Stephen Lawrence Nichols M.A. ’96: July 15, 1934 to Aug. 29, 2011. Nichols peacefully passed away at his home on Aug. 29 after losing his six-year battle with cancer. Stephen had just celebrated his 77th birthday; he was a resident of Twain Harte, Calif., for the past 11 years. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Helen Fergus Nichols and Lawrence Lewis Nichols, both deceased. Stephen lived his early years in Troy, Ohio. His family moved to Pasadena, Calif., then to Winnetka, Ill., before graduating from New Trier Township High School in 1952. He continued his education at Colgate University, where he was a member of the tennis team and Phi Gamma Delta. Upon graduation in 1956, Stephen entered the Navy as an officer. Stephen started his career in retail, working first with Montgomery Ward and Company and then Mervyns Department Stores. He was in retail for more than 20 years before changing careers to property management and commercial real estate. Stephen worked primarily in the Silicon Valley with Blackhawk Real Estate and Coldwell Banker-B Richard Ellis. While working full time in real estate, Stephen continued his education at Santa Clara University, graduating in 1996 with a master’s in psychology. In 2000 Stephen and his wife, Mikell Kelly M.S. ’96, made the move from the San Francisco Bay Area to Twain Harte to retire and build a new home. Stephen was active in the community serving on the board of the Twain Harte Homeowners Association. Also, he was involved in the community projects such as the Skate Board Park, the planning of a bocce ball court, and the brick memorial at the tennis courts. Stephen’s favorite community project was organizing Twain Hartes Litter Patrol. He was known as Captain Litter. One could see him frequently around town and along Twain Harte Drive picking up litter. This project is now being carried on by his friends and is an integral part of the homeowner’s association. Stephen was very active as a patron and fundraiser for Sierra Repertory Theater as a season ticket holder. He was always very excited to raise funds and donate to the theater. Stephen is survived by his wife, Mikell Kelly, also his sister, Cynthia Nichols Russell of Traverse City, Michigan. Children, daughter, Susan Nichols Stebal (John) of Willowick, Ohio; son, Peter (preceded in death in 1988); Stacey Larson (Bill) of Davis, Calif.; Eanna Sarah of Tuolomne, Calif.; Doug Johnson of Pacifica, Calif. He also leaves beloved grandchildren, J.P, Anna-Lesia, Julia, Amanda, and Mercedes.