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Lester M. "Les" Nichols

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City College of New York

Lester Nichols Obituary

Lester M. "Les" Nichols, 90, of Louisville, died Thursday, January 8, 2004. During his professional career, Mr. Nichols served in five areas, military, education, fund raising, media relations and sports. He served as a press officer in Europe during World War II for Gen. George S. Patton. He authored several books and periodicals, most notably, Impact: A Historical Record of the Battle of the Bulge and Confessions of a Name-Dropper, which involved the many personalities he dealt with during his life. During his career, he taught at the Latin American Institute and the New School for Social Research in New York, NY. He also served as assistant to the president of the City College of New York. During his fund raising activities as a campaign chairman, more than $18 million was produced. In Louisville, from 1955-1993, he headed Lester M. Nichols Associates, serving the Kentucky Heart Association, the Arthritis Foundation, the Red Cross, Baptist College Campaign, SS. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, Kosair Hospital, the Kentucky Motel & Hotel Association and the Greater Louisville Motel & Hotel Association. He is survived by his wife, Edith Nichols; daughters, Karen Nichols Kirchner of Louisville and Nancy Nichols Lydon of Palm Beach, FL; stepdaughter, Karen Compretta of Atlanta, GA; stepsons, Steven Scalf of Pensacola, FL, and Michael Metzger of New Albany, IN; and grandchildren, Haley Compretta, Sean and Sabrina Scalf and Joshua Metzger. His funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd., with burial in Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 1-9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday at Highlands. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or Hospice of Louisville.

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Published by Courier-Journal on Jan. 9, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Lester Nichols

14 Entries

Jean Letcher

January 12, 2004

My late husband, Rev. Dr. James E. Letcher, found his job with the Arthritis Foundation here in Louisville through a mutual friend, Cort Bassett. Our family has made Louisville our home, and we are deeply grateful for Les' place in our family history.

May God's grace comfort you.

Sincerely,

Jean Letcher

Rita Starr

January 12, 2004

While I knew Les for only a few years, I thoroughly enjoyed that time. Les was very supportive of me as I managed my own illness, and I found him to be a wonderful support. I regret that he had to endure so much himself, but he was a fighter. He will be sorely missed.

David Wit

January 12, 2004

Les gave tireless hours to our association. He kept the social life alive with the many golf outings he organized and promoted. His knowledge, history, and pleasantry will be missed.

Jim Keith

January 12, 2004

We will always fondly remember Les as a man with nine lives or more. He always had a very positive outlook, a smile to share and he was a joy to be with. I always enjoyed his golf outings. We extend our sincere sympathy to his family.

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Karen Williams

January 10, 2004

Les, was one of the most kindest, kind hearted person I have ever met. He always had a smile and a happy hello for you even when he felt his worst. He was dearly loved and will be missed by many.

Ruthie Bale

January 10, 2004

I remember meeting Les for the first time. He came to visit me when I first got into the hotel business. He was a wonderful man that encouraged and informed me about our industry. I looked to him as a special mentor. I am sad for his passing and my condolences to his wife and family.

Jim Nirmaier

January 9, 2004

During my career in the Louisville hospitality industry, Mr. Nichols was an invaluable resource with his numerous contacts throughout the country, especially within the military reunion market. But, more importantly, he was a mentor to not only myself, but to the entire local hospitality community as well. His impact was tremendous.

JOHN SHAKE

January 9, 2004

LES WAS ONE OF A KIND. I ENJOYED MANY MOMENTS IN SOCIAL SETTINGS AND ON THE GOLF COURSE WITH LES. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. I REALLY THOUGHT LES WOULD ONE DAY TAKE HIS OWN LIFE BY FIRE. HE WOULD GET THE PIPE RED HOT AND SMOKING... THEN STICK IT IN HIS POCKET TO PUTT. I ALWAYS HAD A PLAN IN THE BACK OF MY MIND I MIGHT HAVE TO PUT HIM AND HIS PANTS IN THE SAND.

Treva Brockman

January 9, 2004

Les will be so missed! He always had a smile and a story for me

xoxoxo

Ray and Phyllis Yeager

January 9, 2004

Our family extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Les Nichols. He was one of the first to welcome us to the Greater Louisville area and we will always treasure our memories of this "Confessed Name Dropper". May his family be comforted by sweet

memories of Les. May these memories magically heal your hearts with love and peace.

God bless you all,

The Yeager Family,

Ray, Phyllis, Karla and Ty

margaret gnagie

January 9, 2004

TO NANCY MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER MARGARET GNAGIE (WILLIAMS)

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