O. Thomas (Tom) Nick |
| Posted 2009-08-08 by Pat Wilson |
| The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona May 21, 2004 O. Thomas (Tom) Nick, a longtime Arizona resident, went home to be with the Lord on May 18th, 2004. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit, his devoted wife Pat, and his four children. He was 73 years old. Tom was a committed Christian, family man, and leader in his community. Born on August 7, 1930 in San Bernardino, California, Tom graduated from UCLA and married his high school sweetheart, Pat. He served two years in the United States Navy and retired from the Naval Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant. He came to Arizona in the 1950s as a representative of the Mobil Oil Co., and wasted no time making his mark in the business community. In 1961, he co-founded Pasco Petroleum, which in time became the largest self-serve chain of gasoline stations in the western United States. After selling his interest in that firm, he became President of Oilco Stations in Tucson. He was also active in land speculation and other capital investments. Most recently, he was President of Supreme Oil Co., a wholesale dealer of petroleum products. Under his leadership, these companies enjoyed a sterling reputation for integrity and success-hallmarks of excellence that extended to all areas of Tom's life. In 2003, Tom was recognized by the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association with a lifetime achievement award Tom was extremely active in his church life. This was an extension of his sincere belief in the need for people to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A co-founder of Calvary Church of the Valley in Paradise Valley, Tom was active as an elder, deacon, music leader, and was a generous benefactor of many church-related activities. More recently, he and Pat fellowshipped at Desert Streams Chapel in Scottsdale where Tom was active in the men's ministry and various Bible studies. Tom did not simply attend church; putting faith into practice was a foundational part of his life. Though he based his life on his relationship with Christ, his love and devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren was unquestionable and Tom spent many wonderful moments with all his family. There are memories of trips to exotic locales, but the most treasured moments are those times he spent with his kids on the beach, hiking in the mountains, going to Roadrunners hockey games, or simply being a dad at home. Giving back to the community was also very important to Tom. He spent many years on the Board of Directors of the Fiesta Bowl, serving as President for the 1985-86 season. He also served on the boards of the Scottsdale Boys & Girls Clubs, Verde Vaqueros and Humana Hospital. Tom was very active in the Scottsdale Charros and the Scottsdale Mounted Sheriff's Posse. He was a fixture at the Charros annual trail ride and was an outstanding leader in the Boy Scouts of America, also riding with the Boy Scouts Roosevelt Rough Riders. Tom was very much at home on the back of a quarter horse Tom loved many things: his God and country, the Arizona outdoors, an honest deal, a good bowl of ice cream, and most of all, his treasured sweetheart, Pat. He will be missed. Tom is survived by his wife, Pat, daughter and son-in-law Sandy and Ed Wise, of Dallas, Texas, his sons and daughters-in-law Jeff and Carol, of Southlake, Texas, John and Karen, of Scottsdale and Doug and Gail, of Gilbert. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In addition, he is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Harold Holliday of San Bernardino, Ca., and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Tom's life was held on Saturday, May 22 at Grace Chapel Foursquare Church at 8524 E. Thomas Rd., in Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that any donations be sent to the Leukemia Foundation of Arizona, 3404 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, Az. 85282, or Desert Streams Chapel, 9080 E. Cactus Rd., Scottsdale, Az. 85260. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33. See Also: Paradise Memorial Gardens |
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