Deceased Classmate: Walter William Nicholson
Graduation Year: 1954
Date Of Birth: 09-21-1936
Date Deceased: 07-20-2026
Age at Death: 89
Walter William Nicholson was born on September 21, 1936, in Buffalo, New York, and grew up in nearby Snyder, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was an accomplished student and athlete at Amherst High School. At the State University of New York, Brockport, Bill played on the men’s soccer team, competed in swimming and diving, and earned his bachelor of science degree in 1958. At Syracuse University the next year, he earned a master of science degree. While in college and in his first years as a teacher, Bill proudly served in the New York Air National Guard from 1954 to 1959 and in the California Air National Guard from 1959 to 1962. He was on active duty with the United States Air Force from 1961 to1962, after which he returned to teaching in Long Beach. He had begun his teaching career in in 1959 in the Long Beach Unified School District, teaching science at Rogers, Marshall, Lindbergh, and Bancroft Junior High Schools, while also coaching a variety of sports. Somewhat later at Lakewood High School, he taught science and coached water polo and swimming; he retired in 1995.
Bill married the love of his life, Catherine Allars, in 1985. Bill and Cathy treasured traveling to National Parks , visiting family and friends along the way. They explored the world, too, bicycling on San Juan Island, exploring Canada and Iceland and in their later years,mtaking riverboat cruises in Europe. He maintained, too, his lifelong passions for cars, sailing, music, genealogy, history, science, and competitive swimming in the Senior Games. His kindness, good humor, and love will be missed by many.
Remembered fondly as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bill is survived by his wife, Cathy Nicholson; his daughters, Laura Nicholson and Emily Nicholson; his grandchildren, Melissa Lane, David Zetterholm, Josiah Zetterholm, and Jonah Zetterholm; and his great-grandchildren, Emmett Zetterholm, Simeon Zetterholm, and Elizabeth Zetterholm. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Nicholson (2024) and his son, William Henry Nicholson (1996.)
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's honor to the Boy Scouts of American or the Lakewood High School Swim Team.
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