Gerald Walter (Bill) Nicks was born May 4, 1928 in Nampa, Idaho to Walter F. Nicks and Eva Ida (Bickford) Nicks. He had one sister, Colleen Nicks Jones.
Bill grew up farming with his family in the Treasure Valley, where he attended schools in Meridian and Boise. He joined the US Navy in 1945 and served in WWII.
After discharge he returned to school where he met his wife, Marjorie Wright Nicks. They married in June 1948 and celebrated 58 years together. They had three children, Theresa Topmiller (Chuck Batie), Debra J Yensen (Doug), and James Nicks (Jill).
Bill attended school at ISU and received his degree as a machinist. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad before moving to Huntington, Oregon where he worked for Oregon Portland Cement Co. at Lime and Durkee, and later retired. Bill’s time in Huntington was filled with friends and family where he loved being in nature, fishing, hiking, and hunting. He became an avid archer creating his own bows and arrows, and his love of hiking took him on multiple adventures in Idaho and Oregon. Many hours of fun were spent on the Snake River boating, skiing, rafting, and riding jet boats into Hells Canyon. He worked tirelessly with his friends to support the small community with projects sponsored by the VFW, serving on the fire department, and working as an ambulance attendant. The family moved to Weiser, Idaho in 1965 where Bill spent many years involved in the Elks Lodge and eventually was elected State President. He spent many years as a Boy Scout leader. He loved teaching outdoor and survival skills to many. His love of nature was passed on to a younger generation, many who stayed in contact through the years.
He and Marge loved to travel. They spent their retirement traveling around the United States meeting new people and seeing the beautiful country. They eventually settled in Wellton, Arizona for the winters while continuing to summer in Weiser. In Wellton, Bill built a new home and workshop. He made many new friends, fast becoming a part of a community. He loved playing golf, exploring in the desert, collecting rocks, and making jewelry.
Bill is preceded in death by his wife Marge, his parents, and his sister. He is survived by his three children, 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, plus his niece and nephew.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Weiser Golf Course on Saturday, July 6, 2024, from 11:30 – 2:30. Please join Bill’s family to celebrate a life well lived!
