Pastor David “Dave” Nichols, 82, of Burlington, Washington, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Born in Kalispell, Montana in 1940 to Raymond and Violet Nichols, Dave joined the Navy in 1958 after graduation and served in the military for 10 years.
During his time in the Navy, Dave met and eventually married Faye (nee) Morgan of Burlington in 1964 before returning to his next station at Lemoore Naval Air Station in California. After concluding his service and gaining his ordination, Dave took his first church in Riverdale, CA.
In 1967, Dave pioneered a small church in Exeter, CA. From 1971 to 1973, Dave pastored at Leavenworth, WA, and from 1973 to 1979 Dave pastored at Pomeroy, WA. Taking a break from the ministry, Dave returned as an Associate Pastor in LaConner, WA from 1983 to 1987 and had his own outreach ministry until taking the church in Quilcene, WA from 1994-1998. From 1999 to 2014, Dave pastored in Marblemount, WA, until accepting his last pastorate from 2016 to present at Sedro-Woolley Community Church.
Pastor Dave maintained a lifelong commitment to education, attending Wenatchee Valley College, Lewis and Clark College in Lewiston, Idaho, and ultimately receiving his Masters in Biblical Studies from Newburg Theological Seminary in 2008. He celebrated 50 years as an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God on April 28, 2021.
Dave is survived by his wife, Faye Nichols of Burlington; daughter, Deborah Galbreath; son, Derek Nichols, and 11 grandchildren all in Japan; sister, Laura Lee (Ben) Anciaux, of Polson, MT; brother, Gordon (Lorna) Nichols of Corvallis, MT; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Donna Mae Kohout and Mary K Nichols; an infant son, David Luke; a daughter, Darla.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Inspire Church of Skagit Valley, 805 Township, Sedro-Woolley, WA, at 1:00, Saturday, March 18, 2023, Pastor Jon VanVogt will be officiating, with music by Ramon Hayes and June Hickok; fellowship will follow in the Chapel. A time of visitation will be available from 1:00 to 3:00 Friday at Lemley Chapel. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 Saturday at Green Hills Cemetery, Burlington with Military Honors. Memorials may be sent in his name to Sedro-Woolley Community Church, 901 Talcott, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Please share your memories of Dave and sign the online guest register.
Dave was a good man of God. My friend, and will be missed. Praying for you Faye.
With sincere gratitude for his military service, and a hand salute as well !
Fair winds & following seas, sailor.
Post 147 Conway, District 2, Dept of WA American Legion
Miss you uncle Dave!!!
I will miss pastor Nichols deeply and always. He is with Jesus and has told me many times how nice it was to see me in Church.
It was an honor to know Pastor Dave for the few short years that I did. To know him, was to know a Godly man, a trustworthy man, a generous and compassionate man; who wanted everyone to know Jesus Christ as their Lord. I will miss seeing Pastor Dave when I visit home in the future. My deepest prayers and sympathies go to Faye, the children and grandchildren, (whom he always talked to me about being in Japan, since I am their neighbor in Taiwan) and the Sedro Woolley Community Church folks, who will miss him so much. I am so sorry I will miss his memorial service.
A wonderful Brother! I will greatly miss our frequent phone chats and memories of days gone by. He fought a good fight and was so faithful. His inspiration will live on in the lives of many, myself included. He endured to the end and now faces a glorious new beginning. He served Jesus as LORD and gave Him everything. My heart is full of gratitude for what David gave to us. THANK YOU DEAR BROTHER!
Dear Pastor Dave,
You will be missed more than you’ll ever know but I know you are now with Jesus and singing with the angels.
Thank you for your love, support, mentorship and friendship.
We love you and Faye so much and always will. ❤️
This was a great man! after stepping down from pastoring up here in Marblemount, Washington we would still keep in touch though Facebook. You’ll be dearly missed my friend.
My friend, mentor, pastor I can see you in the cloud of witness cheering us on. Too many memories to talk about here . But thank you for help starting me in the ministry!!! Love you and Faye!