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Dr. Raymond W. Nicholson, 87, of Evansville, went to be with the Lord Friday July 14, 2017 at St. Mary's Medical Center (St. Vincent Hospital), where he himself had been the longest active member of the medical staff. He was born May 9, 1930 on Mother's Day to the late Raymond W. & Helen (White) Nicholson.
"Dr. Nick" as he was affectionately known as by his colleagues and patients was a Christian doctor & man. He was a member and Head Elder of Our Saviour Lutheran Church.
He loved his patients and was deeply devoted to his profession. His purpose in life was to serve others and he did that with great compassion. He was respected by colleagues for his incredible work ethic and skills in making the diagnosis. His patients fondly remember his compassionate bedside manner, and his advocacy for their best care. Perhaps his proudest accomplishment was delivering over 3000 babies during his career, many of whom are now accomplished members of our Evansville community. And yet, his greatest joy came from cheering with family at IU football games.
Dr. Nicholson was President of the Bosse High School class of 1948, and continued to play a key role with alumni events.
As a graduate of Indiana University with a B.A. in Anatomy & Chemistry in 1952, he earned his M.D. in 1955, graduating second in his class, followed by his residency at the I.U. Medical Center in Indianapolis.
He served as a captain in the U.S. Army, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas as a pediatrician running a 300 bed unit.
Dr. Nicholson entered private practice in Family Medicine in Evansville in 1958. He was later joined by Dr. Mark Meyers, his first resident, who for many years remained a loyal friend and his personal physician, and by Dr. Al Satore.
He was Founder and Director of the Family Practice Residency Program at St. Mary's Medical Center, serving in that role from 1970 to 2007, where he taught and mentored over 200 physicians. He was the longest serving Director of a Family Medicine Program in the country. He generously served as Medical Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Clinic in Evansville from 2001 to 2011.
He served as the Health Officer of Vanderburgh County from 2007 to 2014. As a lifelong learner himself, he continued teaching and lecturing after retirement.
"Dr. Nick" was a vital figure and faculty member at the I.U. School of Medicine and the Evansville campus since its inception in 1972, where he volunteered countless hours teaching and mentoring medical students. He and his family established a longstanding medical scholarship fund to help medical students with tuition costs.
He received many honors throughout his career, including the Sagamore of the Wabash designation for his contributions to medical education, awarded by Governor Frank O'Bannon in 1997; Indiana University School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001; EVSC Hall of Fame Class of 2016; Rotarian Community Award 2015; I.U. School of Medicine – Evansville Dr. Gordon T. Herrmann Distinguished Service Award in 2012 for his outstanding leadership and dedication to medical education; Alan Fischer award for outstanding contributions for family practice education in Indiana; St. Mary's Family Practice Residency Distinguished Service Award; Muscular Dystrophy Association Honoree of the Year.
He was a member of the Rotary Club of Evansville, Indiana State Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association, and Vanderburgh County Medical Society. He served on the Board of Directors of WNIN Public Television, Dean's Council of the IU Medical School, Board of Directors and President of the Lutheran Counseling Service, Past President of I.U. Alumni Association, and St. Mary's Medical Staff President.
He was an involved supporter of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and an Advanced Master Gardener.
Dr. Nick was preceded in death by his sister Inez Castleman, and his first wife of 43 years Joyce (Kratz) Nicholson.
He is survived by his wife Cynthia Nicholson, son David (LaDonna) Nicholson, daughter Diane (Dr. Ken) Combs, stepdaughter Paige Tabbert Davis, grandchildren Lauren (Stephen) Lofthus, David (Carly) Shelton, Leigh (Chris) Spangler, and Anne Shelton; step-grandchildren Chris and Carrie Waggoner, Lili Westphal, Madison and Morgan Cole, and two beautiful great-grandchildren London and Ella Lofthus. In the eyes of his children and grandchildren, the Superman costume he wore every Halloween was a reality.
Services will be held 10AM Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, officiated by Pastor Robert Schneider, with burial to follow in the Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation is Monday, July 17, 2017, from 2-8 PM at Alexander East Chapel and Tuesday from 9AM until service time at the church.
The family wishes to thank his many patients for such a wonderful career, his many colleagues whom he respected for their talents and work ethic, and for the nurses and staff who provided such outstanding care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Saviour Lutheran Church, IU School of Medicine-Evansville, payable to IU Foundation in care of IUSME, or the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Alexander Funeral Home-East Chapel.
September 11, 2017
Friend
Michael and Amy Geers
David, Diane and Family ... You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Treasure all the memories. The pictures of your family over the years were fabulous! Michael and Amy Geers
August 15, 2017
Thresa Schmitt RN
He was one of the kindest doctors I ever had the pleasure to work with. He trained good doctors and work with and for the poor. He was a great humanitarian. I was lucky enough to work under him in the late 1970's and 1980's. God bless him in the next world . Not many people can be called so good a man.
