Gary Nichols

Gary L. Nichols, 85,  died peacefully on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, surrounded by his family from complications of Covid-19 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS. Gary Nichols was born on July 9, 1935, in Kansas City, MO, and lived most of his life in Wichita, KS.  He was preceded in death by his parents Velma and Carl Nichols of Wichita, KS.  He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Mamoth Nichols of Wichita, KS, two sons Gary E. Nichols (Nancy Nichols) of Eden Prairie, MN, and David Nichols (Nikki Nichols) of Austin, TX, three grandchildren, Abby Nichols, Jack Nichols, and Nick Nichols, and a host of extended family members, treasured long-time friends in the Fire Service, and his beloved Portuguese Water Dog, Bentley.  After graduating from East High School, he accepted the position of firefighter at the Sedgwick County Fire Department.  Chief Nichols' career there spanned 40 years as he went up the ranks from firefighter in 1955 to Fire Chief in 1976 until his retirement in 1995. In addition to local and State professional activities, during his tenure as Fire Chief, he served as the International Director, then President of the Missouri Valley International Association of Fire Chiefs, and President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.  The family sincerely thanks the wonderful nurses who cared for Gary in ICU and the Hospice Unit at Wesley Medical Center. Their expertise and genuine caring approach during his courageous month-long battle with Covid-19 were most appreciated.