Robert “Bob” G. Nicholson died recently at 94 years of age. Bob was born August 29, 1923, in Roundup, Montana, to Arthur and Doris (Roberts) Nicholson.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor and friend, Bob was proud and honored to serve his country during World War II, and to play an instrumental role as an executive for Boy Scouts of America for over 35 years.
The family moved to Hamilton by horse and wagon during the Great Depression, when Bob was 8. Upon graduation from Hamilton High in 1942, he joined the military and served with the Army’s Air Corps, as a mechanic, flight engineer, and B-29 engine specialist, before shipping out overseas to England in 1943.
One of his first missions, on the B-17 “Madam Queen,” was the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. He went to fly 30 bomber missions over Germany – all before the age of 20 – as a ball turret gunner, praying each time “May this ship return to base,” before his discharge in 1945.
Among his many citations, Bob was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Army Air Medal.
As a civilian, he was first employed by a Studebaker agency in North Hollywood, California, and later spent time with Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, in Burbank.
He then enrolled at the University of Montana in 1948. While attending college, Floy (Synness) Peterson introduced Bob to Atherlene “Dickie” Dickinson, and the couple was married on February 2, 1951. Two children were born to this union – Timothy and Kathy Jean. Bob and Dickie were together for 46 years, until she passed away in 1997.
After graduating from the UM, Bob began his professional career with BSA. He served as Executive Scout Leader for Ft. Simco Area Council (Yakima, WA), the San Gabriel Valley Council (Pasadena, CA), Greyback Council (Redlands, CA), Monterey Bay Area (Salinas, CA), Copper Council (Safford, AZ) and Buttes Area Council (Marysville, CA).
Retiring in 1985, the touchstone for Bob’s life were the guiding principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. He had an uncanny ability to relate with young people, always encouraging a Christian lifestyle. Bob and his family spent tireless unpaid extra hours on camporees, meetings, counciling, recruiting, fund raising and spreading the Boy Scout word.
Bob and Dickie were faithful members of the Marysville Presbyterian Church. For 35 years they served in various capacities including Elder and deacon.
In 2004, Bob returned to Montana and married longtime friend Floy Peterson, in Helena, where they made their home. In 2015, Nicholson made the flight to Washington D.C., with his daughter and grandsons Robert and Nicholas. Although confined to a wheelchair, he was nonetheless able to visit The Pentagon, the World War II Memorial, and Arlington Cemetery.
Nicholson was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Doris, his wife Atherlene, sister Dorothy VanNoy, and aunt Mary Grace Roberts. He is survived by his wife Floy; sons Timothy (Helen) Nicholson; Doug (Linda) Peterson; Jesse (Jenny) Peterson; and daughter Kathy Jean Scheib.
Also surviving are grandsons Kevin (Tammy) Nicholson, Steven Nicholson, Robert Scheib, Nicholas Scheib, Keith Nicholson, Lloyd (Theresa) Revious, Jason Revious, Douglas (Reagaen) Revious, and Justus and Jace Peterson. As well as granddaughters Erin (Andrew) Fletcher, Darby Garden and Fannie Peterson.
His surviving great grandchildren are Jeffrey Nicholson, Taylor Blair, Evin Brown, Parker Fletcher, Aneshia Revious, Kassie Ann Revious, Gracie Revious, Colton Revious, Megyn Garden and Sophia Revious. Also nephews Tom (Doris) VanNoy and Jim (Ann) VanNoy, and cousin Alan (Nancy) Nicholson.
Bob’s family would like to say “Thank you” to Legacy Assisted Living and their staff.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 17, 2018
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
1390 Franklin Road
Yuba City, California 95993
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday February 17, 2018
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
1390 Franklin Road
Yuba, California 95993
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 17, 2018
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
1390 Franklin Road
Yuba City, California 95993
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday February 17, 2018
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
1390 Franklin Road
Yuba, California 95993
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Terry W Bass says
Fascinating to visit with him during the air show of the B17. First hand detailed comments about the missions. Thank you for serving and thank you for taking time out to visit at that event. Rest In Peace.
Jim Hardee says
Bob was a fine man and I loved him dearly. He was like a second father to me in so many ways. I had the privilege to work for Bob in the Buttes Area Council, BSA, for several years in the late 1970s & early 1980s. We use to sneak away from the office and go to down to the DQ for Dilly Bars! When my dad passed away, Bob spent the entire day at the hospital with me and my family. He was such an encouragement on that sad day. Bob will be remembered by many.
Mark A Cross says
Bob Nicholson was an extraordinary man and a wonderful friend. His support and love of scouting helped to mold the lives of many young people, including me. I fondly remember his arriving at Glacial Trails delivering anything we might need at any time. And, I also remember him always thanking me at the end of the season with a trip for ice cream. Bob lived the the scout oath and law setting the example for all of us who knew him. His thoughtful way, kind words, and advice will be missed by everyone he touched. Thank you Bob for being part of my life and so many others who loved your dearly. My condolences to his family. May God watch over you during these hard times.
Judy Gardner says
Floy, I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I didn’t know Bob–only met him once but I do send my condolences to you. You are in my prayers.