NICHOLS, LARRY JAMES

Kalamazoo, MI

Our gracious Lord and Savior called Larry to his eternal home on Saturday, July 28, 2012. His family was by his side as he peacefully left this world. He was born July 1, 1942 in Plainwell to Daryl and Kathryn (Banks) Nichols. He was united in marriage with Rosemary Terpening on June 6, 1964. Larry was a born again believer in Christ and lived his life accordingly. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, nephew, uncle and friend. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and especially enjoyed family vacations at Lake Michigan and trips to Disneyworld. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He loved the beauty of sunrises and sunsets, the changing of the seasons, walks along the beach collecting rocks and making sand sculptures, wildlife, the cooing of the Mourning Dove and the laughter of children. He was truly a very talented and gifted artist who especially enjoyed painting with oils. Larry retired from Pharmacia in 2002 after 21 years of service. Prior to working for Pharmacia, he was employed as art director at LSI/Kala. Surviving besides his wife, Rosemary, are their three children and spouses, Kelly and Ron Schneider, Steve and Peggy Nichols, Jason and Teresa Nichols; grandchildren, Devin Schneider, Megan and Nathan Nichols, Crystal (Robert) Belt and Brittany Matrau; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Sandra Nichols, Jerry and Sally Nichols, Phil and Jeanie Nichols; sister and brother-in-law, Darla and Edward Hagen; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Richard Krohn; brothers-in-law, Lee Rowe and David Derhammer; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Leo and May Terpening; sisters-in-law, Audrey Derhammer, Lila Rowe, Lily Sigler, Helen Houser; brother-in-law, Robert Houser; nephew, Greg Derhammer; and niece, Christy Phelps. "Treasure him Lord in your garden of rest - for on earth, he was the best." Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., where a celebration of his life will be held on Friday, August 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Dyke officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan