Cecil "Nick" Nichols Jr., born on December 19, 1948, in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Cecil Nichols and the late Marilyn Nichols (Nelson), left this world on October 4, 2025, in Lakewood, Colorado.

Nick is survived by his beloved wife, Joy Nichols, with whom he shared nearly fifty wonderful years of marriage. His legacy continues through his three children: Kenny (Deborah) Nichols of Fort Collins, Mark Nichols of Lakewood, and Jodi (Guy) Lovelady of Loveland. He was also a proud grandfather to Breanna Wallis, Michael Veach, Braylee Hermosillo, and Sara, Maisy, and Henry Nichols, along with eight great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a loving family that also includes his father, Cecil Nichols Sr.; sisters Linda (Mike) Messerli and Diane (Don) Whannell and cousin & friend, Bob Carlson. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Nichols (2016); and siblings Lori Nichols (1958) and Michael L. Nichols (1980), his son, Michael B. Nichols (2019), as well as his best friend, Jeffrey Hall (2014).

Nick's professional journey was marked by a strong work ethic, with positions at Kodak in Windsor, Big Horn Harvestor, and the State Capital in Denver. He culminated his career at Auraria Higher Education Center, from which he retired in 2008. Known for his generosity and varied skills, Nick was a locksmith, an exceptional carpenter, and a mechanic, showcasing the “Jack of all Trades” mentality he learned from his father.

Those who knew Nick remember him fondly as a man of passion and enthusiasm, particularly when it came to his beloved garage, which he kept meticulously organized and clean. There, he could be found every day shining cars, building or fixing something or just tinkering, and enjoying his favorite movies, including his all-time favorite, Pulp Fiction - “Did you just order a $5 milkshake…That’s a pretty fin’ good milkshake!” Classic cars were one of his passions. He owned his fair share over the years and enjoyed attending and entering classic car shows and going to car museums. His love for classic cars was matched only by his interest in diverse music genres ranging from classic country to Kid Rock. He cherished his annual trips to Las Vegas and Moab and road trips to visit his father in Iowa. When he still owned his Harley-Davidson motorcycle it was annual trips to Sturgis, South Dakota with Joy and his son's. He had a special bond with all of his furry companions—his cat, Toes, his dog, Teddy, and the late Piper.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 1:00pm, The American Legion Post 178, 1655 Simms Street, Lakewood, CO 80215. As we remember Nick, we honor the joyful spirit he brought into our lives and the indelible mark he leaves on our hearts. May his memory be a source of comfort for his family and friends in the days to come.

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