Ronald Gordon Nick Nichols, 72, a lifelong Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away at his home on Monday, January 25, 2010.
Gordon was born on July 25, 1937 in Sedro-Woolley, the son of George & Doris McKee Nichols. He was raised and attended school in Sedro-Woolley and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School with the class of 1955. In high school he received an FFA State Farmers Award.

Gordon worked as a log truck driver for Bridge Brothers Logging for a while, and then in 1957 began working for the Snelson Companies as a plumber. He later began working as a pipe fitter apprentice, later getting involved in pipefitting in industrial construction. He worked as a site supervisor around the Northwest for several years with the last 23 years as a superintendent at the local oil refineries. Gordon retired in 1997 after 40 years with Snelson’s.

On August 28, 1965 he was united in marriage to Judy Sorsdal in Burlington and for almost 45 years they have made their home together in Sedro-Woolley.

Gordon was very active in his community. For over 36 years he was a volunteer fireman for Skagit County Fire District 8 and for the Sedro-Woolley Fire Department. He was an avid fisherman and a longtime member of the Wildcat Steelhead Club. He drove by the Skagit River nearly everyday to check out the conditions. He also enjoyed square dancing and was a 30 year member of the Skagit Squares and currently was serving his second term as club president, and he was a 55 years member of the Skagit Valley Grange. Other leisure time found him cutting fire wood, picking wild blackberries and out back on the riding lawnmower.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Judy at the family home in Sedro-Woolley. His children and their spouses, Craig & Jagoda Nichols of Algona, WA, Dalene & Bill Carrell of Edgewood, WA, Tina & Brian Riggins of Sedro-Woolley and Scott Nichols of Sedro-Woolley. His mother, Doris Nichols, and his sister and brother-in-law, Linda & Norm Mitchell all of Sedro-Woolley. Eight grandchildren, Michael Carrell, Jessica Nichols, Patrick Carrell, Brynn Riggins, Hannah Nichols, Graeme Riggins, Keith Nichols and Claire Dimock; five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, George Nichols.
A Life Celebration Service will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. A potluck fellowship will follow at the Sedro-Woolley Eagles. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Wildcat Steelhead Club.