Trinette Ann Nicholson

Trinette was born in Astoria, Oregon, the daughter of Charles G. Gustafson and Ida S. (Harrison) Gustafson. She lived on the family farm (approximately 6 miles up Young’s River Rd) graduating from Astoria High in 1937 then attending secretary school and working in Astoria.

“Trin” married long time neighbor and high school sweetheart, Alvin F. Nicholson on November 23, 1939. Following their marriage Trin continued to work while Alvin served in the National Guard at Fort Riley and worked for his father in the automotive industry.

At the outbreak of World War II Alvin was mobilized into the Regular Army as a motor officer and transferred along with Trin to Fort Sam Huston in San Antonio, Texas. While Alvin was training for the invasion of Europe Trin brought Alvin Jr. into the world on July 23, 1943. At about the same time Alvin Sr. contracted a life threatening disease while on maneuvers in Louisiana. Alvin Sr. was immediately transported from the field to Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver Colorado, leaving Trin to move herself and young Alvin Jr. to Denver. After a long period of treatment Alvin Sr. was retired from the military.

After returning to Astoria Judy was born October 24, 1944. The family then moved to Corvallis Oregon in 1947 where Alvin Sr. served as Service Manager or Shop Foreman for many of the major dealerships until his retirement in 1980.

One more was added to the family when Jerry was born February 15, 1953. Throughout the 60’s and 70’s Trin volunteered at the Corvallis Good Samaritan Hospital and for the Corvallis First United Methodist Church where she enjoyed ladies circle meetings. The family enjoyed boating in the 60’s where Trin also served as an officer of the Corvallis Aquathusiasts Boat Club. In the 70’s Al restored a 1936 Ford Roadster which took Alvin and Trin on many adventures from Victoria BC to Southern Ca, to Denver Co, and many tours and car shows in-between. Trin also served in many capacities for the Corvallis Historical Auto Club. Trin enjoyed, to name a few, cooking pies for fund raisers, playing canasta regularly with a small group of close friends but was most of all very proud of her family.

Trin continued to live in Corvallis after Alvin Sr.’s death in 2012 finally moving to an assisted living home in Beaverton to be near to her son Alvin Jr (“Nick”) and daughter Judy in 2014.

Trinette is preceded in death by her loving husband of 73 years, Alvin F. Nicholson Sr. and son Alvin F. “Nick” Nicholson Jr. of Portland, brothers Charles M. Gustafson of Astoria and Duane A. Gustafson of Astoria. She is survived by her brother Fred A. Gustafson of San Jose, Ca., daughter Judy A. (Nicholson) Shoepe and her husband Gary Shoepe of Portland, son Jerry E. and his wife Tery Nicholson of Middleton, Id, grandsons Tim, Ted, Todd Shoepe, James Nicholson, granddaughter Carissa Nicholson, and great grandchildren Elizabeth, Ryan, Emilee, Cole and Heath Shoepe.

Trinette will be interred with her husband Alvin at Willamette National Cemetery. Please no flowers. Any memorials may be made in her name to the Corvallis Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation at https://samhealth.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage/tabid/146813/Default.aspx

A memorial to honor Trinette’s wonderful life will be held at Harthstone at Murry Hill 10880 Davies Rd, Beaverton, Or on August 9th, 2016 at 2p.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Young's Funeral Home, Tigard, OR.