John Kennedy Nicholson, 62, beloved
husband, father, brother and uncle, died July
9, 2010, at the University of Utah hospital.
John grew up in a loving family in Lawrence,
Kan. At age 13, he traveled throughout Europe
for a year with his parents. This trip unlocked
a passion and curiosity for “how cities work”
that would lead him to his profession as
an urban planner. At the University of Kansas, where he
obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees, he met
the love of his life, Jane, and the two were married in 1970.
Feeling a draw to the Mountain West, they moved to Casper,
Wyo., then to Salt Lake City, and 31 years ago to Logan.
A 30-year career as associate professor in the Department of
Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at Utah
State University was fulfilling in every way. He loved working
with inspiring colleagues (many of them close friends) and
with so many bright students over the years. He embraced
the challenges and continuous learning that came with the
position.
Some of the most satisfying professional experiences for
John included: working on the Salt Lake City Olympic bid
in the early 1980s (which helped pave the way for the
successful 2002 bid), two Fulbright teaching fellowships in
Germany (1987-88 in Bremen, 1994 in Dresden), developing
and fostering an exchange program between the landscape
architecture programs at USU and the University of Ljubljana,
Slovenia, planning/leading several spring break study trips
for LAEP students to Paris and Berlin, and several stints as
a guest professor in the Master of Landscape Architecture
program in Bernburg, Germany. His many experiences in
Germany, most often with Jane, a German teacher, led to a
knowledge and love of the culture, fluency of the language
and lasting cross-cultural friendships.
John loved Logan and wanted to contribute to the
community by making it an even better place. He served
many years on the Historic Preservation Commission,
the Downtown Alliance, and most recently the Bicycle/
Pedestrian Commission.
John had many talents and interests: gifted musician,
designer and woodworker, enthusiastic athlete (windsurfer,
skier, biker …) “yurt” designer/builder, fly-fisherman,
adventure planner for the family - but perhaps his most
impressive talent was in raising two wonderful, loving sons
who want always to honor his memory.
Diagnosed almost two years ago with lung cancer, John
continued to live life to the fullest. He made it his mission to
be active every day, taking daily ski tours, bike rides or hikes.
The joy experiencing the beauty of nature brought was a
powerful cancer antidote. He was an inspiration to all who
watched as he faced the physical and emotional challenges
of really LIVING with a terminal diagnosis.
John is survived by his wife, Jane; and sons, Patrick and
Paul. His passing leaves a mighty void in their lives, but the
countless memories of his beautiful life will help sustain
them.
In lieu of flowers, John would prefer a donation to the John
Nicholson Scholarship Fund for graduate students in the
Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental
Planning, Utah State University, 4005 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT
84322-4005.
A memorial service for John was held on August 7th.
Published in Logan Herald Journal from July 12 to July 25