Ethan Robert Nicholas

Ethan graduated from Castle View High School on May 18, 2022 and eagerly began the search for his dream job in the mechanical field, choosing aviation maintenance technology following in his father’s footsteps. He studied diligently and was incredibly proud of achieving an Associate's of Applied Science degree as an Aviation Maintenance Technician from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology on March 26, 2024 and obtained his Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic license in December 2024.

Prior to graduating from Spartan, he accepted employment at Alstom Transport USA, working at Denver International Airport (DIA) as the youngest Operation & Maintenance Technician for the people mover transit system. He was proud to be a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 25. He was happily progressing thru the steps to complete his Automated People Mover Conveyance license.

From the moment Ethan stepped into his new profession, he genuinely loved his job - the type of work, the coworkers, the comradery, not to mention the paycheck. He looked forward to what tomfoolery would unfold on any given day.

He was always on the lookout for a new interest to investigate, as long as it didn’t involve wind, bugs, sand, camping, flies, dirty water and, most of all, uncomfortable socks. He did, however, have a passion for video games; anything automotive; pestering his sister, Paige; guns; snowboarding; dirt bikes; motorcycles; golfing; flexing and posing with his newfound muscles; nice cologne; snowmobiling; loud cars/straight pipes; sleeping/napping with his lifelong canine companion, Lil Man; bowling; Wordling with colleagues; car tree air fresheners; popsicles; anything cuddly and soft; his family; friends; Sophie and the entire Stolzer family, to include their cat “Rocky.” And, last, but not least, Ethan adored a good pair of socks.

To know Ethan, was to know the absolute best hugs, the kindest of hearts, an honest answer, world of silliness, goofy faces, meticulousness about his things, curiosity for life, and his absolute delight in using nicknames. He found rage-baiting (teasing) his friends a satisfying endeavor. Although often seen as quiet, soft spoken and reserved, the flipside of Ethan was fun-loving, boisterous, outspoken, ambitious and most of all very humorous; you just couldn’t help but love and adore him.

Ethan’s life will be celebrated with a public viewing on Tuesday, April 7, from 4-7 pm, and a memorial service on Saturday, April 11 at 2:00 p.m. Both events will be held at Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel, 407 Jerry St., Castle Rock, CO (OlingerAndrews.com). If you are unable to attend the memorial service in person, a live stream will be available on the day of the service.

In Ethan’s words, “I’d love to be there with you but...“I can’t; I have shit to do.”

Ethan Robert Nicholas is survived by his loving parents, Dana Sue Sachse and David Duane Nicholas; three siblings Jason Smith, Ryan Smith (Alaina), Paige Nicholas; nieces Blayke and Peyton Smith; maternal grandmother Merle Sachse; six aunts Sandra Bea Nicholas, Kathleen Rogerson, Ann Nicholas, Donna Kohlbeck (Kim), Deborah Hahn (Gary), Diana “DeeDee” Ramstetter (Kirk); ten first cousins, Jeremy Zarhte, Brett Zarhte, Andy Hahn, Kevin Hahn, Jason Hahn, Michelle Young, Heather Roberts, Heath Young, Christian Rogerson, Sebastian Rogerson; and 17 extended cousins. Ethan is also survived by his soulmate and love of his life, Sophia (Sophie) Stolzer, as well as her amazing family, including Rocky, the cat.

Ethan was preceded in death by his grandparents Charles Duane Nicholas (2000), Donald Robert Sachse (2010) and Mary Doreen Nicholas (2023).