Memorial
The family of Richard W. Niccolls is deeply saddened to announce his death on December 8, 2020 at age 84. A private family service will be officiated by the Rev. Dr. Nancy J. Redman at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Due to the pandemic, guests are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. A livestream of the service can be viewed at the following link:
https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/74421499 on Saturday, December 19 at ten o’clock in the morning.
Rich was born in St. Louis to Mary King (Robertson) and Sam Niccolls on October 21, 1936. He was the third child of four born into their close-knit family. After graduating from Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, MO, Rich received his degree in Chemical Engineering and his Master’s in Materials Science from Washington University in St. Louis.
On September 23, 1961, Rich and Elizabeth Eckles were married at Mary Queen of Peace Church in Webster Groves, MO. He and Bette were blessed with four children: Steven, Julia, Phillip and James. They treasure their grandchildren: Travis, Jenna and Jason. Their sixtieth anniversary would have been in September 2021.
Professionally, Rich worked in research for Orchard Paper Co., Moloney Electric and McDonnell Aircraft until 1968 when the family moved to Minneapolis where he was employed by Honeywell. In 1971 Rich began working for Square D (now Schneider Electric) in Cedar Rapids. He retired in 2000.
Until recent years, Rich and Bette enjoyed sailing at Lake McBride and on lakeside vacations. Every spring, he has regretted selling his “Pirateer”! Since he was an avid reader, every vacation in the US involved packing books as well as Sudoku and crossword puzzle books. Favorite travels overseas have included England, Ireland and a family sail in the British Virgin Islands. In our long Iowa winters, Rich could be found in his workshop with woodworking, stained glass work or tying flies for fishing. In warm weather, he enjoyed gardening and fly-fishing for trout. In every weather, Rich and Bette enjoyed playing bridge. As long as his health permitted, he served as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Marion and volunteered as a driver for Aging Services.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents; infant son Steven; daughter Julia Niccolls-Marsh; brother and sister-in-law the Rev. Dr. Thomas and Elizabeth Niccolls; sister and brother-in-law Mary Rose and Bill Raufer.
Fond memories of Rich will be cherished by his wife Bette; sons Phil Niccolls (Tim Hedrick) of Oak Park, IL and Jamie (Michelle) Niccolls of Fairfax; grandchildren: Travis Niccolls, Jenna Niccolls and Jason Niccolls; brother John Taylor (Jeanne) Niccolls of VA; brother-in-law Jack (Mary) Eckles of St. Louis; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Marion or Prairiewoods Spirituality Center.