Nathan Daniel Nichols was born May 13, 1980 in Helena. He peacefully slipped away at home, surrounded by family, on January 6.
It was apparent at the time Nathan was born that he had differing abilities. Nathan never hit a home run, or ran a touchdown, but left his mark by teaching everyone what pure, unconditional love is.
Nathan grew up surrounded by cousins and family in the mountains of Marysville. He attended Helena Schools graduating with the class of 1999. After graduation he participated in day activities at Helena Industries and Spring Meadow Resources.
Nathan enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, watching his nieces play, family gatherings, long walks, summer nights chilling on the deck, hanging in dad’s studio and watching sports. Nathan eagerly anticipated participating in PEERS Social Club on Thursday nights and PEERS camp was the highlight of summer.
Nathan was met at the gates of Heaven by his Grandpa Bob and Grandma Ruth O’Connell and his uncles Doug and Mike. He leaves behind his parents, Dan and Colleen Nichols, his sister and brother in law, Riki and James Emerson and his darling nieces, Addison and McKenna. Also mourning the loss of this beautiful person are his Grandparents, Mary and Jerry Nichols, aunts and uncles, Rick and Jan O’Connell, Debbie Peterson, Bobby O’Connell and Karen Brunner, Trace O’Connell, Lynn and Gene Nelson, Susan and Jerry Anderson, Pat and Doug Stewart, Julie and Brad Sanders, and Tom Nichols. Nathan was blessed with the love and support of his O’Connell and Nichols cousins.
Nathan had some of the most loving, compassionate caregivers on earth. Along with their children, grandchildren and spouses these angels became his “extra” families. Emily Cleary (his other mom), Shannon Alexander, Kathie Lynch, Tim Synness and Terra Wilkes will forever hold him in their hearts.
A memorial in honor of Nathan’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Anderson, Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home located at 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Following the service, a reception will take place in the social center at the Funeral Home. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Nathan.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to PEERS Social Club (P.O. Box 173, Helena, MT 59624) or a charity of your choice.
Nate Skate we will miss your beautiful smile and will love you forever.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
3:00 p.m.
Saturday January 16, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Saturday January 16, 2016
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
3:00 p.m.
Saturday January 16, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Saturday January 16, 2016
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Karen (Kelleher) Wiles says
I am so sorry for your loss. I know there is now a big emptiness in your lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Paul Kindt says
I was so saddened to hear the news of Nathan’s passing. He was a very special man, who touched many lives during his time among us. This was apparent by the outpouring of emotion as the new was shared with his co-workers and peers at Helena Industries. His connection with people demonstrated that not being able to speak does not equate with having nothing to say. Nathan’s smiles and looks spoke volumes. He truly touched the lives of those who knew or encountered him. He will be missed in his community. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with the loss. His suffering and pain is over and I pray that he may now serve as an angel to watching over all of us. As the song says, in God’s eyes we are all the same, Nathan will now have perfect wings.
Debra Ekblom and Rudy Shiner says
Colleen,Dan and Ricki, Rudy and I are holding you in our hearts. We truly loved Nathan. We both understand the total dedication you as his family had in helping him live his amazing life. What an honor it is for Rudy and I to have been a part of that life. Thank you for trusting me with keeping him looking good:).
With all of our love
Deb and Rudy
John and Diana Tavary says
Colleen, Dan and Ricki
I was sadden today when you called. As a parent walking in the same foot steps of children with disabilities, my heart aches for Nates passing, and it leaps for joy at the same time. I am so grateful his pain is over, but ours begin. Colleen you and Dan have been wonderful parent’s and have given Nate all the opportunities you could. Rest assured you were the best Nate could ever have. I think back and I bet McKenzie was a pain in his backside on Wednesday nights when we would drop her off while we went to Youth Group. Kenzie will be sadden tonight when we share with her about Nate’s moving on. These kids have connections to each other in ways we will never experience. Blessings Di and John
Sharon Nelson says
Dan and Colleen, I am so very sorry to hear of Nathans passing but he is in a much better place and I know he’s up there doing all the things he couldn’t do in this life. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all the family.
Sharon Nelson
Maria and Tessa says
Tessa and I wish to send our condolences to you all, and especially to Dan and Colleen and Ricki.
Nathan lived a life loved by the best parents and sister and extended family anyone could ask for, Colleen, your tireless watchdog advocacy pioneered so many changes in order to give the disabled in Helena more fulfilling lives. Your love is fierce and powerful. I admire you so much. Wish we could be there for the service. You are all in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers.
Colleen Collins says
What a beautiful tribute to Nathan. He was a special person, and will be missed. Our prayers are with your family.
Leigh Ann Holmes says
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family Colleen. What a beautiful life!
Ck Braach says
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Nathan Nichols love you missing you sweet dreams hearts prayers family members you like to Nathan beautiful life?i Love you Colleen Nichols
Ck Braach says
You are dancing with the angels God bless your family and friends.
Steve Heaverlo says
Colleen, Dan and family, So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and fond memories of the good times you had together.
Kelly says
Colleen, Dan, Ricki, and family,
Thank you so much for letting us be part of your family during this time of grief. Colleen, you and Nathan have been a shining light for me since my boy was barely 2, though you did not know it. Thank you for sharing your love, caregiving, and grief with us, it means so much to our family to witness the strength of others who have walked this special path. You are not alone and you have given great inspiration to others. With much love – Kelly, Jack, Connor, Lucy, Mick, and Kathy
Dan & Sandi Benson says
Thinking of you and your family at this time. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the days ahead bring you all peace and understanding. “God Bless”
Connie and Tim Ferriter says
Colleen and family,
We are very sorry to here of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless…
Lynn Kahla says
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Nate when I was a teenager. I have such fond memories of Marysville, and what loving parents you are. I hope Nate and my sister, Gail, meet again in heaven, and I pray for strength and peace during this time. Love, Lynn Kahla
Carole Manicke says
Oh how I love Nathan and his wonderful laugh. He will be much missed. Our thought are with you Nichols family. Much love your way. Carole Dushin (Manicke) Cindy, Jim and Tony
Rita A Williams says
My memory of Dear Nathan is that of a well cared for, deeply loved, happy little boy.
