Richard Charles Nicholson

Clara and George Nicholson's son, Richard Charles, among their eight children, was born on November 22, 1913, in Los Angeles. A successful student and musician, even as a youngster he worked and, as a young man, was a member of the last mounted cavalry training regiment of California's CMTC, of the CCC and of the US Army in Hawaii. In 1938, he married Lucille Marron, the best thing he ever did, he often said.

In due course, Nicholson was tapped for service with the FBI, whose steady promotions acknowledged his excellent and willing performance. The addition of three daughters to the family, Elizabeth, Theresa and Virginia and their need for a more settled educational experience, led him to probation and parole work for San Mateo County, in California and eventually to federal probation in Sacramento, where he retired in 1971 as Chief of federal probation for Northern California.

Nicholson held a BA, from Seattle University, and an MA, from CSU, Sacramento. While pursuing the Masters in Psychology, Nicholson also began studying Transactional Analysis with Dr. Thomas Harris, who acknowledged Nicholson's contributions in his best-selling "I'm Ok, You're OK". Nicholson later developed successful TA training groups among his interested parolees, shared it nationally with various probation departments, and published several related articles in professional journals.

On his retirement, the Nicholson's spent a few years searching for Eden, which they found in Cove, on 10 acres they lovingly developed into hay, vegetable and fruit production. Only at 87 did Nicholson concede to age and, very reluctantly, sell the farm and move to Island City. He passed away peacefully on February 23, 2004, at 90, a true son of Uncle Sam. His loving wife and daughters, Elizabeth and Virginia, his grandchildren, Kristen Hurst, grandson, Richard Patterson, great grandchildren, Robbie Lee, Aaron and Nicholas, honoring and cherishing his person, his accomplishments and his life. God Bless and keep him.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 1, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Private interment will be at the Hillcrest East Cemetery. Those who wish may make contributions to his favorite charity, Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children or the charity of one's choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.