Bernard Nichol Obituary

Bernard Elroy "Bernie" Nichol, age 93, passed away peacefully in San Mateo, CA on April 29, 2023, after recently being visited by his six loving sons. He joins his wife of 60 years, Eileen Nichol, who passed away in 2019. Bernie was born in Billings, MT on May 21, 1929, to Bernard and Stella Nichol. He graduated from Billings High School, Montana State University, and St. Louis University Dental School (Missouri). He served as a Naval Officer stationed in Korea and Japan, providing dental care to military personnel. Upon his return to the United States, he was stationed at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, the city where he eventually met and married his adored wife. After leaving military service, he ultimately built a thriving dental practice in Millbrae, CA, which he continued until his retirement in 1990. Bernie and Eileen raised their family in San Mateo, CA, where they were longtime communicants of St. Catherine's Catholic Church. After their retirement, they moved to Belmont, CA, where they lived in a home that made them feel like they were on perpetual vacation. They attended the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church after their move. Bernie loved duck hunting, fishing, puttering in the yard, traveling extensively with Eileen, and rising early every morning for his daily swim. He instilled many of these interests and his strong work ethic in his sons. He loved nothing more than doing projects with them and watching the six of them banter around the dining room table. He loved his grandchildren near and far: Kelly; Collin, Garrett, and Alana; Kyle; Matthew, Bryan, and Courtney; and Ryan and Brady. "Grandpa" was proud of their accomplishments and found great joy in their visits. Bernie was predeceased by his wife, his parents, and his sister, Sister Catherine Nichol. He is survived by his sons, John (Barbara), Dan (Lisa), Jim (Heather), Larry (Maribel), Thomas (Cassandra), and Patrick (Dawn); his ten grandchildren; his sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Frank Rathman; and many nieces and nephews. Bernie's Roman Catholic faith was central to his life. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Belmont, CA on Friday, May 19, at 11am. Graveside services will follow immediately at St. John's Cemetery in San Mateo, CA. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Bernard Elroy Nichol, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.