Robert Louis Nichols

Robert Louis Nichols, age 91, transitioned into the life triumphant on June 27, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, after several years of gracefully adapting to life's inevitable changes - always uplifted by the help and love of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and James Sydney Nichols of Portsmouth, Ohio; beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia Sue (Thompson) Nichols; and sister Betty Lou (Donald) Flowers of Springfield, Ohio.

He is survived by his devoted children: Timothy (Nicki) Nichols, of Kettering, OH; Bruce (Lisa) Nichols, of Columbia, MD; and Lori (John) Beals, of Grandview Heights, OH; as well as grandchildren Abby & Tyler Nichols, Samantha Weimer, and Christina Mauro; James, Andrea, and Natalie Nichols; and Peter Beals; as well as two great-grandchildren, JT and Claire Weimer.

Bob was a devoted friend, husband and father, always kind, appreciative, curious, and supportive. He continued to diligently gather friends together for lunch until the end of May 2025. When COVID kept us at home, he began a monthly poetry Zoom meeting, braving the technological challenges in order to share with friends. He looked forward to the Upper Arlington July 4th parade viewing party every year at his Northwest Boulevard apartment, where he also celebrated a fantastic 90th birthday party.

Born on April 26, 1934, in Portsmouth, Ohio, Bob attended Lincoln Elementary School, where his love of art, history, literature, and music took root. In the fifth grade, with the help of a friend's father, Bob and four schoolmates formed a "boy band" known as "The Lincoln Hillbillies." Performing in country costume at local church and community events, they gained popularity on the "Chicken Dinner Circuit" and even won a talent contest. Each gig opened and closed with their theme tune, Little Brown Jug.

At Portsmouth High School, Bob enjoyed playing his Montgomery Ward trumpet in the marching and concert bands, a small select pep band, and in contest ensembles. He also participated in Hy-Y, Key Clubs, Latin Club, Scholarship teams, and National Honor Society. He was male lead in the senior class play, Maxwell Anderson's "The Eve of Saint Mark's" and was vice president of his senior class. At the Ohio State University, Bob earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1957. He was a member of Alpha Rho Chi Architectural Fraternity, University Chorus, Engineers Council, and Council of Fraternity Presidents.

His professional career began with CM Donaldson & Associates Architects in Portsmouth, Ohio. He then worked with Tibbals, Crumley and Musson Architects, and Brubaker/Brandt Architects. He was a founding partner of NBD Associates Architects, retiring from Maddox NBD Architects in 2000. Projects included Columbus International Airport, the John Bricker Federal Building in Columbus, and Camp Christian in Magnetic Springs. Industry activities included The American Institute of Architects, Columbus Chapter, (Board Member, Member Emeritus); The Construction Specifications Institute (Board Member, Member of the Year); American Arbitration Institute (Regional Representative); and Builders Exchange of Central Ohio (Board Member, President, Cornerstone Award 1988 recipient).

Community involvement was wide-ranging, including Upper Arlington Senior Center, Friendship Village of Columbus board member for 11 years, and United Way Allocation Committee. His decades-long dedication to the Boy Scouts of America included roles on Unit Committee 295 and the Northwest (Buckeye) District Committee where he was chairman, earned the District Award of Merit, and was inducted into the District Hall of Fame. In the Central Ohio Council BSA, he served as vice president for Scouting, for Training, and for Advancement, and was a Silver Beaver Award recipient. A member of Northwest Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since 1957, Bob served as chair of the congregation multiple times, as well as chair of many committees, drives, and programs. He served on NWCC Foundation, was an elder, and served as a choir member. He and Pat co-edited and published the church's 50 year history book, Imagine, in 2007. He also served several years as president of ODEC, the acting investment committee for the Christian Church in Ohio.

Upon retiring in 2000, Bob finally fulfilled a dream of building an elaborate HO scale model railroad in his basement - to be enjoyed with grandchildren, family, and visitors. He and Pat enjoyed international and family travel. He enjoyed the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and other musical performances, watching sports, reading, and jigsaw puzzling. A multi-gallon blood-donor, Bob, as well as his wife Pat, donated their bodies to The Ohio State University for medical research.

All of his many accomplishments and activities were motivated by a desire to serve and to grow in his relationship with his community, coworkers, friends, family, and a loving and faithful God! He loved life and cherished all of his friends and family. When he wasn't being serious, he was frequently funny, you may recall.

The Celebration of Life service will be held on August 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visiting hours at 9:30 a.m. at Northwest Christian Church, 1340 Fishinger Road, led by the Rev. Joyce Wealand. Private interment of the ashes will be at Calgary Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to NWCC Foundation, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, or the Boy Scouts of America.