Rodney Glen Nicholson, Sr.

Of Winston, Oregon, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2008, at the age of 53. He was born January 4, 1955, in El Dorado, Kansas, the son of Melvin Dallas and Iris D. (Zane) Nicholson. He moved as a child to Roseburg, Oregon, where he was raised and educated. Rodney trained as a Master Craftsman with an apprenticeship and classes through Oregon State University. He went on to work with several contractors, including Dick Stritzke, Jack Mathis, Allan Yokum, Top Deck (Seattle), and Roseburg Forest Products. Rodney later became self-employed and found immense pleasure in passing on his artistic talents to his sons, as Nicholson and Sons Construction. Rodney loved crafting with his hands and could build almost anything, with examples of his fine work found throughout the county. He was particularly proud of his projects where his creative talents were given free rein, such as the homes of his sister, his aunt Pauline, and Drs. Rubin and Hollander. Rodney enjoyed collecting die-cast metal cars, coins, old Christmas ornaments, and rebuilding and restoring old cars. He loved attending the races with his friends and kids and playing horseshoes with family during annual reunions. Rodney's true allegiance was always to family and friends, all of whom he held dear. Christmas was truly his favorite time of year. Rodney was preceded in death by his father, Melvin. He is survived by his daughter, Misty, and granddaughters, Talia and Keila; sons, Rodney Jr., and Dallas; daughter, Jenny, their mother, Jody, and granddaughter, Riley. He also leaves his mother, Iris Williams and husband, Charlie of Shoreline, Washington; brother, D. Keith Nicholson of Seattle, Washington; and sister, Janet Kischel and husband, Don and children, Paige and Jordan, of Roseburg. Rodney is survived by his uncle, Eldon Zane and his children, Toni and Rick; his aunt, Pauline Clayton of Myrtle Creek and her children, Beverly, Otis and Paul; his aunt, Carol Rasmussen and husband, Richard of La Pine, Oregon, and their children, James, Lynnette and David; and close family friends, Judy and James Laycock of Roseburg. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2009, at the Winston Foursquare Church. A reception will follow at the Evergreen Grange in the Green area of Roseburg. Arrangements are under the direction of Taylor's Family Chapel.