Duluth Central High School Class of 1961
Classmates
Richard (Dick) Nicholas (Deceased)
Comments
Retired
Spouse: Catherine
8 Children
8 Grandchildren
3 Great Grandchildren
Information update: 02/02/2016

I enlisted in the United States Navy 6 July 1961 along with several of our classmates; I was in naval aviation, 'A' School 18 weeks, survival school training 2 weeks at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Had nuclear, biological, chemical warfare school in California in 1962 at NAS Lemoore. Worked with liquid oxygen and was a plane captain. I served at several duty stations in our country. I was Honorably Discharged from the United States Navy in 1967.

Worked for Duluth Avionics (Litton Industries) for 3 years, I became an Electro Mechanical Senior Lead man. Thirty-six women and four men worked for me. Worked for Minnesota Power for 33 years and retired at age 57, moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2001, where our oldest son and one of my four younger brothers lived and worked. We returned to Minnesota 4 years ago.

Met my wife to be, at a party for doctors and nurses (I was invited as a guest of St. Mary's Hospital Staff) we married 25 November 1967. We now have 8 children, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grand children.

At age 50 on December 22, 1993 I suffered massive heart attack, flat lined; they put the paddles to me and brought me back, it killed 2/3 of my heart that now operates at 13%of a normal heart. Have had six stints put in and one is medicated. Doctor of Internal Medicine said it was a miracle I lived.

Have traveled to Canada, Mexico, and in February of 1992 having been married for 25 years and not been away from children; we flew to London, England. We didn't get to see the Queen as she was in Australia. I have a brother who works for Alaskan Air Lines and I have been to Alaska five times salmon fishing; and touring Alaska.

Dick called 2/2/2016 and told us that he has severe heart condition and doesn't travel anymore.