BOB NICHOLES-RIP
Posted by Leora Summers
on Jul 18, 2014
Former Caldwell Rotarian Preston R. "Bob" Nicholes passed away on June 23, 2014. He was a member of our Rotary club for 64 years before moving to Boise. He was our club's president during the 1959-60 Rotary year. He was a Paul Harris Fellow+3. Bob was an amazing entrepreneur who loved the challenge of making things happen. He grew up in little Huston, Idaho as a mercantile owner's son to become a successful owner of multiple gas stations through his "Bob Nichole Oil Company", better known as the BONICO dynasty.
Bob exemplified "Service Above Self" having also been a past president of the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Caldwell Zoning Board, Vice President of the Oil Heat Institute, Chairman and Life Member of the Caldwell Salvation Army and Co-chairman of Advanced Gifts for the United Fund. He was involved in C of I fundraising campaigns as well as a benefactor to both the C of I and the Caldwell YMCA.
His passion though was flying. He flew in WWII in the Army Air Corps where he was a 2nd Lieutenant and later served as an instructor for the B-25's. He used his flying skills in his beloved Beechcraft Bonanza any time he got a chance, and occasionally flew critically ill children to larger metropolitan areas during the '50's and '60's.
Bob's family suggested that donations may be made in Bob's name to Caldwell Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 24, Caldwell, ID 83606.
Fly high friend! Salute! Job well done!