Nichols
July 1, 2010
poppa you were the best.I will always remember you.The best memories i had was you coming to my football games and wrestling matches and taking me to practice.Always cheering me on.You were a good funny man.I will miss and love you so much.
Your first grandson Zac
July 1, 2010
Dad, you where so full of life/ larger than life~but your heart gave out and God took you home. You where 1 in a Million and there will never be another like you~I miss you so much, my life has changed forever. Rest in peace "Poppa"
Love you always, your Dana Bugg
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