His spirit is now soaring with the Angels.
My warm thoughts and love go out to his Dear Family.
Theresa Gardner says
When I saw Nathan he was always happy and laughing. I am sad that he died. you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Becky and Josh LaFromboise says
Dan and Colleen,
I am so sorry for your loss. Nathan was a big part of many lives. I still remember how excited he would get when everyone would get together at Grandma Ruth’s for game night and Christmas at Rick and Jan’s. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Laura Fix says
Colleen, Dan, Riki, and Family,
So very sorry for your tremendous loss. Your Nathan always seemed to make people smile, and I can’t help but think how fortunate he was to have the best family on earth. God bless him always, and God bless all of you at this very difficult time….
Kelly Sheridan says
I am so sorry for you loss. Nathan was a beautiful soul who taught this world so much. He loved unconditionally and was able to brighten up each room with his smile and laugh. We are all better for having known Nathan. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Please know that when we think of Nathan- we will always smile!
Love,
James and Kelly Sheridan
Janet Tatz says
Dear Colleen, Dan, Rikki and family,
I was saddened to read of Nathan’s passing. He was a very special person, indeed, and I feel gifted to have had the opportunity to know all of you, through him. Your care and loving kindness were always exemplary. May Nathan’s memory always be for a blessing.
With sympathy,
Janet Tatz
Joyce Inchauspe says
Dear Dan, Colleen and Family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss of Nathan. He truly lived a blessed life and your love and devotion to his well being inspires so many people. Thinking of all of you at this time.
Blessings and prayers
Denise Moudree says
I’m sorry for your loss. I know Nate held such a special place in the hearts of his large family and was a vital part of all the students who knew him. You all embraced his special abilities. His leaving certainly leaves a big hole in your lives. May the many memories you have help to fill some of that void. I’m certain his family in heaven welcomed him with loving hearts and will take wonderful care of him.
Leisa Radley says
Colleen, Dan and Family,
So sorry to hear of Nathan’s passing. I have fond memories of Nathen with all of you and your family the O’Connell’s. He was very loved and very blessed. Keep all your memories of Nathen close to your heart, they will help comfort you in this difficult time.
Your all in my thoughts and prayers…??
Karri Jones says
Nathan you were loved and will be missed. I hope to see you again someday when we in a better place. Colleen and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Christina (Wells) Walsh says
I am so sorry to hear of Nathan’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Christina (Wells) Walsh
Afton and Wally Melcher says
Afton and I send you our deepest condolences at Nathans passing. We have become very fond of Nathan over the years and are sad that he has left us. He is now beyond our eyes view and our fingers touch, but will always be in our hearts. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol and Tom McElwain says
He looked so good at Kelsey’s wedding. He lived so much longer because of the wonderful care of his family. We are thinking of the family and wish them the best.
Rita Botzenhardt says
I only met Nathan once when I was visiting Helena during the Christmas holidays over 18 years ago with Augie. I want to offer you my condolences and tell you how touched I was by your retelling of his wonderful life. The love and strength of your family brought joy to my heart and a tear to my eye. God bless you all.
Darci says
Thank you for sharing your very special man with us. His smile will be missed above all. He had a way of lighting up a room, or a bad mood. My heart is broken, I wish everyone could have had the wonderful opportunity to meet him. I’m so very sorry.
Pat Sharp & Keith McCarty says
Colleen, Dan and family members,
We send our condolences to you regarding the passing of Nathan. As you know, I represented Nathan many years ago while he was in the classroom to acquire school services appropriate for him to which he was rightfully requesting. Even though he did not receive all the benefits needed, perhaps his life improved to some degree. You have always been there for him–good parents and advocates. Hopefully his love and inspiring life will give you the strength to continue living a good life. We are thinking of you during these difficult times.
Henry and Nancy Begler says
Dear Dan, Colleen, Riki, and Family, what a loving tribute to Nathan on Saturday! Your family is the epitome of parents raising children with disabilities. You inspired us to do more and be better. My family was so blessed to have known Nathan, and been a part of his life. We love you all, and have fun fond memories of Nathan.
Nina Martello says
Colleen, Dan and family – you are in my thoughts and prayers & I was unable to attend Nathans tribute of life. Know that he will always be with you as your little guardian angel. God bless all of you at this time.
Dave and Debbie Olson says
Dan and Colleen, We just learned of Nate’s passing. We are so sorry, our hearts ache for you and your family. He was a remarkable young man, and I know you will forever miss him even with the comfort that he is in a very beautiful place now with many loving angels. We love our boys so much and cannot imagine a day without them. Bless you and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Dave and Debbie
Kelly Stanley-McNurlin says
Colleen and Family: I am very sorry for your loss. I completely ditto what everyone else has posted. Maybe Nate’s purpose here on earth was to teach us things about ourselves – at a very individual level. Colleen and Dan, I admire you greatly for giving the best love, providing the most gentle care, and being the best advocates for Nathan. You are truly special people. God Bless you and your family.
Nathan, I hope you are smiling, running, dancing, and enjoying your soul set free!
Gary VerSteegh says
So sorry for your loss. Nathan was one of God,s special children.