George Calvin Nichols Jr

George Calvin Nichols Jr., affectionately known as Grandpa "Foddy," to his family, peacefully passed away on March 10, 2024, in Spokane, Washington. He was 84 years old. He was born on December 7, 1939, in Spokane, Washington, the eldest child of George Calvin Nichols Sr. and Kathleen Elizabeth (Kilmer) Nichols.

George was a beloved figure in the lives of many, treasured as a son, brother, husband, father, and friend. His childhood on Spokane’s South Hill was filled with the simple joys of playing hockey on frozen ponds with his friends. He often spoke fondly of summers spent at the family lake cabin at Diamond Lake, Washington, and visiting his grandparents, the Kilmers, in north Spokane at Country Homes.

He attended Hutton Elementary and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School, in 1958. George furthered his education by taking classes at Eastern Washington State College before serving in the Air National Guard. As a Realtor, George worked in the family business and displayed a passion for real estate. He dedicated himself to helping others find their dream homes and investments, earning the respect and admiration of his clients.

It was in 1965 that George encountered the love of his life, Carol Waterman, a Nurse from St. Paul, Minnesota. He convinced her to stay in Spokane and start a life and family together. They were married for 58 years. She is a true Saint by ALL accounts and a loving wife and mother who cared for George until the very end.

George was an active member of the Spokane community. He marked the stock board at the Spokane Stock Exchange for many years, was in the Jaycees, was a Royal Escort for the Spokane Lilac Festival, and was a member of the Spokane Club and the Exchange Club. And while his oldest children were in high school at Ferris, he performed in Ham on Regal productions.

Beyond his professional and community-oriented endeavors, George found solace and joy in running. He ran more than 16 marathons, and participated in numerous half-marathons, “fun” runs, and was a member of the running group the Clydesdales who ran the Jasper-Banff Relay. Among his cherished traditions was participating in Spokane’s Bloomsday, where he found camaraderie alongside his family and friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James, who passed away in 2002. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Joy (Waterman), his children, Annette Julia of Spokane, George Calvin III (Megan) of Arlington, WA, Scott Bryan (Amy) of Spokane, his grandchildren, Ellie, Ben, Clara, Sophie, Tori, Davin, Penelope, and Emmett, and his siblings Joseph and Fritz of Spokane, Jane (Nichols) Agren of Roy, Washington and brother-in-law Paul Waterman of Duluth, Minnesota and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for George will be held on March 23, at 1 p.m., at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Spokane, 316 E 24th Ave, Spokane, WA 99203. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (Parkinson.org) in honor of George.
George Calvin Nichols Jr. leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and perseverance that will forever resonate in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him. May his memory be a blessing to all who mourn his loss, and may his spirit live on in the lives he touched.

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