BORN

1941

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Hill Funeral Home

11723 South Saginaw Street

Grand Blanc, Michigan

David Nicholson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 16, 2012.

NICHOLSON, David L. – of Grand Blanc, age 71, passed away Thursday, November 15, 2012 at U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor. Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, November 19, 2012 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 6494 S. Belsay Road, Grand Blanc, MI. with the Reverend George L. Cleaves, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends from 3-8 p.m. Saturday and from 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to U.S. Armed Forces Awards Central Michigan University Carlin Alumni House – Dave Nicholson Memorial, attention: Ted Tolcher, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859. David was born July 13, 1941 in Royal Oak, MI the son of the late Thomas and Dora Nicholson. He graduated in 1964 from Central Michigan University and entered the U.S. Army in May 1964 where he served as a Lieutenant in the Adjutant General Corps. In 1967 he started his career with General Motors, retiring as Director of Education and Training in 1992. Mr. Nicholson then formed his own business the Training Source and later returned to Central Michigan University to take on his dream job by joining the Alumni Relations and Development staff, where he served until his sudden illness. Surviving are: wife, Donna Nicholson of Grand Blanc; children, Jamie (Heather) Nicholson of Grand Blanc and Tracey Nicholson of Baltimore; grandchildren, Ramsey, Ellyson, and Julia; brother, Robert (Micki) Nicholson; and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Nicholson was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Allor, and by his brother, Glen Nicholson. Share your condolences with the family at www.hillfh.com.

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January 2, 2013

Thomas Owen

Dave was a very special Man, with a very special Family. Though I had not seen him for over 20 years, my memories of him will always be something I will treasure.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Thomas Owen

December 21, 2012

Melody Magee

I just found out about David's passing and I wanted to let the family know that I will truly miss him. We would have lunch or Dinner from time to time just to laugh and talk about CMU and GM. He was a friend and mentor to me - I shall never forget him. I know he loved his wife, children, and grandchildren and I wanted to let you know that you was the joy of his life.

December 12, 2012

Richard Severson

I am so sorry to hear of this. Dave was a perpetually positive person and always pleasant to talk with about so many subjects.

November 21, 2012

Cindy Hales

How very sad I was to hear this news today. Dave was a wonderful colleague during my time with CMU Development. I was always grateful for his kind and encouraging words. My deepest sympathies to his family.

November 21, 2012

Katherine Holmes

We have lost a fine fellow! I will miss you Dave! Sending the family strength during this time of loss!

November 21, 2012

Sandy Buchwalter

I only met Dave a few times - through alumni events - but he was the nicest, most positive person to be around! All who met Dave have had the same reaction - we will all miss him and the great enthusiasm he had for CMU.

November 21, 2012

Ashleigh Sonnenberg

Dave's passion for Central Michigan University was both overflowing and contagious, but it was his smile and uplifting attitude that made him a truly exceptional colleague. I am grateful to have gotten to work with Dave at Global Campus and send my deepest sympathies and prayers to all of Dave's family and friends!

November 21, 2012

Steve Rellinger

I will miss Dave's passion and unwavering commitment to our military students, veterans, and their family members.

November 20, 2012

Eric Joyce

Dave was a wonderful resource for his colleague and a steadfast guide for his fellow CMU alumni. He will certainly be missed but not without leaving a lasting impact on the lives of everyone who knew him.

November 19, 2012

Craig Smith

Dave was a great man because he was a good son, a good brother, a good husband, a good father, a good grandfather and a good friend. His life defines the word 'success.' Despite all that Dave had accomplished, it seemed like he was just getting started. I will miss you, Dave. Rest in peace, friend.

November 19, 2012

We always enjoyed talking with Dave at church, XYZ, & at our group breakfasts after church. He will be missed by many. He contributed his smile and knowledge where ever he went. We send deepest sympathy to His whole family. Pete & Trish. Ashburn, Va.

November 19, 2012

Jeremy Bond

Dave had a unique warmth and sincerity. He cared deeply for his family, CMU and his country. I will miss hearing him say, "hey, JB!" as he zipped through our office, no doubt on his way to secure more support for students in need. I am so sorry for your loss and hope you can, in time, find comfort treasuring Dave's memory.

November 19, 2012

Megan Moreno

Dave was such a great colleague. He welcomed me to the Development and External Relations department at CMU and was always so friendly and willing to work together, or help me out in any way possible. I can't think of anyone else who had as much enthusiasm for CMU. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to know Dave, and will miss him.

