Kent O. Nichols

A time to celebrate Kent’s life will be Saturday, March 8, 2014 from 2pm to 4pm at McLaren’s Funeral Chapel 801 – 19th St. West Des Moines, Iowa.

Kent Orville Nichols was born August 26, 1925 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Harold Watson Nichols and Katherine Louise (Earle) Nichols. He grew up in Toronto, Ontario. He left high school early to enlist in the Canadian Army. After serving four years in the 27th Armoured Regiment in England and Holland during World War II he returned to Toronto and obtained his high school diploma.

On September 11, 1953 Kent married Helen Horkoff in Toronto. The couple was blessed with 60 years of marriage and four children; Paula, Catherine, Hilary and Kimberly.

Following his return to civilian life Kent went to work for agricultural equipment manufacturer, Massey-Harris (later Massey-Ferguson.) As a result of his employment with Massey-Ferguson, Kent and his family moved to Des Moines on July 7, 1967. His career spanned more than 50 years. Kent was an excellent co-worker and friend. He always had time to listen to a story and tell a joke.

Kent was a rock for his family and made it a point to teach his children to “never lose sight of your sense of humor” and “you always need to smile.” Prior to retirement he had a passion for playing golf – which he would before he cut the grass on Saturdays. He enjoyed NHL, especially the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Most of all he loved his wife and his children. Kent loved all his grandchildren and made each one of them feel “the most” special.

Kent is survived by his wife, Helen; children, Paula (Tom) Hatch, Cathy Nichols, Hilary (Tim) Lindell, Kim (Dan) Shelburg; grandchildren, Jay, Charlie, Nicole, Brittany, Cullen, Nellie and Kent; brother, Don Nichols and sister, Dortha McKee. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Stafford McKee; and sister-in-law Josephine Nichols.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to the Red Cross.