Richard K. “Rick” Nicholas

January 11, 1956 -
May 13, 2019

LIFE WELL LIVED
A life well lived is a precious gift,
of hope and strength and grace,
from someone who has made our
world a brighter, better place.

It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad,
with smiles and sometimes tears.
With friendships formed and good times shared, and laughter through the years.

A life well lived is a legacy,
of joy and pride and pleasure,
a living, lasting memory
our grateful heart’s will treasure.

~ Author Unknown

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 1980s and 1990s 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.
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.
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, Sisters-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 funeral mass was held Monday, May 20th, 2019 at St.
Benedict’s Catholic Church, Westside Road.

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