Clifford Bruce Nicholson

Clifford Bruce Nicholson, 72 most recently residing at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond Iowa, And a native of the Buckeye/Alden area and a graduate of Alden High School in Alden in Alden Iowa passed away January 7, 2021 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. Public visitation will be held Tuesday January 12th from 4-7 pm at the Belmond United Methodist Church 1031 1st. Street Southeast, Belmond, Iowa. 50421. During the visitation beginning at 6:30pm there will be public time for sharing memories. Burial will be in the family area of the Buckeye Cemetery on Wednesday January 13th with graveside services at 1pm. Reverend Bob Miller will be officiating Rev. Bob kindly asks that all who attend the graveside service to please honor his request of keeping a 6-foot distance from him and also during this time he will not be shaking hands or offering conciliatory hugs before or after the service for safety. Social distancing will be practiced and the family requires those attending to wear masks to both the visitation and funeral and as directed by current guidelines. Memorials may be given in the name of Clifford Nicholson's family at P.O. Box 224, Belmond, Iowa. 50421. Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond Iowa is handling funeral arrangements. Andrews Funeral Home 641-444-4474. andrewsfuneralhomeandfloral.com The graveside service will be live streamed on Andrews Funeral Home Facebook page.

 

Clifford was born June 17, 1948 in Eldora, Iowa. He is the son of Clifford Duane and Esther (Bessman) Nicholson. He grew up in Buckeye, Iowa and attended and graduated from Alden High School in Alden, Iowa. During his school years Cliff was and excelled i high school track. He set the school record in the 100 yard dash, often sharing that he ran track barefoot.

 

Following high school, Clifford served his country in the United Stated Air Force with a duration of 4 years and 2 months during the Vietnam War. Cliff served from Feb.1968 until his Honorable Discharge in Feb. 1972. During his years of service he served in the role of Communications Specialist. He had received several commendations including the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and others.

 

Upon returning to civilian life, Cliff was employed for many years at the Defense Depot Ogden in Ogden Utah mainly working in the Cargo/Transportation areas. He had also worked a number of years before retirement at Hog Slat in Humboldt, Iowa.

 

Clifford was united in marriage to Charlotte (Ellis) and their union was blessed with 3 daughters and 6 sons. The couple spent many years together raising their children and providing them with a nurturing, loving home and supporting them in all their endeavors. The family resided Utah and Iowa over the years.

 

Clifford was truly a wonderful and loving father and grandfather throughout his entire life journey. In this role he would strive to place his family first and foremost in his life. He was an amazing family man who treated his children well, but treated his grand and great grand children even better! Materialism was never important to him, precious time spent in the presence of family was the upmost of importance. His family reflects fondly upon memories of family trips to the lake, especially camping trips to Lizard Lake near Gilmore City, Iowa . They also have fond memories of BBQ's, birthday get togethers and many other occasions often culminating around Cliff's love of food. He was always game to help others and he would drop whatever he was doing to go on an excursion or spend time with his family. He enjoyed the solitude of an afternoon of fishing along the Alden River. Clifford enjoyed anything with 2 wheels and had ridden on everything from mini bikes to touring bikes and of course was a bit of a speedster. He enjoyed a good car show and was proud of the trophy he had received from his Goldwing that his sons converted into a trike. He enjoyed classic tunes and bands. Favorite groups included Billy Idol, ZZ Top, The Cranberries, and of course one of his ultimate groups was Dire Straights playing many of their cassettes until they would be near disintegrating in the "old green van!" His favorite snacks were diverse and interesting to say the least. They including Gizzards, Hot Mama Sausages, Liver and Onions, Braunschweiger, and Pickled Eggs to name a few. Cliff loved to chat with everyone. He never met a stranger, they were just friends he hadn't met yet! His family and friends will remember him as being stubborn, full of wit, who enjoyed being a jokester and had a zest for life and a true boundless love for his family.

 

Clifford's memory will be carried on in the hearts and mind of his son Tom (Bobbie Bosgieter) Nicholson, Meservey, Iowa. Daughter Jennifer (Robert) Spurgeon, Alexander, Iowa. Son Lloyd (Angel) Nicholson, Alexander Iowa. Daughter Crystal (Jon Faas) Hoyt, Alexander, Iowa. Son Scott Nicholson, Alexander, Iowa. Son Craig Nicholson, Alexander, Iowa. Son Bryan (Brooke) Nicholson, Latimer, Iowa. His children's mother Charlotte Ellis, Iowa Falls, Iowa. His siblings Janice Swires (late husband Ronald) Eldora, Iowa. Lora (Chuck) Hunt, Britt, Iowa.  Martha Crosby ( Significant other Jim Vieth) Iowa Falls, Iowa. 15 grandchildren 2 great grand children and several nieces and nephews, as well as 2 more great grand children that Cliff was looking forward to welcoming into the family soon. He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford Duane and Esther Nicholson, a Daughter Valarie Flygare ,Son Thomas Duane Nicholson, Sister Cathy Bennett, Brother Art Nicholson,  Nephew Chris Bennett, Brother-in-law Ron Swires. 

 

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