Darrell Nichols 84, long-time Townsend area resident, passed away Sunday, February 12 due to complications arising from his battle with leukemia.
Born in Greeley, CO in 1932 to Roy and Leona Nichols, Darrell was raised on the family farm with his eight brothers and sisters near Hudson, CO. He served in the Marine Corps as an MP during the Korean War and when he returned home, began farming. By 1968, he’d relocated to the Yukon where he was a guide and helped run a remote fishing and hunting lodge. 1970 found him back in the US, in Missoula, where he became a tractor mechanic. Always on the move, three short years later he and his long-time partner Rick Price founded Valley Sales in Townsend, MT. The business proved successful and expanded from selling International Harvester agricultural machinery to Ford cars and trucks. The partners sold the business in 2009 and, never one to be without a project, Darrell and Gay purchased and renovated three beautiful homes in the Scottsdale, AZ, where they grew to love the warm climate and their good friends.
The creation Darrell was proudest of was the beautiful home and family retreat he and Gay built in 2006 on the shores of Canyon Ferry Lake, where all their friends, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were welcome. He loved being with them – fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, 4-wheeling, or just playing in the lake. In fact, Darrell’s happiest times were spent in the warm embrace of family, and they too treasured the gift of their days together.
Darrell made life-long friends wherever he went, and was always the guy you could trust to lend a hand with his inexhaustible energy and unbelievable range of skills. He could build a house from the ground up, tear a combine (or anything mechanical) down and put it back together, build a bridge, or fire up the tractor and blade your road out, all before lunch.
He is survived by his wife Gay Nichols with whom he has shared his life for the last 27 years; children Wanda Gunkel of Townsend, Bill (Cheryl) Nichols of Alaska, Debra (Kirk) Ratzlaff of Colorado, and stepsons Justin Grimsrud of Helena and Ryon Brewer (Judy) of Stevensville; his grandchildren Troy, Belinda, Janet, Tommy, Jon, Austin, Annica, Gordon, Molly, Will and Jessie (who was an enormous help during his illness); 15 great grandchildren and brothers Miles, Maynard and Lyle.
There will be a public celebration of Darrell’s life with an open house at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 212 Broadway, Townsend from 10:30 to 12:30, Saturday February 18, followed by a private graveside service at Townsend Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, Helena, MT, www.stpetes.org/LALdonation
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Darrell.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday February 18, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday February 18, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
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shari Harris says
Gay, I was so very sorry to hear about Darrell. I didn’t even know your were home. I know you will miss him greatly.
Bart & Trish Toney says
It is with deep sadness to hear of the passing of Darrell. Our many memories
& times visiting were so very special. Our father in heaven has received a wonderful man. We love Darrell he will be missed by so many.
Our thoughts are with his family in the days to come.
Hugs & Prayers! Bart & Trish
Sylvia says
My heart and prayers go out to your family.
I am so happy I had the opportunity to become friends with such a great man. I will never forget my visit to the lake. What a legacy Darrel left behind. He was kind to all. Me and my family will miss him. ??❤️ Jim and Sylvia
Norma Timmons says
Mick and I are so sorry to hear of Darrell’s passing. We send our love and sympathy. Matt sends his love, too.
Charlie and Jynnie Matteson says
Love and prayers for all at this time of grief Amen
Charlie and Jynnie Matteson says
So sorry to hear of your loss, Love and prayers
Henry & Kay Murray says
Such sad news …So so sorry Gay for you and all your family ??thoughts and prayers for strength for you all ❤️ His memories will always live in your heart ❤️
Jim Thomason says
So sorry to hear of Darrell’s passing.
Love to all.
A friend from long ago.
Jim Thomason
Ward and Sherry Scoffield says
Gay and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Darrell’s passing. And we wish we could be there to express that in person. Each time Ward was in Valley Sales he enjoyed his visits with Darrell. One time he had baler problems and Darrell took the time to come out to the farm to help him get it fixed! We keep you in our prayers and hope you will find great comfort with family and friends close around you.
Dave Hanson says
very nice write up. He must have been quite the person. Sounds like you did a lot of wonderful things and will have nany great memories to help you get along. It will get easier and you will always have those great memories.
Diana Graveley says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Darrell was one of the best machinery owners in the area. Also a good friend and helpful with machinery troubles.
A very special man and friend RIP from the Gary GRAVELEY family.
Cheryl Nichols says
I was fortunate to have him as a father in law he was always kind and welcoming to me. His and Gays home was always a safe haven for me. He helped shape our children. He will be missed.
Chuck and Lisa Larson says
I am so sorry to hear that Darrell has passed away. I have so many good memories of my time with he and Debra when we were high school students. I am praying for strength and peace for each of you. God Bless.
Charlie and Jynnie Matteson says
We always enjoyed a visit with Darrel, as the other grandfather. Darrel did so much with the family it was great to hear the stories and see what all was done. He will be greatly missed. Grandpa Charlie Matteson and Grandma Jynnie.
Dennis Hicks says
It was my pleasure to know Darrell and work with him. I have many fond memories about our association and efforts building a business in Blackfoot. I am so happy that we were able to spend an evening together before he passed. I learned much from Darrell. His honesty and integrity were beyond reproach. Continue his legacy and may he rest in peace.