Kent Nichols passed away, likely from a heart condition and a generally weakened condition, exascerbated by a past Covid infection, on February 17, 2023.  Kent and his wife, Barbara, had just last Christmas moved to a wonderful new Presbyterian Care Center in the St. Paul area, from their previous care center in Golden Valley where they had been living for a few years.  For some time, Kent had been having some mobility issues, but he did manage to make it to our delayed 80th Birthday Party in 2021.  Our Classmate, Howell Owens, has been in touch with Kent over recent years, and reported this loss.  Kent and Barb's son, Rob Wood, had been providing watchful guidance over both Kent and Barb during the past few years, and exercised the option to move Kent and Barbara once again, hoping for better results.  We are uncertain at this time, but as reported by Rob, Kent's weakened circumstances and ultimate passing may have been complicated by that past Covid infection, from which Kent had never really fully recovered.  We hope to know better about the cause of Kent's passing as time advances. 

A memorial service for Kent Nichols was planned for April 20, 2023.  Prior to that, Kent was interred at Fort Snelling Cemetery.  Information about that memorial service is contained in Kent's Obituary Notice.  Here is that Notice:

 We are sad to announce the passing of Kent Robert Nichols of St Louis Park. He died at age 82 on February 17, 2023. Kent passed away after a battle with heart disease. There will be an open-house celebration of life on Thursday, April 20th between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Born in St Louis Park, Kent was preceded in death by his parents Irving and Hertha Nichols. Survived by loving wife Barb Nichols and close circle of family and friends. Celebration of Life will be at American Legion Post 282. Address is 6509 Walker St, St Louis Park, MN 55426. 

Several SLP '58 Classmates attended Kent's Memorial Service.  Howell Owens, Ross Legrand, Kent Brothen and their wives, plus KC Cravens and Roger Johnson, all enjoyed their visits with members of Kent Nichols extended family, who expressed gratitude for some of Kent's old high school friends coming to attend this special event.  Below are pictures taken by Howell Owens of the memoriabilia boards prepared by Rob Wood, Kent's stepson.  The first one contains photos of Kent's high school years, and the second one has photos of Kent's time married to Barb.

In the meantime we will remain open to adding to this notice any special stories and memories that you as a classmate may wish to share about your interactions with Kent Nichols over the years.  Kent was an engaging, bright and philosophical entity that crossed all our paths at sometime in our lives.  We know there are many fun and wistful experiences that we all had with our dear friend, Kent Nichols.  Please share them.  Brief episodes you can easily add to the "Post Comment" section below.  But we are looking for more lengthy stories that you are welcome to submit to us.  Send them either to Howell Owens, KC Bretzke, or to Roger Johnson.

One of Kent's best friends at St. Louis Park High School was Dan Geldert.  Here is a special piece about their relationship, written by Dan:

"I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Kent Nichols. When you think of the best of the best, his name must be included. 

I was privileged to call Kent one of my very best friends throughout our high school days. On countless Saturday nights, he, Ross Legrand, Jimmy Williams, Dick Arndt, and myself would be gathered around a table for an evening of penny-ante poker. We were often joined by Howell Owens, Eddie Lindborg, Bob Possehl and others.

What a great group of guys.

We would frequently end the evening at the Pizza Plaza in Hopkins. (Now an electrical supply shop.)

At times we would venture off to Dinkytown for pizza and some great jazz from Herb Pilhofer and the likes. On occasion, for a little more adventure, we would head over to Washington Avenue and wander about, hearing some of the life stories of the local "residents". 

Kent was a most talented individual, as those of us in the band saw and heard him as the first chair player in the clarinet section. And we all saw his talents as an actor as he portrayed the "stage manager" in Our Town. I can't imagine anyone else in that role. 

For many, Kent was seen as a quiet, studious person, but hidden under that Facade was an incredible sense of humor. His sort of throaty, smiling, almost sinister sounding laugh was infectious. 

The band trips were great fun. He was in the middle of the action when a bunch of us immature, unrespectful teenagers basically closed down the movie theater in Brainerd before we were escorted out (fortunately, not by the police). Quiet....studious....not always. 

On a side note, in your elementary school days in STLP, who didn't have Kent's mom as a "sub" ? The best.

In recent years it has been my pleasure to reconnect with Kent through my twice-a-year trips from Colorado to conduct concerts in Minnetonka. 

He and Ross Legrand have been regular audience members for many years. What a treat to have them in the audience. For those of you former band members, I frequently have acknowledged their presence with the "Earl Bohm "shoulder shrug" as I step to the podium. I can hear their muted chuckles in the background. On many recent visits, my wife and I have joined Kent for lunch. It was a mix of emotions as we met. Much laughter, but also tears from Kent as we shared stories from our high school days.

He was in obvious decline and he hated it. I think it was his love for Barbara and as her companion that kept him alive.

Goodbye to one of the good guys."