David Scott Nichols died Feb. 10, 2009, with his mother by his side at the VA Hospital in Seattle after a courageous fight with a brain tumor. He was born Oct. 29, 1959, in San Diego, to Paul David and Anne (Carpenter) Kent. He is the oldest son in a family of six children. He was adopted by David Nichols in 1973.

David graduated from Santana High School in California in 1978. He attended Grossmont College and played football for Fresno State before enlisting in the Navy. In 1984 David reported to NAS Whidbey Island where he excelled as an AE in VAQ-129, VAQ-141, AIMD, NAMTRAU and VAQ-135 during his tour, being named Sailor of the Year in 2001 and retiring in 2006 as a Chief Petty Officer.

After retiring from the Navy, David worked for L3, at NAS Whidbey. “Papa Bear” will be remembered fondly by his many friends and military brotherhood stretching from NAS Whidbey and across the U.S.

David married Teresa Navonne Michel in 1990 and they have raised two children, David Kent Nichols and Mackenzie Lavonne Nichols. David was a truly wonderful father and could be seen enjoying many sporting events, concerts and school activities with Dave and Kenzie.

“Big Nic” as he is known in Oak Harbor, was a well-loved softball, baseball and football coach to his two children and many youth of Oak Harbor. He will be missed at his cheer section at the Memorial Stadium football games.

David is survived by his children, David and Kenzie Nichols of Oak Harbor; his parents, David and Anne Nichols of Springfield, Mo.; brothers Joe Nichols of Springfield, Mo., John Nichols of Syracuse, Utah, and Jason Nichols of Springfield, Mo.; sisters, Angela Relph of Altoona, Kan., and Maggie Frazier of Springfield, Mo.; and grandmother, Marjorie Nichols of Springfield, Mo..

Funeral services for David Nichols will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 18, with a burial at Maple Leaf Cemetery at 2 p.m. under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard, followed by services at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church with Pastor Jerry Buss officiating at 3 p.m. A reception will be held in his honor after the services, at 4:30 p.m. at the CPO Club, Oak Harbor.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, North Whidbey, “Big Nic’s Bears.”

Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, where family and friends may visit www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest register for Nic.