[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5652]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF THE HONORABLE DENNIS 
                           ``NICK'' NICHOLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2016

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and 
dedicated service of the Honorable Dennis ``Nick'' Nicholson. Northwest 
Florida suffered a tremendous loss with Commissioner Nicholson's 
passing on April 29, 2016; however, the legacy of this truly remarkable 
man will be remembered for many years to come.
  Commissioner Nicholson was a Georgia native born in Hiawassee on June 
23, 1936 to Everett and Grace Nicholson. Raised in Ohio, he graduated 
from Canton Timken High School in 1954 and enlisted in the United 
States Air Force. Commissioner Nicholson served his country with honor 
and distinction for 26 years, retiring at the rank of Senior Master 
Sergeant.
  Although his military service culminated at Hurlburt Field in 1981, 
Commissioner Nicholson's passion for public service continued. 
Following two terms on the Fort Walton Beach City Council, he was 
elected to serve on the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners from 
1995 to 2002. Additionally, Commissioner Nicholson served on several 
local boards, including the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council 
and the Air Force Enlisted Village--home to surviving spouses of 
retired enlisted U.S. Airmen. He was also a dedicated member of the 
Fort Walton Beach Elks Club and a board member for the First United 
Methodist Church of Fort Walton Beach.
  Most will remember Commissioner Nicholson as a man of integrity and a 
consummate public servant who was instrumental in establishing the 
Emerald Coast Conference Center, constructing the handicapped access at 
Marler Park, and helping Okaloosa Island recover from the devastation 
caused by Hurricane Opal in 1995. Those who are blessed to have known 
him best will also remember this lifelong Ohio State and Cleveland 
Browns football fan as a compassionate and devoted family man.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I am 
privileged to recognize the Honorable Dennis ``Nick'' Nicholson and pay 
tribute to his honorable lifetime of service to the Northwest Florida 
community and our great Nation. Vicki and I extend our heartfelt 
prayers and deepest condolences to Josie, his best friend and wife of 
nearly 60 years; their four children. Deborah Demyan (Andrew) of 
Shalimar, Florida; Scott Nicholson (Michele) of Shalimar, Florida; 
Sandra Thompson, of Pensacola, Florida and Suzy Nicholson Hunt (Rich) 
of Destin, Florida; grandchildren: Shelby Demyan, Cody Nicholson, 
Hannah Miller (Marshall) of Annapolis, Maryland and Shane Nicholson; 
and the entire Nicholson family.

                          ____________________