- Date Of Birth: July 13, 1957
- Date Of Death: February 8, 2017
- State: Texas
John Edward Nicol had a life well lived, filled with happiness and love. He was born into a large, lively, loving family. He was the 4th of 6 children born to David & Genevieve Nicol on July 13, 1957. John grew up in Dallas attending St Thomas Aquinas and Skyline High School. His parents and siblings have many fond memories of these years – memories that include family camping trips and ski trips. John earned his graduate and master’s degrees at Rice University in Houston. John embarked on a career in Petroleum Engineering that included positions in Shell, Forrest A Garb & Associates, Blue Jay Operating, Denbury Resources and, lastly, as Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Energy Bank. Early in John’s life, he married Ms. Billie Sandle, and they had their beloved daughter, Christa. However, just as in nature, seasons changed John and Billie. John supported his daughter, and together they travelled forward to God’s plan for them. In 1996, John met the love of his life, Lisa and they married in 1999. Their family and hearts grew with the addition of a son, Preston in 2001.
Although John’s job at Wells Fargo required that he be away from home a lot the last year or so, John stayed closely connected to family. He spoke to Lisa and Preston several times each day, talking to them first thing each morning and in the evenings until they all fell asleep.
John never lost sight of from where his blessings came. He was faithful, grateful for the blessings in his life and above all, a kindhearted, good and giving man. He was also a man of integrity and an amazing role model for his children. He was always working to improve himself through Christ. John looked first to God for strength, guidance, blessings and favor and he looked for ways to be a blessing to others.
He was a wonderful husband, best friend and life partner to Lisa – always patient, loving, kind, adventurous and fun. John was incredibly intelligent and introspective and so interesting. Lisa said they would talk for hours and time seemed to pass quickly. They loved their time together. John always had a warm smile on his face and an easy approachable way about him. He enjoyed the conversation of others and had a gift for being “present” in conversation. He truly wanted to know about people.
John loved to build things and created beautiful spaces in his yard that the family enjoyed together. He loved to grow plants and was especially passionate about grapes. He had a dream of one day owning a vineyard. John loved the outdoors and felt closest to God in that space. Nature was his sanctuary and where he found peace.
John loved to travel, to explore new places, create new memories. John planned wonderful family trips and had planned more trips for this spring and summer. He even wanted to visit the Seven Wonders of the World. John dreamed big and yearned for more to do, more to see and more to experience.
John was so very proud of his children; Christa and Preston. He took great joy in everything they did. He would think of ways to stay connected with them. Like taking tennis lessons so he could play with Preston or meeting Christa for lunch near her office. He dearly loved Chesney, his granddaughter, and admired her strong spirit and said she was so smart, just like her mom.
Above all else, John cherished his family and wanted them to be safe and happy. He loved them well and blessed them each and every day with his love, his beautiful spirit and his faith.
John was preceded in death by his father David, sister-in-law Julia, and grandparents.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lisa, daughter Christa (Kevin) Christian, son Preston, and granddaughter, Chesney, mother Genevieve Nicol, brothers Mike (Sherri), Rob (Noreen), Dave (Pat), Tom and sister Kathy (Sean), nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
Lisa stated that she knew that God has appointed a time for each of us to live and to then return home again. Yet, she can’t help but feel John was taken too soon. He still had work to be done, a son to raise, dreams yet to be realized, more time with family and friends. She will be eternally grateful to have known him, loved him and shared part of this life’s journey with him. She knows that he is full of joy now and waiting for all of us to join him. John gave God praise and glory for all of his blessings. Lisa gives God praise and glory for the gift of John.
Those of us that John left behind still have work to do. The legacy that John leaves, the memories and love shared will guide us.
Until we meet again… .John, we love you always and will miss you beyond measure.
Friday, February 17th, 2017, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Creekwood United Methodist Church
Saturday, February 18th, 2017, 1:00pm, Creekwood United Methodist Church
