Tribute

Peter Robert Nichols, 84, of Corona CA, died on February 15, 2025, at his home in Corona, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on April 10, 194,0 to Bob and Ruth Nichols in Vancouver, Canada. Pete became a powerful distance runner in high school, never once losing a cross-country race. Running was one of his life's passions. When he was running, he was happy. Pete was a very competitive runner on the University of Portland track team as well, which he attended on a track scholarship. He ran various distances, and his forte was the half mile. He also played soccer in college and traveled internationally to play in other countries. Pete was a highly regarded teacher and administrator at public, private, and charter schools. Both careers he found to be very fulfilling. In addition, Pete worked at his second job in Security at Disneyland for over 15 years and said it was the best job he ever had. Another passion of Pete's was music. He loved to play the piano and he had a distinct style that you could easily recognize. One of his greatest joys was spending time supporting his children at track and cross country meets, piano recitals, softball and baseball games, dance performances, awards banquets, graduations, and other events. Later in life, Pete and his partner, Diane, volunteered to organize their community library and fed apples from their tree to rescue horses. We rarely know the impact of our lives on others. Pete may never have known how much confidence he instilled in the students and teachers he taught, the joy he brought to the kids he coached the feeling of security he brought to families as he patrolled the Happiest Place on Earth or the gratitude of the elderly he delivered meals to. Yet, he surely knew he was loved as he passed from this world having been surrounded in his final days by those who loved him. Pete is survived by his life partner, Diane, sister, Betsy, and children, Anne, Marilyn, Elizabeth (Beth), Peter Jr. (Rob), Rebecca (Becky), Mark, and Tony. Pete had 9 grandchildren: Jasmine, Emily, Jacob, Zackery, Katie, Christopher, Joshua, Marcus, & Emmett. He also had 2 great-grandchildren: Sage & David. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, David, and sister-in-law, Jan. A Celebration of Life was held on March 6, 2025, at Fullerton Free in Fullerton, CA. Pete donated his body for research to Science Care. His gift of whole body donation allows medical researchers and educators to practice, learn, and create new techniques that continue to improve and save lives. Memorial donations may be made to True Innocents Equine Rescue (tierrescue.org), a 501(c)3 organization that rescues abused, neglected, abandoned, and unwanted horses.

Friends & Family