Vail Daily obituary: Scott Griffin Nicholls, 1970-2013
Scott Griffin Nicholls passed away unexpectedly near Tehachapi, Calif., on Wednesday. He was born April 16, 1970, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and as an infant moved to Minturn with his parents, Judith and Jeffrey Nicholls, and his older brother, Craig. Growing up, he was raised with an appreciation for the beauty of nature surrounding him and many of the family’s activities brought them outdoors. Skiing was lifelong passion he shared with many who were privileged to join him for a day on the slopes. Camping and hiking helped connect Scotty with the outdoors he spent a lifetime learning about and sharing with others.
After graduating from Battle Mountain High School in 1989, Scotty attended CSU and then began honing his construction skills in Lake Havasu, Ariz. Upon returning to Eagle County, he continued a career in homebuilding, crafting and beautifying many nooks and crannies of the elegantly detailed homes of the valley.
In any spare time, Scotty passionately hunted, fished, snowmobiled, hiked, built teepees, sailed and explored the natural world around him.
Never deterred by season or darkness, Scotty would always choose adventure. His zest for exploration took him to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the barrier islands of Belize, the Katmai Peninsula of Alaska, the pristine waters of the Sea of Cortez, the sublime mountains of Central Montana and of course, the majestic Rocky Mountains to which he always returned. As a traveling companion, he was the most reliable and dedicated friend any person could ever want.
His respect and love for the outdoors was shared with so many people, especially the youth he mentored with love and compassion. Numerous people experienced their first fish or elk with Scotty by their side. For much of his life, Scotty loved hockey and as an adult, volunteered as a coach for young WECMRD players.
Support Local Journalism
Venturing outdoors led to a career as a high ropes technician working from an elevated perspective on windmills, dams, refineries and offshore oil rigs. He recently found simplicity and solitude in the small town of Ridgway. Though his travels kept him away from home, he enjoyed his new community and volunteered his time for the Dzi Foundation.
He is survived by his brother, Craig Nicholls; his stepsister, Alicia Pribramsky (Mark); nieces Elliot and Quincy Pribramsky; and stepmother, Peggy Nicholls. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeff and Judy Nicholls.
He will be remembered for his generosity, his dedication and his friendship.
The family will be planning a celebration of Scott’s life at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate in the name of Scott Nicholls to: Scott Nicholls Summer Science Camp Scholarship Fund, Walking Mountains, P.O. Box 9469, Avon, CO 81620; or Dzi Foundation, PO Box 632, Ridgeway, CO 81432; or Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, 5705 Grant Creek Road, Missoula, MT 59808.
