Passing of Donald Frances Nickel
April 27, 2015
WEST COLUMBIA – Donald Frances Nickel passed away April 20, 2015. He was the only child of Frank and Lorena Nickel, born on a small farm outside Stockbridge, Wisconsin. He left home in 1954 to attend the University of Wisconsin where he received a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering and never looked back. He worked his entire life developing computers, starting in Chicago and then Minneapolis.
In 1975 he moved his wife Barbara Bruce Nickel and family from Minneapolis to the Columbia area to work. He was a Sr. Engineer and Manager at NCR for 21 years.
Outside of his family, his first love was tennis. He played a mean game for most of his life and traveled often to attend major tournaments worldwide. For 25 years he coached the youth of Columbia. He was on the Board of the Columbia Junior Tennis League as well as coaching. He loved working with the kids and was patient, enthusiastic, and encouraging, passing his love of the game to many.
Don was a kind and gentle man, who when diagnosed with Parkinson’s 25 years ago, took on the challenge with grit and grace. He loved sports and once retired, took off to see the world, traveling extensively to soccer stadiums, Olympic settings and of course tennis venues. His other passion was WWII history which also influenced his travel choices.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara; sons, Bruce (Dayami) of Castaic, CA and Barry (Kara) of Santa Cruz, CA; daughter, Deanna of New Haven Ct.; and grandsons, Harrison, Landon, and Zeven.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbia Parkinson’s Support Group, 506 Jadetree Ct., West Columbia, SC 29169.
There will be a Memorial Mass celebrated on Monday, May 4, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Assembly St., Columbia, SC. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be at a later date.
Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com.