August 9, 2017
Sr.Catherine Kelly
Hi Cynthia,
My address is
Sister Catherine Kelly
St. Agnes Sisters House
900 South Caton Avenue
Baltimore, MD. 21229
August 8, 2017
Cynthia Nicholson
Dr. Nick's light will never be extinguished--but rather just passed along to others!
He is our best exemplar. . .
August 8, 2017
Sr. Catherine Kelly
Dear Cynthia and all the Nicholson family,
What a loss Dr. Nick is to the Evansville Community and to the family of "St. Mary's". I loved the ministry we shared together serving those most in need in our community. He was a great teacher to so many healthcare providers and an amazing physician. I so loved out social times together and all the ways in which we interacted over the years. May God be with all of you in your time of sadness and grief.
Sister Catherine Kelly
August 8, 2017
Brian Sorge
Dear Cynthia,
Per your request, my email address is as follows:
[email protected].
May God continue to be with you in the days ahead,
Brian and Barbara Sorge
August 7, 2017
Debi Binkley
Dear Cynthia,
Per your request, my email address is [email protected] (work) or [email protected] (home). Love to all of you, Debi
August 1, 2017
Byron and Pam Crouse
Dear Cynthia,
Pam and I were very sad to learn of Nick's death. You and your family have been in our prayers.
We feel blessed to have known Nick and been able to share so many things with the two of you... the love of the gardening to the love of golf. As Pam and I play a round of golf, we often think of Nick's passion for the game. I can't help be think he is now playing a round with Arnie Palmer, Byron Nelson and Bobby Jones... :)
July 26, 2017
Norma Cantu
Dear Cynthia and Family
I would like to express my deepest condolences for the passing of a great man.
Dr. Nicholson was a great physician and mentor. He and his family always made the St. Mary's Medical Center residents feel as we were part of his family. He taught me to be so much than just a physician but a caring provider during his nursing home and home visits.
I think of him often because I use his techniques in everyday practice. Thank you Dr. Nicholson.
He is fondly remembered and may he rest in God's presence.
Norma S. Cantu, MD (St. Mary's Medical Center Resident 2004-2007)
July 25, 2017
Paul Sluder
Uncle Ray will be missed. May David and Diane and family find comfort in the Lord our Savior that he is in his new home. Sorry, that I did not find out until during the service at Our Savior. Although I could not attend. I am there in Spirit.
Paul Sluder
Jacksonville, FL
July 24, 2017
Rev. Philip Hoy
Dr. Nicholson was a wonderful guy who contributed so much to our city and area.
I got to know him when I was assigned to the Vanderburgh County Health Department as a County Councilman. It was a pleasure to work with him in addressing the health needs of our county.
We became good friends and I will miss him.
July 22, 2017
Carole English Alexander
To Dr. Raymond Nicholson Family, our sincere condolences from the Paul & Constance English Family. Paul (deceased) and Constance grew up in the same neighborhood and attended Bosse High School with Ray and Inez. Inez stood up with Paul & Connie when they got married and then again when they renewed their vows 50 years later. While working as a nurse at St Mary's I had the privilege of working along side of Dr Nicholson on occasion. What a blessing . May God be with all of you in your time of sorrow
July 20, 2017
Pamela Perry Smith
My condolences to Dr.Nicks family.He was a beautiful caring man.He will be missed by many.Rest in peace.
July 20, 2017
Norm & Juli Bafunno
We considered ourselves privileged to know this fine man. Sending our friendship and prayers of condolence at this time of sadness.
July 19, 2017
Linda Temme
Dear Cynthia, David and Diane-
Ken and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. What a life well lived- in his profession, faith and caring for his family. Mom had such great memories of him at Howard Roosa, Bosse and then mom and dad through their connection at Our Savior.
We are sending peaceful thoughts to your entire family.
Love, Ken Black and Linda Black Temme
July 19, 2017
Ron and Norma Faust
You are in our prayers and have our sympathy.
July 18, 2017
Matt Hunsaker
Cynthia, David and Diane,
I was sad to hear of Nick's passing. He was a wonderful leader, teacher and physician. I think of him often and you are in our prayers.
July 18, 2017
To Ray Nicholson Family,
We are so sorry for your personal loss, yet know that he is at rest. You have our sincere sympathy at this time. We just discovered your loss this afternoon. Our prayers are for peace for you as a family.
Conrad and Carolyn Higdon
July 18, 2017
Ms Sharp
My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. He was my doctor beginning in 1968 and literally saved my life. Although he trained many to be like him, there will never be another Dr Nich. He was one of a kind and one in a million. God rest his soul and be with his loved ones. May God grant you peace and comfort during this trying time.
July 18, 2017
David:
So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Farrel and Judy Gosman
July 18, 2017
David:
So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult. time.
Farrel and Judy Gosman
July 18, 2017
Mitch Montgomery
I am sorry for your lose Diane.
