Harold Bennett Nichols

Harold Bennett Nichols, 80, went to his rest on June 3, 2019.

Harold was born September 5, 1938, a son of Walter Bennett and Emma Mary Nichols of Detroit, Michigan. The family visited his mother's parents on their farm in Gladwin, Michigan, on their vacations. He also had twin sisters, Mary, and Shirley, five years younger than he. He learned to care for the animals with respect, and the land as a steward, something that his grandpa taught him. He was raised with good family values and a willingness to help others, when he could. He had a good work ethic, and would always do his best at whatever it was.

At 11 he was peddling papers. In junior high school he was working at a bowling alley. At 16, found him working at the docks of a large market, unloading the trucks, and stocking shelves. At 17, he managed the dairy department. At 18, he joined the Army, which needed cooks. They shipped him to Germany to cook for the hungry men in field training. When he came home he was in the reserves, and was honorably discharged in 1963.

Harold married Joyce M. Schmidt in 1961. They lived in San Jose, CA, for the first 11 years. It was during this time his two fine sons were born. He worked with IBM for nearly 14 years. They moved to Lava Hot Springs in 1972, and loved the old farm house for 46 years. He enjoyed the area and the people; he especially loved raising his sons in the rural setting. Many good times were shared hunting and fishing with them and with his friends.

Harold worked for Bucyrus-Erie, (BE), PCC, back to BE, and then retired from INL to the farm and country life. He and Joyce sold the farm in 2016, because of poor health, and getting too old to farm with the old equipment they had. He always loved the great outdoors which brought him to study God's word in depth, and he enjoyed Jehovah as his friend. "One who gave the best advice for life." He always tried to live by "God's Standards", a phrase he used often. He enjoyed a good drink with friends and family, a hearty laugh and a good practical joke. He will be remembered with warmth, of heart and a long lasting smile.

Harold is survived by Joyce Nichols, his wife of 58 years; sons, Harold Nichols and Alan Nichols; Grand daughter, Tiffany Simmons, her family, Justin and Harold's two great-granddaughters, Lily, and Nora; Grand son, Tyler Chandler Nichols; Sister, Mary Anne Battles; Brothers-in-law, Walter Schmidt and Frank Battles; Sister-in-law, Ruby Khotz; and numerous nieces, and nephews.

The memorial for Harold will be held at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1875 Cottage Grove Ave., Pocatello, ID, on July 20, 2019 at 2:00 pm.

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