Obituaries : Dr. Grigsby Nicholson; Retired Dentist

Dr. Grigsby Nicholson, who practiced dentistry in Van Nuys for 39 years, has died at his Malibu home. He was 79.

Nicholson died Tuesday of cancer, his wife, Sylvia Nicholson, said.

He was born June 1, 1911, in Los Angeles. Nicholson graduated from Van Nuys High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in business at UCLA and graduated from the USC School of Dentistry in 1938. His practice in Hollywood was disrupted when he served as a dentist in the U.S. Army during World War II, achieving the rank of captain.

In 1948, he opened an office in Van Nuys, where he practiced until his retirement in 1987.

He is survived by his wife of one year; sons John Nicholson of Canoga Park, and Dr. Stephen Nicholson of Bayfield, Colo.; daughter Phyllis Nicholson of Durham, N.C.; stepsons Gary Dobin of Ojai, Greg Dobin of Simi Valley, Brad Dobin of Simi Valley and Bruce Dobin of Cameron Park, Calif.; stepdaughter Gail Jones of Simi Valley; brother Dr. Homer Nicholson of Woodland Hills; four grandchildren; and eight step-grandchildren.

Visitation is planned from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 10 to 10:50 a.m. Tuesday at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Mortuary, 5600 N. Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village. A graveside service is scheduled at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village. Donations can be made in Nicholson’s name to the St. Jude’s Home for Children in Boulder City, Nev.