| | In Memory Of Robert G. Nicholson, age 94, of Helena
August 29, 1923 – January 11, 2018 
Robert “Bob” G. Nicholson died recently at 94 years of age. Bob was born August 29, 1923, in Roundup, Montana, to Arthur and Doris (Roberts) Nicholson. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor and friend, Bob was proud and honored to serve his country during World War II, and to play an instrumental role as an executive for Boy Scouts of America for over 35 years. The family moved to Hamilton by horse and wagon during the Great Depression, when Bob was 8. Upon graduation from Hamilton High in 1942, he joined the military and served with the Army’s Air Corps, as a mechanic, flight engineer, and B-29 engine specialist, before shipping out overseas to England in 1943. One of his first missions, on the B-17 “Madam Queen,” was the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. He went to fly 30 bomber missions over Germany – all before the age of 20 – as a ball turret gunner, praying each time “May this ship return to base,” before his discharge in 1945. Among his many citations, Bob was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Army Air Medal. As a civilian, he was first employed by a Studebaker agency in North Hollywood, California, and later spent time with Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, in Burbank. He then enrolled at the University of Montana in 1948. While attending college, Floy (Synness) Peterson introduced Bob to Atherlene “Dickie” Dickinson, and the couple was married on February 2, 1951. Two children were born to this union – Timothy and Kathy Jean. Bob and Dickie were together for 46 years, until she passed away in 1997. After graduating from the UM, Bob began his professional career with BSA. He served as Executive Scout Leader for Ft. Simco Area Council (Yakima, WA), the San Gabriel Valley Council (Pasadena, CA), Greyback Council (Redlands, CA), Monterey Bay Area (Salinas, CA), Copper Council (Safford, AZ) and Buttes Area Council (Marysville, CA). Retiring in 1985, the touchstone for Bob’s life were the guiding principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. He had an uncanny ability to relate with young people, always encouraging a Christian lifestyle. Bob and his family spent tireless unpaid extra hours on camporees, meetings, counciling, recruiting, fund raising and spreading the Boy Scout word. Bob and Dickie were faithful members of the Marysville Presbyterian Church. For 35 years they served in various capacities including Elder and deacon. In 2004, Bob returned to Montana and married longtime friend Floy Peterson, in Helena, where they made their home. In 2015, Nicholson made the flight to Washington D.C., with his daughter and grandsons Robert and Nicholas. Although confined to a wheelchair, he was nonetheless able to visit The Pentagon, the World War II Memorial, and Arlington Cemetery. Nicholson was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Doris, his wife Atherlene, sister Dorothy VanNoy, and aunt Mary Grace Roberts. He is survived by his wife Floy; sons Timothy (Helen) Nicholson; Doug (Linda) Peterson; Jesse (Jenny) Peterson; and daughter Kathy Jean Scheib. Also surviving are grandsons Kevin (Tammy) Nicholson, Steven Nicholson, Robert Scheib, Nicholas Scheib, Keith Nicholson, Lloyd (Theresa) Revious, Jason Revious, Douglas (Reagaen) Revious, and Justus and Jace Peterson. As well as granddaughters Erin (Andrew) Fletcher, Darby Garden and Fannie Peterson. His surviving great grandchildren are Jeffrey Nicholson, Taylor Blair, Evin Brown, Parker Fletcher, Aneshia Revious, Kassie Ann Revious, Gracie Revious, Colton Revious, Megyn Garden and Sophia Revious. Also nephews Tom (Doris) VanNoy and Jim (Ann) VanNoy, and cousin Alan (Nancy) Nicholson. Graduate of the 157th NTS
• Died – January 11, 2018
• Retired – August 31, 1985
• Scout Executive, Marysville, CA – September 1974
• Scout Executive, Safford, AZ – June 1968
• Scout Executive, Salinas, CA – May 1966
• Scout Executive, Redlands, CA – August 1962
• District Executive, Pasadena, CA – November 1957
• District Executive, Yakima, WA – June 1952
• Born – August 29, 1923 Condolences may be sent to his spouse:
Floy Nicholson |
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