April 2, 2007

Richard "Nick" Nichols, who served as the head equipment manager for the UCLA Athletic Department for 25 years, passed away on Monday morning following a long illness.

Nichols, 63, ran the UCLA equipment room for 25 years, retiring from the University following the 2000 Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX. Nichols, who worked at UCLA for over 40 years, joined the athletic equipment staff in 1968 and became the head equipment manager in 1976.

Nichols most recently participated in the 30-year reunion of the 1976 Rose Bowl champion football team on the UCLA campus last June.

He is survived by his wife Sherri, his son Richard, his daughter Kathy and three granddaughters.

A viewing will be held on Monday, April 9 between Noon and 8:00 pm at Gates, Kingsley and Gates Moeller Murphy in Santa Monica (1925 Arizona, at 20th Street).

A graveside service is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10 at 1:00 pm at Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica (14th and Pico).