Vaun Louis Nicol passed away on December 2, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77. Louie was born on March 4, 1940, in Driggs, Idaho, to John and Gladys Nicol. He was the second son of the four Nicol children.
At the age of 12, Louie moved to Moab, which he considered his hometown. He graduated from Grand County High School, where he was also the captain of the Red Devils football team. There he met and married his high school sweetheart Lynda Gibbs and they were blessed with three daughters: Cristy, Brenda and Angie. They were later divorced.
Louie then found the love of his life, Rosanne Bradley Martin, and they were married on January 4, 1992, in the Manti Temple. Together they loved farming at Brown’s Hole, traveling, camping, fishing, visiting with friends and creating wonderful memories with their many grandchildren.
Louie didn’t attend college, but often said he went to the school of hard knocks. Louie was an amazing husband, caring father, hardworking miner, hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He traveled to Alaska and Africa on hunting and fishing expeditions. He loved taking his grandkids camping and shooting, and making sure their cars had enough oil, coolant and brake fluid so their “rice grinders” didn’t blow up. Louie was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, warm hugs, knowing smile and blazing blue eyes. He enjoyed reloading, watering his lawn, irrigating, fixing tractors and most of all BS-ing with friends and family. He was a master storyteller.
Louie was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For several years, he enjoyed serving in the Monticello Temple. “Till We Meet Again” is a certainty, and what a sweet reunion that will be. Louie was grateful for the Savior who mercifully makes this bitter loss temporary. In his final moments, he was looking forward to talking again to his brother John.
Louie is survived by his wife Rosanne; children Cristy (Russell) Peck, Brenda (Matt) Williams, Angie Nicol, Tom (Kim) Martin, Rod (Heather) Martin, Joe (Joy) Martin, and Kari (Larry) Lyman; and grandchildren Jen (Jill) Jodoin, Michael (Heather) Peck, Luke (Sadie) Peck, Lacy (Trevor) Thompson, Chelsea (Bubs) Turnbeaugh, Kyler Martineau, Shayley (Daniel) Kendrick, Trevor Williams, Carson Nicol, Hayley Pearson Ybarra, Tanner Martin, Spencer Martin, Britten (Travis) Pinney, Kyler Prisbrey, Max Brandenburg-Martin, Nic Martin, Kelly Martin, Natalie Martin, Abby Martin, Bailey Martin, Kirstie Lyman, Lexi Lyman, Beka Lyman and Dustin Lyman; and 17 great-grandchildren, with one on the way. He is also survived by his brother Steve Nicol and sister Nina Groth; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and family members.
Louie was preceded in death by his parents John and Gladys Nicol and his dear brother John Nicol.
Viewings will be held on Friday, December 8, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, December 9, 2017, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Moab LDS Stake Center, 701 Locust Lane. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Moab LDS Stake Center.
Louie’s smile, his laugh, his wit and the joy he brought his family and friends will be greatly missed.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
