William Richard Nicholson

Our beloved William Richard Nicholson passed away peacefully, surrounded by many loved ones, on Monday, December 15th, 2025, at the age of 61. Our “Chilly Willy,” “Buddy ol’ Pal” went back to be with his mother, father, sister, teacher, grandparents, and most importantly, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

William was born in Salt Lake City on February 12th, 1964 to William Spencer and Cheryl Anne (Timmerman) Nicholson. He was their first child, and after the surprise of welcoming a child with Down syndrome, they quickly determined to love and care for him as they would any other child. And oh, how he (and they) were blessed by that decision. William, as with most special needs children, came with a heart that was eager to love and connect with people. His ability to bring joy and happiness to others was abundant and has been a beacon for those around him throughout his entire life. He epitomized one of his favorite phrases, “have an attitude of gratitude.”

His school years were monumental in helping him grow and develop, and he spent his early years learning at Jordan Valley School in Midvale, Utah. He was able to progress and earn his high school diploma at the age of 21. One of his favorite teachers at Jordan Valley was Doug Oldroyd. Years later, after Doug passed away at the young age of 39, his widow Marsha married William’s (widowed) father, and she became his chosen mother for the remainder of his life. William loved returning to Jordan Valley for many many years to attend their homecoming dance, and other alumni activities.

William was a dedicated and hard worker. He worked as a dishwasher at a few restaurants in his early working years, such as Seaman James Bartley and Casa Del Sol, both in Midvale. Later, he spent many years working as a bagger at Ream’s grocery store in Sandy. He took his job very seriously and loved bagging people's groceries and helping load their trunks for them. He worked various other jobs such as Carl’s Jr and Pizza Hut, wiping tables, and getting people their orders. He loved having a job, and especially loved hoarding his paychecks. He always had a hard time parting with them, even to let his dad deposit them into his bank account.

Social functions were one of the highlights of William's life. His next door neighbors, the Lambert family, visited the Hillcrest Care Center every Monday for a family home evening activity, and William regularly accompanied them. They would go talk with and entertain other special needs adults, and often pass out graham crackers for treats. Kent and Vicki and their children involved William in their weekly musical numbers, and eventually let him bring his treasured karaoke machine to perform for all his care center friends.

William was a thrill seeker! He loved a good rollercoaster ride, and was a big fan of Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, Utah. He liked all the big rides best, like the Rocket, Cannibal, and the White Rollercoaster. But his favorite ride of all time was Colossus: The Fire Dragon. Sometimes he was hesitant to give a new ride a try, but he always ended up with his hands in the air, screaming his excitement, and asking to go again. That’s a lot like how he approached most things throughout his life. Excitement, enthusiasm, and a gigantic smile.

Karaoke was one of William's greatest passions. Witnessing his pure joy and elation upon receiving his very first karaoke machine is a core memory for his sisters that were present for that fateful Christmas. Countless hours were spent singing in his room, at family gatherings, the Hillcrest Care Center, holiday parties, for the ward walk abouts, and any other function where he could convince the person in charge to let him bring it! “Who Let the Dogs Out” was a top favorite for many years, but was eventually overshadowed by “Drift Away,” by Uncle Cracker. Elvis Presley songs were usually on the playlist as well, and he often dressed in his Elvis costume when performing for others.

Another of William's favorite pastimes was attending summer camp at Camp Kostopulos. Every year he would plan for months and months to go spend time for a week (sometimes two) with other special needs people. He got to visit many different places and be with countless people that became instant friends when they shared these treasured camping experiences together. His parents also loved having a dedicated week to be able to clean out the year's worth of papers and treats that had accumulated in his bedroom, and to retrieve household items that had been “missing” for weeks or months at a time.

One of his favorite things to sneak down to his room was the electric pencil sharpener. He loved to write, spending hours at a time writing in his beloved Franklin Day Timer, and he went through dozens, if not hundreds of #2 pencils. Although sometimes reluctant to share the ones that still had a smidgeon of eraser left, he always had a pencil or two he would loan you. He looked forward each Christmas to sitting on Santa’s lap to give him his Christmas List, which always included a new set of calendar pages for his planner, a new box of pencils… and often a new karaoke machine, when his current one had been used and loved to the point that it no longer worked properly.

