Date of Death: November 7, 2021
Service Details
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, MI 49093 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to service beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Three Rivers Church of the Nazarene, 1221 Coon Hollow Rd., Three Rivers, MI. Officiating the service will be Pastor Rich Saunders.
Obituary Notice
Bruce Mason Nichols, 79, of Three Rivers passed away Sunday, November 7, 2021 in his home surrounded by family. He was born May 4, 1942 in Lakewood, Ohio.
Bruce graduated from Grandville High School in 1960 and then moved on to complete his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Biology and Education at Ferris State College. In addition, he also completed course work at Grand Rapids Junior College, Grand Valley State, Central Michigan University, and Western Michigan University.
In 1963, Bruce began his career in the Chemistry Department at Blodgett Memorial Hospital (Spectrum Health). He next taught Chemistry at Grand Rapids South and Union high schools, worked as a chemist at Wolverine World Wide and lab manager at both Bad Axe and Three Rivers Hospitals. He ended his career at the Van Buren Intermediate School District, teaching laboratory skills to students entering the medical field.
His accomplishments included many publications in national and international journals. He continued his work lecturing on hemoglobinopathies, presenting at various medical conferences and colleges throughout the east and Midwest. Bruce’s biggest accomplishment came in 1970 when he was part of the Sickle Cell Anemia Research Group that not only discovered the treatment for the disease, but a screening method to prevent the crises and the progress of the disease.
Bruce enjoyed life and had many hobbies: fishing, hunting, traveling, his MG car club, and model railroading, to name a few. He never let his health issues hold him back from adventure or living life to the fullest. He was an avid community member participating on various boards and organizations that included the Red Cross, Lions Club, Eye Bank Program & Sight Conservation, Youth Exchange Program, the Michigan Chapter of NAMGAR (MG car club), and NMRA Association (model railroad club).
Bruce is preceded in death by his parents Mason Paris and Pauline Rose (Osgood) Nichols; sister, Judy (Bob) Scranton. Remaining to cherish his memory are brother, John (Marilyn) Nichols; daughters Amy Nichols (Geoff Zehnder) of Anderson, South Carolina; Shelley Nichols (Peter Berntsen) of Malmo, Sweden; Randi (David) McGee of Constantine, Michigan; and Robin Nichols of Port Austin, Michigan. His greatest joy was being a grandfather to Carter, Cohen, and Cooper McGee of Constantine, Michigan.
Additional Information
Donations in Bruce’s memory may be directed to Three Rivers Health Hospice, 711 S. Health Pkwy, Three Rivers, MI 49093. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Remembering Bruce and his love for teaching young people about the medical world. So very many of his students said that Mr. Nichols gave them the best (and sometimes most difficult) advice, and he did it with kindness and compassion. Through his knowledge and caring, Bruce will always have a hand in their careers — and life. My deepest condolences to his loving family and countless friends.
Bruce was our friend for over 20 years .When I moved here here he opened his home to me while I looked for a house. From the first time I met him I knew he would be part of my family. I will miss our trips for apples and Apple Cider but mostly I will miss you.
Bill and Arlene Brislen
Our condolences to Bruce’s family.
We will miss all the banter and story telling.
Bruce you will be missed.
rowdyrowdyrowdy!
Always enjoy getting together with Bruce at our model railroad get togethers. His sense of humor brought smiles to all.
He will be missed.
Greg Stonerock
To the Nichols family,
I am sorry to hear we have lost another classmate from Grandville High School. Bruce was always a great person to be around and have fun with. Living only a few doors from him we spent quite a bit of time together.
I had not talked with Bruce since our last class reunion a few years ago but new of the wonderful things he did with his life.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Ed Foltice – Class of 1960
Bruce was our best friend for over 55 years. His passing is leaving a huge hole in our lives and hearts. Rest in peace, dear Bruce, and save us a seat!
I am sending love and remembrance of so many wonderful memories of Bad Axe North and so many other events. Bruce was one of my wonderful MG Uncles that brought me knowledge, fun and joy of our little cars that we love so well. He exemplified what being a part of a great club should be. He defined the people first part of our club. Wishing him Safety Fast and peace to his family and friends. Katherine
Our most sincere condolences Bruce’s family. We have memories of Bruce going back to Bad Axe and his MGA boot cooler filled with ice and beer. He was always the first to step forward with sage advice or a turn of a wrench under the bonnet if needed. He was a thoughtful and caring human being and will be missed by so many.
So sad to hear of Bruce’s passing. Always a friendly smile when we met up at our NAMGAR meets over the years. Our prayers are with the family.
Rita and Dave Houser
Prayers and Hugs to the entire family on Bruce’s passing. What a man!! A heart of gold. Always cared for everyone around him. May you have peace and hang on to the memories.
Sincerely,
Diana
Oh Bruce you will be reunited with your buddies in heaven….George and Mert!! I smile to think that they will be raising a ruckus!! God Speed! Amy and Shelley heartfelt condolences to you.
Dearest Randi, Robin & Family,
So very sorry for your loss. Bruce was great to work with. He was a very smart man.
Always willing to take the time to help.
Let your great, fun memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.,
Hugs, David & Denise Miller
We knew Bruce through events of the MG club, the Rowdies. He left a memorable mark; always gracious, always kind, and always friendly. We can’t say we knew him well, but we certainly felt his warmth.
Bruce was lab manager at Huron Memorial Hospital in Bad Axe. He was a good manager and fair to his employees. Condolences to his family.
Ever so sorry to hear Bruce passed. Just saw him in August and he was moving slow, but seemed to be doing OK. He was very active with the car club and always a pleasure to catch up with. He will be missed. Condolences and prayers to the family. Steve Holliday
I knew Bruce almost all my life, and was so happy when he became my step-dad. He was always one of the best.
Bruce and I worked together at the Van Buren County Technology Center for sixteen years. Bruce wasn’t just my co-worker, he was my friend, mentor and confidant. I have so many memories of Bruce that I wouldn’t even know where to begin to share them. I can hear Bruce saying, “T.M.I.”! So I will just send my heartfelt condolences to Bruce’s family and friends.
Beer, Brats, Bad Axe, and Bruce – the four ingredients that started a 44 year friendship. He defined what a “People First” car club should be.
Safety Fast with Love,
Dave & Donna Quinn
Sincere condolences to all of Bruce’s wonderful supportive family. It was an honor to know Bruce for almost 40 years. He was a font of wisdom and a friend to all, especially among his car loving “Rowdie” friends and in every phase of his life. He will be missed. Ken and Kathy Nelson
I really liked Bruce and his outlook on life… even after the problems of aging crept up on him. Bruce was very nice guy and I’ll miss him. He was a neat guy.
A recently retired Rite Aid pharmacist,
Brad Beams
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire family. Bruce was a class act. He always carried the true Rowdies spirit and shared his interest in the people and the cars. He will be deeply missed. Most sincerely, Curt and Stephanie Smith