Curtis "Curt" Roy Nichols

Curtis Roy Nichols was born July 3rd, 1934 in Modesto, California to Milton Roy and Eva Mae Nichols. He graduated high school in Vacaville and has a college degree from Solano College. He worked two summers during high school helping build the Pacific Crest Trail in California. He also completed the Professional Summer at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Submarine Design.

Curt passed away May 29, 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by his immediate family.

He started his distinguished 36-year ocean engineering career for the Department of Defense at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California in 1953 as a sheet metal apprentice. He moved to the Design Division which later developed into highly classified design concepts for deep submergence submarine operations and associated simulators.

During this time, Curt and Anita took a cross-country motorcycle trip, ran two marathons in Napa Valley, participated in the Mare Island Whale Boat Rowing team, and traveled to Mexico multiple times with friends blue water fishing for marlin and other species.

They moved to Oregon after his retirement in 1989 and as he said – they were ready to boogie. He continued his recreational life as an avid fisherman, hunter and competitive weight-lifter. They made an annual spring time fifth wheel camping trip for 10 years to Texas and many fun camping trips and holidays to Cape Blanco and eastern Oregon with friends. He and Anita have had loyal Labrador retrievers throughout their life.

Curt charged full speed ahead with not only his career and also his recreational activities. He was very innovative and creative. They met a lot of long-term friends at the local gyms where they worked out. In 1997 Curt established a State, National and World record for single lift bench press for his age group. He lifted 369.2 pounds. Within the first year of moving to Oregon, Curt got involved with the Southwest Oregon Chapter of the Northwest Steelheaders Association. He served as president for 2 years and was very instrumental in developing the local volunteer salmon and steelhead hatcheries. He worked with State and the local community to build the fishery to what it is today. Curt and Cliff Lance were very well known and popular for their Oyster Bar at special events. He was a member of the Tioga Mountain Men organization. Another hobby was building fishing rods and tying flies. He also created artistic metal and wood pieces, including furniture for their home. Curt loved to play the guitar and sing with fellow honky-tonkers.

Curt was a family guy, a true patriot and well respected by many. Curt leaves behind many long term and cherished friends from both his highly interesting career and retired life along with their beloved dog Bessy.

Curt leaves behind his lovely wife of 52 years, Anita Nichols, three children; Larry and (Donna) Nichols, Lynda Nichols and (Mike Hatten), and Anna Nichols; along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A life celebration will be scheduled later this summer.

You may perpetuate Curt’s fishing legacy with donations to the South Coast Anglers Step Association in North Bend, Oregon. Also to the United States Naval Undersea Museum Foundation in Keyport, Washington at https://navalunderseamuseum.org.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

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