Your old friend,
Mitch Montgomery
July 17, 2017
Kellie Mahrenholz Tomita
Sending Dr. Nick's family our family's condolences. Dr. Nick delivered me at St. Mary's Hospital in September 1966. He was my doctor while growing up and he is remembered fondly and as a person who exuded kindness. May God bless you as you find comfort in the memories you have and in the knowledge of his exceptional contributions to the lives of so many of us.
Sincerely,
July 17, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of such a special person. I knew "Ray" through his tennis and knew Diane and David then also. He loved playig tennis with his children. He was an outstanding person and his many accomplishments attest to that. he will be missed but will remain in our hearts.
Woodie Sublett Walker
July 17, 2017
Ginny Grein
So sorry to read about this. He was a great doctor and nice man. He will be missed by so many people.
July 17, 2017
Alben Shockley
So Sorry to hear about this. Dr Nick will be missed
July 17, 2017
Mike Nalin
Dr Nick was a Mentor to more people than he ever knew. I was a young- wet behind the ears Pharma Rep when I first met Dr. Nick...I was terrified at my 1st appointment.- 15 years ,,,Later he would invite me to Lecture Residents on New Medications- he also enlighten me and many others on Investment knowledge- I was blessed to present with him on a few occasions at Investments Siminars - what a great Man, Physician and Human being- Until we meet again my friend!
July 17, 2017
Ralph Millsaps
The Nicholson Family,
Dr. Nicholson was a blessing to the medical community for many years.
I was blessed to have known him and shared in the care of his patients over the years.
July 17, 2017
Rich Keck
David, your Pop's was a great guy, and he is a Historic figure in the FIJI house at IU. He will be missed....
July 17, 2017
Troy Burden
We would like to give our condolences to the family of Dr. Nicholson, He was well loved by all our family. He will be sadly missed.
Troy and Joyce Burden Newburgh, Indiana
July 17, 2017
Brian Sorge
Dear Cynthia, David, and Diane,
Your husband and father was my mentor and my hero in so many ways.
God's Character showed through Dr. Nick's life as he - through his connection to Jesus (the vine) and by the power of the Holy Spirit (the sap) bore much fruit - fruit that will last. Like so many of Dr. Nick's mentees, I wish that I could emulate him better.
I'll never forget Dr. Nick's inimitable refrain when all of us - sometimes including him - would mess up a practice test question at our early Wednesday morning meetings. "Ok everyone, let's get educated..." Then we would all turn to the answer page as he read to us out loud from the often very extensive explanation provided.
I look forward to seeing him again in a few years...
-- Brian Sorge (St. Mary FP Resident 1986-1989)
July 17, 2017
William Tuley
Nicholson Family:
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. Dr. Nick was my mentor. To me, he personified the difference between intelligence and wisdom. His example will live on in many young and now not so young Family Practitioners.
July 17, 2017
Cynthia and family...We are so sorry to hear of Dr. Nick's passing. What a wonderful man. Love to you all and our deepest sympathy to all of you and his family...Jerry & Debi (Oakes) Binkley, formerly of Tabbert Hahn Earnest & Weddle (Indianapolis, IN)
July 17, 2017
David and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dr. Michelle Oglesby and the team at Evansville Eyecare Associates
July 17, 2017
Richard Feldman
To the Nicholson family,
Ray was a friend, mentor, and colleague to so many of us in academic family medicine. He will be greatly missed by the IAFP and if anyone was Dr. Family medicine in Indiana, it was Ray. There is a saying that what you do for yourself dies with you but what you do for others lives forever. Thank you Ray for your many gifts you gave us.
Richard and Becky Feldman
July 17, 2017
Jill Kooiman
Cynthia and family - Dr. Nick's passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew and loved him. I will always remember his wonderful outlook and his great big smile! He was a great and dedicated member of the Dean's Council board. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Jill Kooiman, IU School of Medicine.
July 17, 2017
Ray and Karla Goff
David and Diane and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember the warm and caring father and Dr. he was. May God hold your family in his loving arms through this difficult time. You will be in our prayers.
July 17, 2017
Judy Stock
Years ago I was a patient of Dr. Nicholson. He was a very caring and thoughful doctor. He became my doctor after the death of Dr. Wilson. Dr. Nicholson always had a ready smile and was a great physician. RIP
July 17, 2017
The Bosse Class of '48 will greatly miss you as our leader and friend. I know you were looking for--
ward to our 69th reunion in September.
Ed and Carolyn Koehnen
July 16, 2017
Edward Langston
The Nicholson Family,
Your father, dad, husband was a wonderful man who became my mentor, my encourager and my friend. He taught me to " Give Care with Caring". I grew to love this man as time passed along. Looking back, I can see his hand print all over my professional career and my personal growth. He was a Renaissance man is so many ways
He will be missed, but never forgotten.
I would attend the funeral, but I am heading to Guatemala this week on a medical mission trip. I am currently in Florida finalizing all the plans and needed organization.
Ed Langston, M.D.
St. Mary'sFamily Medicine Training Program graduate 1978
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