Robert Henry Nicholson, Jr. was born May 4, 1953 in Cushing Hospital, Cushing, Oklahoma. His parents, Robert Henry Nicholson, Sr. (deceased) and Ruth Marie Smith. Robert was known by friends and family as “Bob” or “Bobby”. His formative years were spent in Ponca City, Pawhuska and Dewey. In his elementary years, Bob was active in the church, participating in the Royal Ambassadors of the Baptist Church in Dewey. Attending Pawhuska High School, Bob was an accomplished saxophone player, sitting first chair and was crowned King during the band coronation. Graduating from Pawhuska High School in 1971, and after a road trip with a life-long friend, Bob joined the Navy.
His tenure with the Navy allowed him to travel the world. He was assigned both on ship and in port. Bob took advantage of the training provided by the Navy and gained rank to Chief Petty Officer and hospital administrator. Some of the ports he was stationed include Rota, Spain, St. David’s Island, Bermuda, Gulf Port, Mississippi, Camp Pendleton, California, Pensacola, Florida and lastly, Fallon, Nevada.
While in Pensacola, he met and married Bernadette Malecha. They transferred to Fallon, Nevada where their son, Clayton Eugene was born, February 10, 1986.
After an honorable discharge from the Navy he returned to Oklahoma. Bob attended trade school where he became a master machinist, certified in CNC, Lathe and Auto CAD. This allowed him to explore his creative side and sparked his interest in computers. However, an injury on the job cut his machinist career short. Bob then became engrossed in computers, learning all he could about the “how-to” of all computer programs and their relationships with other programs.
Bob could take any computer, diagnose its issue, and upgrade it to better than new. From this new fascination began his computer repair and restore business. He could bore you with the intricate and minute details of the RAM, ROM, GIGAs and BYTES. His common response to computer problems was “It’s a PICNIC: Problem In Chair, Not In Computer.”
Bob loved fishing, telling jokes, swapping stories, card playing, tinkering, repairing and most of all, his dogs. He reveled in finding a solution to making daily routines simpler, not just for people, but for his beloved dogs. He built ramps for the “boys” to get up and down the stairs without the “bump, bump, bump” the dachshunds experienced. Adding carpet for added luxury, the “boys” were thrilled to be able to travel up and down the porch without struggle. He took video of the dogs and their antics and proudly shared with one and all the funniest episodes.
Fishing was a passion. He was a sportsman with the mantra of “catch and release”. Bob was never “skunked” at fishing, he always caught a fish, all the while entertaining those around, usually family, with a witty story. Many hours spent with family reeling in, casting out and bringing them in.
He could quote just about any scripture and fix just about anything applying his ingenuity and God given mechanical talent. His proudest times were when he took something very common and inexpensive and turn it into a gizmo to make life tasks easier. He once rigged his mailbox to fly a flag thus signaling that the mail had been delivered. A very resourceful person, Bob knew a lot about everything and every system whether it was related to machines, people or services provided.
Bob knew how to talk to people and gain their confidence; everyone became his friend. This natural ability honed while in the Navy, carried him through many grim situations. His wit and charm cast a spell over many. His wish for everyone, every day was to always see the rainbow, regardless of the storm. He will certainly be missed by his wife, Naomi of Bartlesville, his son, Clayton Nicholson, wife, Aubrey, granddaughter, Scout of Faribault, Minnesota; mother, Ruth Reeb of Claremore, sister Robin Nicholson of Sapulpa, Dianne Forler, husband Roger of Claremore; nephews and niece and his two dachshunds, Blue and Stretch.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Starts at 12:00 pm (Central time)
Ft. Gibson National Cemetery
Visits: 4
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