Kenneth Russell “Kenny” Nichols of Hermiston returned to our Savior on Aug. 25, 2017 in Kennewick, Wash. as the result of an automobile accident at the age of 45.
He was born on Aug. 22, 1972 in Hermiston to Bonnie (Schmidt) Cleaver and Russell Nichols. Kenny was raised in Hermiston, a town he loved, filled with people he loved. He had a wonderful childhood filled with family, sports and the outdoors. His motto has always been, “There is no such thing as a stranger, only a friend I haven’t met yet.” No matter where he was in the world, that is how he lived his life.
He graduated from Hermiston High School in 1990 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was very proud of his service. While in the military, he met Dawn Young, whom he married in 1995. They welcomed a son, Garrett Michael, in 1996, followed by a daughter, Madison Renee, in 2000. After his honorable discharge, Kenny returned home, where he continued to raise his family. He married Shannon Prewitt Fields in September 2012, adding Austin, Justin and Laiklyn to his family.
Kenny worked for Cleaver Farms for many years as a mechanic. Throughout his life, he was known to bring home kids needing a place to stay or animals needing a home. His heart was enormous and everyone around him felt it. He loved his family, his friends and his life. He was known for his “fashion sense” and surprised everyone with his antics, loving nothing more than laughing, singing and dancing while entertaining anyone around him. He was a diehard Steelers fan and was known to incorporate any Steelers article of clothing into any outfit: shoes, hats, jackets, towels and a flashing light sweater. Kenny enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, softball, off-roading, being outdoors, snowmobiling, amateur pyrotechnics, playing guitar, shooting, vehicle rebuilding and cherished time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Shannon, Hermiston; children, Garrett (Kylie), Misawa, Japan and Madison, Austin, Justin and Laiklyn, Hermiston; mother, Bonnie (Alan) Cleaver, Hermiston; father, Russ (Sue) Nichols, Hermiston; brother, Jason (Tandy) Cleaver, Tigard; sisters, Addie (Richard) Cole, Irrigon and Katie (Kyle) Fetterhoff, Hermiston; grandma, Donna (Joe) Marshall, Hermiston; grandma, Lene (Ken) Ray, Hermiston; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, out-laws, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Fred Nichols; uncle, Kenny Nichols; and brother, Robbie Nichols.
If he would have left us all with one wish, it would have been to love each other; live a good life filled with laughter, pranks, hugs and good deeds; find that stranger and make him a friend; see the good in all; and above all else, support those Steelers.
A celebration of life service with military honors will be held on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Purswell’s Barn, 465 Christiansen Loop, Hermiston.
Those who wish may make contributions in Kenny’s memory to BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) or Pet Rescue.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
Very sorry for your loss, he was a great man and a friend to all, he will be greatly missed. Go Steelers…
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