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Wally

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I was very excited to read in The Fountain Hills Times last Wednesday that former Mayor Wally Nichols would be the subject of an agenda item at last night’s town council meeting. Mayor Nichols is so deserving, as he is such a man of character and a team player. He led our wonderful town beautifully for five years.

He always treated the town staff with such respect, kindness and love. I often heard from staff members what a gentle, yet committed, mayor he always was.

Many will recall how generous Mayor Nichols was in sharing of his time, treasure and talent.

I vividly remember how once a month, he would host a “Coffee with Wally” at the Community Center. These were well attended and Mayor Nichols would sincerely listen to every comment that was made.

Mayor Nichols started and led our Mayor’s Prayer Group, which met every other week for nine years in a row. This is where I was blessed to get to know him best, and he quickly became one of my closest friends and mentor. My father also got to know him. My father loved his compassion, inner peace, patience and sincere interest in me.

Mayor Nichols and I shared a common bond and interest in helping provide children and teenagers with the educational background and character traits to live a life, as an adult, filled with joy, peace and happiness, and to instill in these children’s hearts a passion for giving back to those in need.

My father’s last words to me before his death, almost six years ago, in his Bloomington, Minn., condominium were, “Dwight, continue following Wally’s footsteps. Closely observe his character. Watch his actions of kindness and generosity. Emulate Wally as best you possibly can…and you will be just fine in life.”