Mark Edward Nichols

It is with profound loss that we honor the passing of MARK EDWARD NICHOLS of Houston, previously of Downey, California, on May 19, 2003. Mark suffered a massive stroke following a sudden illness while on vacation with family in Southern California. He is interred at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park in Riverside, California. Mark was born on September 3, 1950 in Schenectady, New York. He was employed by the Boeing Company, working on various aspects of the Space Shuttle program since its inception. During his long career he was awarded high honors for educating young people in aeronautics and space science, and judging California State Science Fairs. He was a member of ASME and many other professional societies. Mark attended the U.S. Naval Academy and UC Berkeley. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed freelance writing, theater, traveling, family and church activities, as well as being a wonderful uncle and husband. By marriage to Cornelia Rocas, he became an esteemed member of the extensive Romanian-American community in California. Mark is survived by his wife, Cornelia; his mother, B. J. Nichols; his brother, Eric Nichols; and his sister; Jill Hayes.