Glenn Edward Nichols

Glenn Edward Nichols, 93, of Fountain Valley, passed away June 8, 2023. He was born in Oberlin, Ohio. Glenn skipped two grades in elementary school and graduated from Wellington High School in 1946 where he excelled academically, on the baseball team and as their star Football quarterback. A military veteran, Glenn served 5 years in the U.S. Navy as a Corpsman, stationed at Camp Pendleton with the U.S Marine Corps. He attended Ohio State University and Oregon State University. He began his teaching career in his home state of Ohio but quickly moved to California where he taught the sciences for over 32 Years. He repeatedly would tell the story that there was a lot less snow to shovel in the winters of Southern California. He retired after his last teaching assignment as a professor teaching Chemistry at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, where he taught for 21 years.

Glenn and his wife Benita began their lifetime enjoyment of square dancing in 1965 as members of the Calico Rompers Club of Montclair, California. He quickly became a Square Dance Caller and found his love of teaching others square dancing which he continued until he was 89 years old. Glenn and Benita were instrumental in helping many in Orange County become accomplished square dancers in their involvement and his teaching the Button and Bows, Royal T's, Lariats, Chevron Squares, and Keystones square dance clubs and the former Golden West College Rustlers square dance program, which Glenn established at the college. Early calling mentors of Glenn’s were Lee Schmidt in his rhinestone square dance attire calling the “Crawdad” and Bob Van Antwerp, who Glenn often said had the smoothest voice there ever was. In later years as his calling days were winding down, he spoke highly of the talented callers Mike Seastrom and Ken Bowers.

Glenn and Benita enjoyed their extensive RV travels to every US state. Alaska was their favorite state, which they visited twice with close square dance friends, three RV’s caravanning through the parks. They also enjoyed many stays with other square dancers at Puddingstone campground, various Grand Nationals and even the Calgary Dance Stampede once. Throughout their travels after pulling into a campground their first item of business was to locate a local square dance to attend that night. They met many new friends along the way and square dancing enriched their lives in more than words can convey.

Once while camping Glenn and Benita were introduced to the game, “Pegs and Jokers”. Inspired, Glenn created his own version and after introducing it to friends soon started receiving requests for the board game. In his Fountain Valley garage-woodworking shop he went on to craft over 313 board games for fellow square dancers, their friends and family. He loved the thought that he was creating something that brought people together. Glenn was contacted by folks in most every state who played the game once and were hooked! He would gather the details, quote a price that pretty much covered the cost of materials and shipping. The recipients would ask where they could send the payment so he could purchase the materials. Glenn would tell them there was no need to pay in advance, just pay when they received the board in the mail. Never once did he not receive payment for a game. Not once. So many of the games were requested and sent to the Mariposa County Square Dancers that he and Benita visited to surprise them on one of their game nights. Upon introduction to the large group in attendance, they were met with wild applause.

Glenn is survived by his children, Steve (April), Mark (Cindy), Kathleen, Karen and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Glenn is preceded in death by his beloved wife Benita and first grandson Austin Nichols. A Glenn Nichols Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit new Square Dance callers has been established. Tax deductible Donations and Contributions may be mailed directly to:

GLENN NICHOLS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND,

c/o CALLERLAB Foundation,

494 S. Emerson Ave, Suite H1

Greenwood, IN 46143-195

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westminstermemorial.net for the Nichols family.