Samuel (Sam) Henry Nicholas, 82, was called to heaven on Friday, July 22 surrounded by family at his home in Ione, WA. Sam was born February 5, 1940, to Clive and Esther (Heikes) Nicholas in Odessa, Missouri just 30 minutes ahead of his twin sister Henrietta. Sam, the only boy in a home with 3 sisters, graduated from Pratt High School with the honors of being an All-State athlete in basketball, football and track. He later graduated from Fort Hays College with a degree in Education.

Sam married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Jo (Dikeman) in 1961 before moving to Metaline in 1967 to become a longtime teacher, counselor, and coach. Outside of the classroom, Sam volunteered for multiple organizations, was an active Lions member, an elected County Commissioner and when he could find a few minutes of free time, he was on the lake fishing with his honorary brothers Ken Hirsch and Adolf Botzheim. After Nancy's passing in 2001, Sam was blessed with a second love, Linda (Couch) whom he married in 2004.

Sam and Linda enjoyed spending time yard sale shopping, visiting family and their second home in Tucson, AZ.  Sam's memory will live on in the hearts and memories of his sister Henreitta Hartwig of El Dorado, KS and his three children: Lynn (Jim) Mason, Wes (Jennifer) Nicholas, and Mark (Michelle) Nicholas all of Clarkston, WA. With the addition of Linda's children; Ray (Kim) Shill and Paula (Shawn) McQuire both of Spokane, Sam was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

As Sam grew in years, his relationship and love of our Lord Jesus Christ further took root; Sam hoped to find his core identity as a child of God. Sam wept tears of consolation as he received the Eucharist for the last time on this earth, stating he felt, truly, "the flesh of God inside of him." Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Bernard's in Ione, WA on Friday, August 5 at 11 AM. Memorial services will be held at 11 AM on August 6, at the Selkirk High School gymnasium.