Obituary of David C. Nichols

David C. Nichols, age 78 of the Town of Lewiston, NY died peacefully, surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo on Wednesday, September 13, 2017.

David was born September 22, 1938 in Niagara Falls, N.Y., the son of the late Cameron E. and Nina T. Nichols. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette H. (Henschel) of 51 years, and his children, Sarah R. Nichols of Na'alehu, Hawaii, Cameron D. (Brooke) Nichols of Penfield, NY, and Andrew J. (Sarah) of Lewiston; his grandchildren, Camryn, Abigail, Quinn and Luke; his brother Dr. John P. (Carol) Nichols of College Station, TX, and sisters Sue (Ronald) Mirabelli of Lewiston and Nina Ann (Floyd) Ray of Kissimmee, FL; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In 1970, David and Jeanette assumed full responsibility of the Nichols family farmstead, making him the fourth generation to farm the original 150 acre Ridge Road parcel. During his 47-year tenure he increased the farmable land to 250 acres, in which his primary focus was growing fruit. Throughout his life he was a prominent leader in the Western New York agricultural industry and community, playing significant roles in two grower-owned cooperatives – the Western New York Cherry Producers Cooperative, and National Grape Cooperative, which grows juice grapes exclusively for Welch's. Throughout the 1970's and 80's the farm also focused on the production of wine grapes for Taylor Great Western Winery, in Hammondsport, NY. Along with his life's passion for farming, David loved spending time with his family; reading historical books; traveling; old farm tractors; listening to bluegrass; and solving the world's problems every morning with his friends at the coffee shop.

Friends and family may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville, on Friday, September 22 from 4 to 8 PM. Funeral and burial services will be private. Gifts may be made in memoriam to the Foundation of Mercy Hospital, 565 Abbott Road, Buffalo, NY 14220, in gratitude of the excellent and compassionate care they provided David in his final days.

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