Nic Nichol

September 1, 1965 – May 12, 2007

Francis Richard (Nic) Nichol, III, born September 1, 1965 in York, Pennsylvania, died suddenly on May 12, 2007 in Newport Beach, California. Loving son of Karen and Dick Nichol, brother of Betsy Van’t Hof (Robert) and McG Nichol, uncle to Kaes, Elizabeth and Brecht Van’t Hof .

Nic was an accomplished classical guitarist who received numerous awards and recognition for his talent and dedication to his craft. He attended Eastbluff Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School and graduated in 1984 from Corona del Mar High School. Nic received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chapman University in classical guitar performance. He then attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he received a Master of Musical Arts degree. Nic proceeded to the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music to pursue his Doctor of Musical Arts, Classical Guitar Performance. He had completed his doctoral studies only days before his untimely death.

Nic leaves behind numerous close friends and family who shared with him his love of surf, sea and music. He will be missed by many.

A prayer vigil followed by an open casket visitation will be held Thursday, May 17 at Pacific View Chapel, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, California 92625, (949) 644-2700. Prayer vigil to begin at 6:30 p.m. with visitation to follow. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660, (949) 644-0200.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Nic’s memory to the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music classical guitar program c/o of Dr. James F. Smith, Chair, Classical Guitar, USC Thornton School of Music, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0851