February 23, 1918 to September 13, 2006
Melvin Nichols peacefully entered into rest Sept. 13, 2006, after a short illness at age 88.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Nichols; his second wife, Anna Nichols; his son, Tom Johnston; and daughter, Caron Williams. He leaves behind his wife of 28 years, Doris Nichols; his daughter, Judy Tuttle and her husband Peter; his daughter, Sharon Thompson; his son, Michael Johnston; his grandchildren, Bryan, Sarah, Debbie, Virginia, Jimmie, Angel, Mary, Anthony, Greggory, Mark and David; and 22 great-grandchildren.
He was born in Joplin, Missouri, growing up there and in Denver, Colorado. He was a long-term resident of Richmond, California. He spent his retirement years in Clearlake Oaks, and recently moved to Castro Valley to be with his daughter Judy and her family.
Mel was active in the Boy Scouts of America since 1928 in both Colorado and California. He was scoutmaster of Troop 120 of Richmond and Troop 701 of El Cerrito. Mel was a member of the Sika Chapter, Order of the Arrow, and honorary Boy Scout Campers Society, and was a holder of the St. George Emblem and the high honor of the Order of Silver Beaver. He has helped 14 young men achieve the highest rank, Eagle Scout. The last Eagle Scout was Thomas Wasson of Fremont in January of 2005, and he mentored Julie Wasson in September 2005 in Girl Scouts for her Silver award. He was active in Campfire Girls of America and after his second wife died he took over her troop. He was the first man to be given the highest award for an outstanding Campfire leader. During his retired years he was active in the Sea Scouts of Clearlake.
Mel was in the Navy from 1944 to 1946 aboard LSTs in the South Pacific. He worked as a mail carrier in Richmond but was recalled to the Navy during the Korean War. He was former commander for the El Cerrito VFW. He worked as an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic for the Naval Supply Center in Oakland until his retirement in 1977. He moved to Clearlake Oaks with his wife Doris, and remained active in the community. He was involved with Clearlake chapter of the Lions Club. He was elected to the local water board. He handed out candy to everyone he met, earning him the title the Candyman of Clearlake.
Family and friends are invited to a funeral Mass and celebration of life at 10 a.m. Monday, September 18, at Assumption Church, 1100 Fulton Ave., San Leandro.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Boy Scouts of America Troup 132, c/o 33852 Whitehead Lane, Fremont, CA 94555. Neptune Society Castro Valley FD1397 (510) 889-7110.
Please sign the guestbook at www.record-bee.com, click on obituaries.
(Published in the Lake County Record-Bee on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006.)
