Ross Nichols

Ross Nichols lived life with an unmistakable energy. He worked hard, played hard, loved deeply, and rarely met a challenge he wasn’t willing to tackle. Whether he was working in his yard, playing with his dogs, snowboarding in Montana, surfing on Clear Lake, or working on cars and trucks, Ross was happiest when he was doing something with his hands, solving a problem, or enjoying the outdoors.

From an early age, Ross was a builder and a problem solver. Traditional classrooms were not always where he thrived, but during his senior year at Anthis Career Center, he discovered auto mechanics and found something that truly fit him. His natural ability, determination, and love of fixing things gave him confidence and purpose. Once Ross decided something could be done, it was usually just a matter of figuring out how.

That determination was perfectly captured when he decided to move a hot tub from his mom’s house to his own. Rather than pay what he thought was an outrageous moving cost, Ross gathered some buddies, borrowed a work truck and crane, hoisted the hot tub over the house, and delivered it himself. The final cost was little more than pizza and beer. He proudly sent his mom the video as proof. That was Ross. Where there was a will, he found a way.

Ross was driven and mischievous, with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved quoting movies with his siblings, and even a co-worker’s simple phrase, “What are you talkin’ about?” became part of the family vocabulary and still brings smiles today.

Beneath all that energy and determination was a caring heart. Ross loved God, his family, his friends, and his dogs. He was always willing to lend a hand when someone needed help.

Ross should be remembered for his incredible work ethic, his humor, his passion, and his determination to make things happen. Ross loved life, and he lived it fully.