Robert Ralph Nichols

August 10, 1959 - February 21, 2021

Robert Ralph Nichols, 61 of Mesa, Arizona passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021 from pancreatic cancer. He was in his home, surrounded by his family. Rob was born August 10, 1959 in Oxnard, California to Ralph Calvin Nichols (97) and Mary Belle Nichols. He married Jennifer Shanks in 1983. Rob was a loving father to his four amazing kids. Gregory Nichols (33), Kimberly Nichols(31), Brittney Nichols(20), and Andrew Nichols(18). He attended Northern Arizona University where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education and then attended Arizona State University earning a Master’s in Cello Performance. Rob taught orchestra at Mesa High School, Dobson High School and Benjamin Franklin High School. Rob volunteered his time serving both the Arizona Music Educators Association and Arizona Band and Orchestra Teachers Association in almost all positions. From 2009 to 2015 he served as President elect, President and Past President of the Arizona Music Educators Association. He was awarded the George C Wilson Leadership award, the OM Hartsell Excellence in Teaching Award, the Arizona Music Educator of the Year 2015, Teacher of the Year Ben Franklin High School 2019, and NAU's Alumni Achievement award in 2000. Highlights of his teaching career include two performances at Carnegie Hall in New York. But he would also say, “When the students and I connect during a performance and together we create really beautiful music, sometimes those moments are so emotional, and the tears just flow, those are the best moments.” Rob enjoyed fishing and camping with his family. Some of our family’s best memories were camping at Big Lake, and Woods Canyon Lake. When asked which trips were favorites, Rob said, “The ones where I caught the most fish.” But as a family we remember how much fun we had, and how we enjoyed being together as a family, unplugged and without stress. Because Rob worked so hard to achieve excellence in all parts of his life, having moments where we could just be together and have fun were the best. Rob placed his faith in Jesus Christ at a young age. His church home was Trinity Church in Mesa Arizona for the last 38 years. At Trinity he lived out his faith serving in many ministries. God was very personal to Rob. He was confident, knowing that death was not the end, but just the beginning of a whole new life with Jesus in heaven. Rob’s faith was built on God’s sovereign plan for his life. His hope was in God for healing, either here on earth or total healing in heaven. Rob is survived by his wife Jennifer; children Greg (Carrie), Kim, Brittney and Andrew; grandchildren Kathryn, Madilyn, Brooklyn, and Joslyn; father Ralph Nichols and sisters Jean Pizano, Marilyn Hamm, and Judy (Patrick) Allen. He was preceded in death by mother Mary Belle Nichols and brother James Nichols A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Trinity Church Mesa, 2130 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ. Pastor Jared Moore presiding. A recording of the service will be posted on the “Friends of Rob Nichols” Facebook page Saturday afternoon. Stories and condolences can be shared on the “Friends of Rob Nichols” Facebook page. The family wishes memorial donations be made to Trinity Church - Rob Nichols Youth Scholarship Fund 2130 E University Mesa, AZ 85203 or online at trinitymesa.church Mesa High School Rob Nichols Memorial Orchestra Fund - donate through school website or mail to (please include note with account title) Mesa Public Schools Attention Accounting 63 E Main St. Mesa, AZ 85201 Dobson High School Rob Nichols Memorial Orchestra Fund - donate through school website or mail to (please include note with account title) Mesa Public Schools Attention Accounting 63 E Main St. Mesa, AZ 85201 Benjamin Franklin High School https://hs.bfcsaz.com/giving/mr-nichols