Kenneth W. Nickerson

Kenneth W. Nickerson, 95 of Johannesburg and Arcadia, FL, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Bayfront Health in Port Charlotte, FL.

Born on January 18, 1920 in San Antonio, TX, Ken was the son of Kenneth W. and Juanita L. (Redus) Nickerson. The family moved to Massachusetts for a number of years before returning to Texas and eventually moving to California where Ken graduated from Belmont High School in Los Angeles in 1938.

Ken attended Riverside Junior College in Riverside, CA for two years before receiving an athletic scholarship to the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO. After three years there, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marines because the U.S. had entered World War II. After he was discharged, Ken returned to finish his degree, graduating in 1948.

For 10 years, Ken was President of Royal Resources, a mining company, and for many years he worked as in independent engineering consultant to mining companies. In this capacity he traveled all over the world. In 1989 he retired. Throughout his career, he lived in Golden and Lakewood, CO.

Ken was preceded in death by his first wife, Gladys. On December 4, 1991 he married Leah P. (Campbell) Welch. Since their marriage, they had spent summers in Johannesburg and winters in Arcadia, FL.

Avid travelers, Ken and Leah enjoyed many trips over the last 23 years. Ken enjoyed playing golf, sailing, playing cards and craps. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of numerous Masonic orders including Scottish Rite, White Shrine of Jerusalem, and Royal Arch Masons and Commandry.

He is survived by his wife, Leah; a brother, Robert (Beverly) Nickerson of Ocean City, CA; a step grand daughter, Lisa of Wyoming; a sister-in-law, Ina Jean Fox of Johannesburg and a brother-in-law, Walter Campbell of Johannesburg as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Gladys; his sister, Marjorie Noller and a step daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Bill Quinn.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, with Masonic funeral rites by 45th Parallel Lodge #586 F&AM at 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2015 followed by interment with military honors at Mount Hope Cemetery in Johannesburg

Ken was a longtime supporter of Cal Farley's Boy's Ranch in Amarillo, TX. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions there in his memory, c/o P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, TX 79174-0001. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com