Robert B. Nichols, M.D.
Robert B. Nichols, M.D. passed away on September 30, 2010 in Glendale, California at the age of 91.
“Dr. Bob” was born in Alamogordo on April 7, 1919 to Robert Lester Nichols and Francis Oliver Nichols, the second of four brothers with Lester, Oliver and Jack. The family moved to El Paso, Texas until Bob was 14, then settled in Los Angeles where Bob graduated with honors from Hollywood High School.
Bob graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1942. There, he met and married his fellow pre-med student, Barbara Louise McLean, his soul mate and beloved wife for 64 years. They had four children, Robert Nichols II, James Nichols, Lynne Farrar and Sue Nichols Peter. Barbara passed away in 2006.
He became “Dr. Bob” in 1946 when he received his medical degree from Loma Linda University. He owned and ran Citizen’s Emergency Hospital in Hollywood and completed his residency at Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital in 1961 to become a specialist in orthopaedics. He also earned his LLB Law degree in 1958 and his J.D. in 1969. He served as President of the Medical Staffs for the Hollywood Academy of Medicine, Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital and the International College of Surgeons, USA Section.
Dr. Bob’s proudest accomplishment was the establishment of a charitable paediatric clinic, operating out of Calexico, California. Since 1961, the Valley Orthopaedic Clinic, “Where Hope Meets Help”, has treated and healed many thousands of crippled and handicapped children. This great humanitarian service, started by Dr. Bob, continues today with volunteer orthopaedists, other specialists and even former patients.
Dr. Bob has received many honors for his charitable works, including the Service to Mankind Award by Sertoma, awards by Shriner’s Hospital, the County of Los Angeles, the State of California, the United States Congress and written commendations by two U.S. Presidents.
Bob enjoyed many other lifetime interests: playing several musical instruments, piloting his own plane, becoming an Amateur Radio Extra Class operator and instructor, equestrian activities with the Hollywood Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Posse and acting police surgeon for 40 years.
Dr. Bob and Barbara were residents of Hollywood and Burbank before retiring to their ranch in Prescott, AZ, where they were active members of the community for over 50 years. They returned to L.A. in 2005 to be near family. Dr. Bob is survived by their children, 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, his brothers, Dr. Oliver Nichols of West LA and Dr. Jack Nichols of Redding, CA.
Dr. Bob loved God and always counted his many blessings. He will be dearly remembered for his humble, dedicated service to mankind and the needs of thousands of children. He was an amazing inspiration to all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his many friends and all his loving family. Rest in God’s perfect peace, our precious Pop.
Donations may be made to The Valley Orthopaedic Clinic, P.O. Box 1645, Calexico, CA 92231.
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