Scott Ray Nicholson </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 6:15 PM on Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Scott Ray Nicholson

Aug. 6, 1951-April 8, 2009

Homer and former Big Lake resident Scott Ray Nicholson, 57, died April 8, 2009, in Eaton, Colo., after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer. A celebration of Scott's life is June 27, 2009, in Sutton, where family and friends will gather to share memories and remember Scott and how he enriched the lives he touched. Scott's wishes were to have his ashes scattered over Butterfly Lake, an area that he loved.

Scott Ray Nicholson

Scott was born Aug. 16, 1951, to C. Ray and Caroline (Peterson) Nicholson in Hallock, Minn. He graduated from Natrona County High School in Casper, Wyo., and from Moorhead Area Technical Institute in Moorhead, Minn. Scott was involved in heavy equipment maintenance repair and diesel engine overhaul all his life. He was a well respected and proficient mechanic, working both independently and with large corporations who sought his skills and work ethic for their businesses. At the time of his death Scott was employed by Nabors Alaska Drilling, where he had worked for 15 years.

Scott came to Alaska in May of 1985, and knew he had found the place he was meant to be. He loved all that Alaska had to offer, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling in his motor home. He cherished spending time with his beloved pugs, Bubba and Maybeline, and when given the chance, would be found on one of his Harley motorcycles. He especially loved working on his 1979 shovel-head, known to his friends as "the Old Man of the North."

Scott was preceded in death by his mother Caroline and his brother Rick.

He is survived by his wife and soul mate, Sharon, of Homer; his daughter and son-in-law Tonya and Martin Holbrook of Minot, N.D., and grandchildren Ariel, Darius and Grace of Minot, N.D.; his stepson and daughter-in-law Travis and Danielle Jones of Big Lake and grandson Travis Jones II "T.J." of Big Lake; stepson Jason Reichert of Bremerton, Wash; stepdaughter and son-in-law Leah and Joshua Callihan of Hilliard, Ohio, and granddaughter Nicole Callihan of Hilliard; his father, C. Ray Nicholson of Navajo Dam, N.M.; brother and sister-in-law Randy and Amy Nicholson of Farmington, N.M.; niece Caroline Nicholson of Reno, Nev.; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and special friends Al, Becky, Jim and Darlene.