Richard Kenneth Nicholas

Rick had two great loves – his family and sports. His athletic talent was obvious from a young age. He was a member of one of the most legendary fastball teams in the Columbia Valley, the BC Arrows. The team was originally formed by three sets of brothers from the Okanagan (Penticton), Kinbasket and the Ktunaxa First Nations, including Rick and two of his brothers. They won seven Canadian Native Championship titles in the 1980’s and 1990’s and played in countless international competitions throughout North America. The Arrows broke the barrier by entering both native and non-native tournaments. They were also selected to play against the famous King and his Court baseball team. Rick won countless MVP, All Star Catcher and All Star 3rd Baseman awards through the years. He was extremely competitive and whether it was a championship game or a recreational game, he was there to win and gave it his all every time.

Rick was playing in a hockey tournament in Kamloops, but was flown home to play a game against a team made up of NHL players, including Calgary Flames players Lanny McDonald, Pat Price and Phil Esposito. Rick and some of his teammates scored so many goals, they were asked to stop as they were making the NHL players look bad. In addition to playing, Rick was also a dedicated hockey referee for many years.

As a popular Level 3 Umpire, Rick got calls from all over BC asking him to tournaments. He started his umping career 8 years ago when his grandson Deleney started playing baseball and wanted his Papa to ump his games. It became a family activity when Paige got her certification and umped with Rick for a year before she returned to playing ball.

To say Rick loved sports would be an understatement. Every family holiday was spent at ball or hockey tournaments. Rick and Deb even had Rick’s entire ball team with them on their honeymoon in Hawaii.

The family he raised with the love of his life, Debra, was the source of great pride. He loved being a husband, father and Papa. He was a caring and protective Papa, driving the older grandkids to their sports practices and taking Jack for walks in his stroller. He was the self-proclaimed “Youber” driver, picking up his kids and grandkids from their various activities in his van.

BBQing and having friends and family over for ferociously competitive game nights were some of Rick’s best times. “Guts” was a favourite game and would sometimes go on all night. He was also a practical joker and loved to scare everyone, but he really didn’t like to be scared himself.

Rick leaves a large family to mourn him; his wife of 38 years, Deb Nicholas, six children Bobby Poitrias (Jan Hall), Lewis Michel (Priscilla), Brad Marchand (Chelsie Parker), Paige Nicholas (Christian Selka), Rena Nicholas (Cory Bonneau) and Nevada Nicholas, his 16 grandchildren Jalen, Azayle and Quoola Poitrias, Jack Nicholas, Lance, Langdon, Wolfgang, Louie and Precious Nicholas, Deleney Marchand, Mckayla Bonneau, Louie Marchand, Cyprian Louis, and Aubrie and Lincoln Marchand.

He is also survived by his siblings Lola Nicholas (Irvin Whitehead), Donna Nicholas (Greg Hiedt), Sandra (Bud) Nicholas (Calvin Schmidt), Yvonne Armstrong, Elaine Nicholas (Bill Park), Roberta Nicholas (Donald Morgan), Millie Stevens (Harry Nicholas), Peter Nicholas (Lys Adrian), John Nicholas, Terry (Bonsey) Nicholas (Patsy Nicholas), Russell Nicholas, Basil Stevens (LaVerna), Nelson Phillips, Sister-in-law Vera Cameron, June Cole, Vernetta McMillan, Laura Miller (Eddy), Anna Marchand, Brother-in-law Ted Marchand (Maureen) and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rick was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth Nicholas of the Columbia Lake Indian Band and Lawrence (Jack) Stevens of the Tobacco Plains Indian Band and his brothers Alexander Stevens and Lazarus Stevens.

A wake will be held at Head of the Lake Hall (118 Head of the Lake Road, Vernon, BC) beginning Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Hall.

A service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 20, 2019 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church (122 Head of the Lake Road). Interment to follow at the Marchand Family Cemetery at Coyote Creek Ranch on Westside Road.

Please join the family for luncheon following the service interment at the Head of the Lake Hall.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com for the Nicholas family.