Theodore Reginald Nicolay

Ted was born of November 27, 1920 on a farm near Colton, South Dakota to parents, Henry and Jeanette. He attended the Universities of Dubuque, Berkley and Redlands. In 1942, while a student at Redlands, Ted enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in the Pacific during WWII as a first lieutenant before returning to Redlands to earn his BS in Chemical Engineering. Upon graduating in 1948 Ted founded Western Vendors. By 1960, his company had grown dramatically to 132 employees with services throughout the Southwest. In 1961, Ted merged his company with 9 others to form Servomation Corporation, a leader in food service throughout the nation. Ted was appointed as Senior Vice President of the new company and oversaw the Western half of the United States. In 1964, the company was taken public on the New York Stock Exchange. Ted’s legendary charisma, business acumen and sales ability resulted in double digit growth with the additions of key accounts like the Forum, Jack Murphy Stadium, Kaiser Steel and Aerojet General. Also, Ted helped organize the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), becoming its Chairman in 1971. Ted was incredibly philanthropic serving in leadership roles for the YCMA, United Way, and Rotary International where he was bestowed the Paul Harris Fellow Lifetime Award. He was an active member of his church and a 32nd Degree Mason with over 50 years of service. Ted also served on the Board of Trustees of the University of Redlands from 1974 to 1983. There he was recognized with the Distinguished Service and Alumni Achievement Awards.

Ted was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, great friend and mentor to many. He was a big brother to sisters Gretchen and Geraldine and a brother to Harlan who all preceded him in death. Ted married his first wife Nathelle (deceased) and had two children, daughter Sandy (deceased) and son Reg. In 1975, he married his second wife Carole and became father to her three children Bill, Jim and Kathleen. Ted and Carole welcomed Jeff, as their final of 6 children. Sadly, in 2016 Carole passed away after a battle with cancer. Ted is survived by his children Reg Nicolay, Bill Ashby, Jim Ashby (spouse Donna), Kathleen Modlin (spouse Reg), and Jeff Nicolay. Along with grandchildren Reggie, Billy, Brian, Stephen, Jennifer, Katelyn, Annie, Andrew, Tyler and Finley and great grandchildren Evan and Emilia. Jeff’s spouse, Jana and granddaughter Lauren also preceded him.

Ted lived every day to the fullest. His charisma, persuasive way, generosity and deep interest in the well-being of others are legendary. He loved spending time with his family, friends, worshiping God, ranching, hunting, horseback riding, playing golf and beating anyone he could at Gin Rummy. Ted will be greatly missed, but his legacy will always be with us.

Services will be held at Montecito Memorial Park in Colton, CA on Monday July 8th at 1pm (viewing beginning at 12pm). Following the services, a reception will be held at the Casa Loma Room at the University of Redlands. All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in Ted’s memory to the University of Redlands. Gifts may be made online at www.redlands.edu/givenow or may be sent directly to the Office of Development, 1200 E. Colton Avenue, Redlands CA 92373.