Frederick Richard Nichols

Frederick Richard Nichols passed away on December 12, 2014, at the age of 84. He was born on November 4, 1930, in Dearborn, MI. He was the son of Leonard and Johanna Martha Nichols. Fred graduated from Denby High School in 1948 and attended Lawrence Technological University. His ability to focus on a specific task was uncanny. He carried a 253 per game bowling average with one perfect game; he had a hole-in-one on the golf course; and he was a great swimmer. When he needed a few extra dollars he hustled pool. A U.S. Army Korean War veteran, Fred married Nancy Lee Shrake prior to his deployment in 1951. Fred worked in the automobile industry as a designer for several companies including Ford, Fisher Body and General Motors Cadillac Division. Among his notable accomplishments were his contributions to the design of the two-way tailgate for Ford Motor Company and his work on the GM Safety Car in the early 1970s. He retired from General Motors in 1992 but continued to work in the industry for several years after. Fred was a founder of the Harper Woods Dads Club in 1972, a Harper Woods School Board member, and a member of Kiwanis International. He also coached little league baseball and grade school basketball. Fred was also a horse enthusiast, breeder and owner of thoroughbred horses. His beloved wife Nancy preceded him in death on August 27, 1986. He is survived by his five children and their spouses: Sharon (Tom) Gibson, Cheryl (Richard) Morris, Sue (Mark) Willbur, Judy (John) Ostroski, and Fred (Melody) Nichols, 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Fred also leaves behind his sister Doris Lucas and his brother Gerald Nichols.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236