David (Dave) R. Nichols, 83, resident of Coeur d'Alene, went to be with his Lord on Jan. 26, 2012, in Coeur d'Alene. David was born Dec. 27, 1928, in Potlatch to James W. and Madeline (Hibbard) Nichols.

He attended Potlatch schools, and then proudly served in the United States Navy spending most of his tour in Guam. He married the former Ada Mae Sexton of Potlatch in 1948, and they then moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1949.

Dave worked for Potlatch Forest Industries where The Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course is now located, for 18 years. During and after this time he was a butcher at YJ's and then at Cy's until his retirement. He was a past president and member of the Kootenai County Saddle Club and past rodeo committee chairman. Being a cowboy at heart, his happiest times were spent tending to and riding his horses with fishing coming in a close second.

David is survived by his loving wife, Ada Mae at Life Care Center; son Norman of Helena, Mont.; son Dan of Texas; two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda (Steve) DeLano of Mesquite, Nev., and Kathy (Don) Murrell of Coeur d'Alene; sister Margie Hogewiede and his most beloved eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel and Jim; and sister Rose Smythe.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and love to all the staff at Autumn Haven for making his last years very special.

Until we meet again dear kind and loving husband, Dad, grandfather uncle and friend, we love you and you will be forever in our hearts.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene, with Military Rites by the Idaho Army National Guard. Burial will follow at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens.

Please sign David's guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.