November 19, 2012

Donna and family,
I was sorry to hear about Dave - my prayers and thoughts are with you all during this trying time. Dave was a very compassionate person, an asset to his community, someone I considered a friend and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Sincerely,
Barb Smith

November 18, 2012

Sherry Sommer (Nicholson)

Donna, Bob and families, my love goes out to all of you. I am so sorry that I cannot make it back to Michigan at this time for the funeral, but Monday you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Looking at David's picture just brings a smile to my face, as that is how I want to remember him.

It is times like this that there are no words to express how very saddened I was to hear of David Lee's (I think I might be the only one that calls him that anymore) passing. When I had heard he had fallen ill about a month ago, I just figured he is such a good person and strong person, that he will pull out of whatever sickness he was confronted with. These past days and weeks I have had so many memories of the Nicholson's, and our growing up in Royal Oak, our parents, our brothers and sisters, and how so much sadness has fallen upon this family in the past 3 years. I was so hoping for another Nicholson family reunion, so I guess the old saying “Never put off to tomorrow, as tomorrow may never come” is so very true.

May God bless and be with you all
Love: Sherry, Ed, Heather and Alison

November 18, 2012

Denise Daniel

My heart is heavy for you Donna, Jamie, Tracy. What a legacy he built through the beautiful family he possessed. Warmest blessings and many, many prayers.

November 17, 2012

Al and Jacqui Zainea

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

November 17, 2012

Elmer Jantz

My condolences to the Nicholson family. At General Motors, after we had worked together for several years in the GM Education and Training Department in Flint, Dave became my boss for a couple of years when we were located in Warren, about 1990-91. He was always a supportive guy and quick to compliment people for their good work. He had a good imagination for solving problems. He also worked well with our UAW counterparts, and they respected him. I first met Dave many years earlier when I started work at Pontiac Motor Division in 1965. He was a foreman in the Pontiac plant and was then about to transfer to the management training staff at General Motors Institute. That was the beginning of his training career.

November 17, 2012

Martha Goldner Thorell

I have fond childhood memories at your pool. Your family was a constant family friend growing up and into adulthood. Mr. Nicholson was always so kind to my parents, sister and me. He will be missed by many.

November 17, 2012

Bob Giza

Mr. Nicholson was someone whom I looked up to and aspire to be like. His gentle demeaner yet strong presence is something that I admired and will miss immensely. He has been my neighbor for 12 years. He has always been a constant presence that at times we took for granted as we all tend to do in life. We have watched my son and his grand children grow. I will never forget the times we would be outside and Mr Nicholson would stop whatever he was doing and in the only way Mr Nicholson can do, stop and talk to our son Darren. He would give Darren his undivided attention and Darren always responded with a twinkle in his eye. I do and will miss him. He is the kind of person I will never forget, and for me personally, I continue to use him as an example of a person I aspire to be. Rest in piece Mr Nicholson. (Sorry Mr Nicholson, I still cannot call you Dave after all these years)

November 17, 2012

The Setera Family

I will miss Dave very much! He was such an awesome person with a wealth of information. He was so helpful as we were scheduling our first trip with our kids to Disney! His excitement as he told us all the "secrets" of visiting Disney was palpable. Thank you for all your insite, advise, and support through all the years, Dave! We love you bunches!

November 16, 2012

Terence Hallamon Ph.D.

Dave Nicholson was a magical charismatic person. We both spent several years at General Motors and I had the good fortune to work with him at Central Michigan University. We attended several business meetings and trips where David shared wonderful stories. The stories that struck me the most were the fond stories of the time with his grand children, wife, family and friends. Also, he mentioned his deceased sister often and how he had many joyful memories. Our final conversation was typical David. He was concerned if I was doing okay. I will miss my friend.

Posted by Terence Hallamon Ph.D.

November 16, 2012

mary powers

Dave was very helpful to me when our church was planning our sanctuary renovation and was very supportive during my term as moderator. I will miss him greatly. Mary Powers (Grand Blanc, MI)

November 16, 2012

Patty Beltinck

Dave was always such a bright spot to any day. He always had a smile and time to say hello to everyone he came in contact with. He will be greatly missed at CMU Global Campus. My deepest sympathy to your family.

November 16, 2012

Chris Austin

Dave was a great person and a great friend. I always enjoyed my time with Dave when he was on campus and when we traveled together for alumni events. He will be missed dearly.

November 16, 2012

Julia Sherlock

I will miss you Dave. I was so sad to hear of Dave's passing. He was a great man and colleague.

November 16, 2012

Bryan Griffin

Dave was a fantastic person who always made my day better when I saw him. He was a great guy to work with and he had a deep love for CMU. I will miss our chats during the CMU tailgates, and I will also miss his great sense of humor and wisdom. Dave was one of the nicest most genuine individuals I have met and he will be missed a great deal.

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