DEAN NICHOLSON

Early Tuesday morning, October 18, 2016, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, coach, teacher, mentor, WWII war veteran and dear friend went to meet our Lord in Heaven. Dean was a man of many names - Coach, Mr. Dean, Donald, Skeeter, Popa, but was truly the epitome of a competitor, educator, Lord's servant and selfless community leader. Such the fighter he was, Dean battled through numerous health issues including the loss of his dear daughter, Cindy this past year. Coach Dean is now at peace, free of pain at his eternal home. Dean was born on February 13, 1924, in Superior, Nebraska to Howard and Maude Amberson Nicholson. He graduated in 1941, excelling in academics, sports and music. Dean attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, playing four years of basketball after serving in the U.S. military service during WWII. Dean worked at the University school library where he first set his sights on his future wife Jean Taylor... saying, "This is the most beautiful woman in the world. I'm gonna marry that gal." Dean and Jean married in 1948 in Kearney, Nebraska. They moved to Sanger, to teach mathematics at Sanger High School in 1951, and have lived in the community ever since. Dean finished his Master's degree in 1952 at Colorado State University. His career at Sanger High School from 1951 to 1989, was in addition to teaching at Fresno City College 1960-2000. Dean's accomplishments include - Sanger High School Coach for basketball 1951-1976 (5 championships), football (7 championships), golf (2 championships) and tennis; Founding member of FCA Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter in Sanger; Elder and Deacon at the Sanger First Presbyterian Church; The first coach inducted into the Sanger Basketball Hall of Fame. In October of 2013 he was honored by the city of Sanger, when former students and players, fellow teachers and friends joined at the center of town for a celebration at which time a scholarship for graduating seniors of Sanger High School was established. He will always be remembered for his magnetic blue eyes and contagious smile. He truly was a servant of the Lord which was exemplified in every facet of his life. Just as strong was his faithfulness and love for his lifelong partner, Jean Nicholson. Everyone knew the couple as 'Dean & Jean', enjoying every outing while taking time to talk with friends, colleagues and former students and players. This connection with the community was reverent. He was an inspiration for multiple generations in the community. Many lives have been touched deeply and ever changed from his positive influence. We have all been blessed to have known Coach Dean Nicholson. We thank God for this privilege of having such a great gentleman included along our life's journey. He is survived by his wife, Jean Taylor Nicholson; sons, Robert and wife, Dana Nicholson, and Tom and wife, Diane Nicholson; son-in-law, Michael Hudson; grandchildren, Jonathan Hudson, Ashley Cahill, Brittney Nicholson, Brandon Nicholson, Brodie Nicholson and Breeana Nicholson; and a number of other relatives whom he loved dearly. A Memorial Service will be held at the Sanger High School North Gym, 1045 N. Bethel Ave., Sanger, CA, followed by a reception on campus on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to the Nicholson Tribute Scholarship, P.O. Box 936, Sanger, CA 93657. Wallin's Sanger Funeral Home, 1524 9th Street, Sanger, California (559)875-6555