On behalf of the entire family we would like to say thank you to everyone who celebrated the life of Wally Nichols with us. Cat Stevens reminds us to appreciate the birds and the rain every morning. And Dad taught us that a good life is one where we give everything we have.

The past month has been a sad and difficult time, and yet, out of ashes comes beauty. We have felt so loved and supported by so many people.

Thank you to all of you who brought meals, sent cards, left flowers and made donations in Dad’s name.

Thank you to Tina and Tom Duffy and the board and staff of the Boys & Girls Club. Words cannot describe how much hosting Dad’s memorial service meant to us all. He would have loved that.

Thank you to the Fountain Hills Fire Department. You went above and beyond helping Dad in life and in his death, and you continued your service to us beyond his death by checking in with us at the hospital.

Thank you to the people of Harvest Bible Chapel who arranged the meals and sat with us in the hospital.

Thank you to Alan Cruikshank and Ryan Winslett, who wrote beautiful editorials about Dad. It helped so much in the days following his passing to hear how he had impacted others’ lives.

Thank you to Caroline Redendo and the staff at Sofrita’s, who provided wonderful food the weekend of the memorial. It was delicious!

Thank you to the Desert Canyon Golf Club for hosting the happy hour. Dad wanted a party, not a funeral.

Thank you to Eric Landau for playing the bagpipes.

Thank you to everyone who spoke and shared at Dad’s memorial. It was a wonderful day of remembrance and a reminder that kindness and generosity can change lives. Sometimes gravity doesn’t win.

Finally, thank you to all who attended the service. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from those who attended, both from Fountain Hills and beyond.

The Bible tells us to “love one another with mutual affection and to outdo one another in showing honor.” We will never be able to repay the honor shown to Wally, the affection shown to us and the continuing love for Mom. Thanks so much to you all!

-Love,

The Nichols Family