1947 - 2019
DAYTON- Nathan A. Nichols was born on April 5, 1947, just months before the Great Forest Fires of 1947. We do not think he was responsible. He passed into Heaven on the morning of March 18, 2019 due to congestive heart failure. His last days were marked by the way he lived his life: full of jokes and singing, and an abiding faith in Jesus.
Nathan worked for much of his life as a handsewer in Maine’s shoe industry, and after the closure of Sebago Moc, found a second career that he loved caring for adults with physical and mental disabilities. His work with them was much more than a job to him, as his care of his clients was full of compassion and commitment.
He experienced the deep sorrow of the death of his wife, Ruth, but was granted great joy again in his remarriage to Mary.
His many friends will recall his big laugh, ready wit, and twinkling eye. Those especially blessed will have heard him sing Amazing Grace. The people who knew him best will remember his faithfulness to his promises and his willingness to help, no matter the personal sacrifice.
He is predeceased by his father, Lawson Nichols, his mother, Barbara Nichols, and one brother, Bill Nichols.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, children Peter (Sheila) Nichols, Diana (Benjamin) Rice, Jeremy (Melanie) Nichols, Terri (Geoff) Lambert, Karen Crosby, and Dan Nichols, along with his grandchildren Michael Nichols, Grant, Nora, and Katie Rice, Julia, Adelaide, and Ezra Nichols, and Jack Spitzer. He is also survived by his sisters Silvia Smith, Margaret Emmons, and Mary Nichols, along with his brothers Steve Nichols and Charlie Nichols, and is mourned by many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday evening, March 22, from 5 – 7 PM at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22) in Buxton. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 3:30 PM at the West Buxton Baptist Church, 62 Parker Farm Road, Buxton. A reception will follow the funeral at the church. Burial will be held in the spring at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Hollis.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Special Olympics of Maine, 125 John Roberts Road, Suite 5, South Portland, Maine 04106 or the West Buxton Baptist Church - Mission Fund, 62 Parker Farm Road, Buxton, Maine 04093