William served in various church callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His longest and most cherished one was as the Ward Greeter, where he happily welcomed any and all into sacrament meetings each week. He was such a beloved member of his ward, and loved his connections with friends and neighbors. Everyone looked forward to each February, the month of his birthday, when he would bear his annual testimony in fast and testimony meeting. His infectious smile and love for others was shared readily and endeared him to countless neighbors and ward members throughout his service.

Another weekly highlight for William, for many many years, was attending Special Needs Mutual. He loved participating in scouting and other activities, and especially looked forward to their annual road show. He always made sure that the directors worked in a part of the show for him to have the spotlight. He was fearless and loved gaining the attention of the entire crowd. Sometimes he even graced the stage with his Elvis costume. He thrived in the spotlight, and sometimes needed some encouragement to relinquish the stage to others so that the show could go on. He made so many friends and touched so many lives through the years he participated.

William often spoke about moving out someday and having his independence. His parents set up a trial run in a group home with Danville, and William was all too eager to make it permanent. After his father's unexpected passing within just a few days of his trial experience, Danville had an opening, and William moved out. He was quick to make friends with his new roommates, Daniel and Mike. He spent time in homes both in Sandy and Midvale, and eventually spent the last couple of years in Layton, when his memory began fading and he required a bit more hands-on care.

William spent his last days fighting hard, but making sure things happened on his own time line. Yet, he still lifted us, even through his pain, with his smiles, laughter, and infectious joy. His ability to heal our hearts and fill our souls will be one of the things that is missed the most. He truly was a giant among men, and had an enormous soul inside his tiny mortal frame. “See ya later, alligator. After while, crocodile.” I’m sure he would remind us that he's just “resting his eyes,” until we all meet again.

William is survived by his chosen mother, Marsha Oldroyd Nicholson, 9 of his siblings, Craig (Jenene) Nicholson, Lori (Scott) Johnson, Marshele (Robert) Fatzinger, Scott Nicholson (former wife Sarah), Jennice Wersland, Tyson (Mariah) Oldroyd, Bret (Laura) Nicholson, Jodi (Neil) Johnson, and Alisa (Mark) Dalecki. He is also survived by his 38 (soon to be 40) nieces and nephews, whom he adored and loved “growing up” with.

William is preceded in death by his dear parents, William Spencer and Cheryl Anne (Timmerman) Nicholson, his sister Corrine Oldroyd, and his brother-in-law Mikal Wersland. He is also preceded in death by his cherished school teacher, the first husband of his chosen mother Marsha, Douglas Rex Oldroyd. We know the reunion they each had with him was glorious, and full of laughter and hugs. “What a guy, quite a guy.”

Services will be held at the LDS chapel located at 8945 S 1700 E, Sandy, UT 84093. A viewing will be held Friday, December 19th from 6:00pm-8:00pm, and Saturday, December 20th from 9:30am-10:30am. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am. The interment will be held on Monday, December 22nd at Wasatch Lawn Memorial - 3401 S Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. Ward livestream: https://zoom.us/j/94072288265

In lieu of flowers, we encourage people to find a local Christmas charity to donate to. William loved Santa, and gifts, and all things Christmas. Flowers die, but the spirit of Christmas and giving can live on for years and years. It would be fitting to honor his memory by helping spread Christmas cheer to those in need this holiday season.

On behalf of William’s entire family, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all of the healthcare workers at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital in Layton, Intermountain Health in Murray, and especially the wonderful, dedicated, loving staff at Danville that took such wonderful care of him these last 6+ years. We cannot express enough what a profound impact you had on him and how comforting it has been to know that he has been in such wonderful, caring hands. We know how much you have loved and served him with your whole hearts! Thank you, from the bottom of ours!!