Richard Gordon Nicks

Richard Gordon Nicks passed away at Cottage in the Meadow on Nov 16, 2013 surrounded by his family. He had been battling lung cancer at home until a week ago. He was born in Ephrata, WA on Feb 16, 1931 to Gordon and Thelma Nicks. He graduated Ephrata High School in 1950 and shortly after, married his first wife Doris E Ford in 1951. They had four children together; Linda in 1953, Richard Jr in 1955, James in 1957 and Patricia in 1960. His wife Doris died on Dec 21, 1977. On June 30, 1979 he married his current wife of 34 years, Judith Ann (Miller) Covelli. Richard had worked in law enforcement for 38 years. His positions included: the Chief of Police in Ephrata, the Elected Grant County Sheriff, the Chief of Police in Selah, and the Assistant Director of the WA State Gambling Commission. He served as President of the WA State Sheriff Assoc, the VP of the WA State Sheriff and Police Chief Assoc., He had been a past President of the Ephrata Kiwanis Club and Master of the Ephrata Masonic. He served a term as a Selah City Councilman. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in Washington D.C. in 1964 and from the National Sheriff's Assoc. in Los Angeles, CA. Preceding him in death are his parents Thelma and Gordon Nicks, his first wife Doris Nicks and daughter Patricia Nicks, his brother Allen Nicks. He is survived by his wife Judith Nicks of Yakima, his daughter Linda (Bruce) Kinney of Yakima, his son Richard (Yuko) Nicks Jr of Federal Way, his son James (Vickie) Nicks of Spokane, his step-son Frank (Pam) Covelli of Yakima, his step-daughter Sharon (Gordon) Evans of Yakima and his step-son Richard (Laura) Covelli of Bellingham, numerous grandchildren and one great-grand daughter.

The family expresses great appreciation to Memorial Hospice and home nurse Shelby Anderson, Dr Cleary and Dr Boyd and finally to Cottage in the Meadow. There will be no formal services per Richard's wishes... although he expressed that, "It would be a nice thought for all of the family, have a get together after my death at a time and place, convenient for all"

Please share your memories and condolences on Richard's "Forever Obituary" at www.valleyhillsfh.com.