Horace Alvin Nicholas

Horace (known to family and friends as 'Hal or H.A.') Alvin Nicholas April 14, 1928 – January 17, 2025 Hal passed peacefully surrounded by family at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, WA, at the age of 96. The youngest of three siblings, Hal spent his early years in Fort Collins and Denver, Colorado, before completing his business degree at the University of Washington. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. While stationed at Fort Ord, CA he met his future bride, Mary, at a dance, beginning a lifelong journey of love and partnership. Married in June of 1952 in Santa Cruz, CA, Hal and Mary settled in the Seattle area. Hal began his career as a Certified Public Accountant working for Haskins and Sells, leaving there to start his own accounting and tax practice in Renton, WA that lasted over 70 years. In 1956 they moved to Lake Hills, a suburb in Bellevue, WA. There they helped found the Lake Hills Community Church where Hal served as Treasurer. In 1965 the family moved to Horizon View, another subdivision in Bellevue, where they spent the next 50 years before their final move to Timber Ridge in Issaquah, WA. For Hal, family was the priority and a source of tremendous joy throughout his life. He is survived by his wife, Mary; four children: Jan (Jack) Westenborg, Tom, Tim (Jan), and Lauri Thonus; six grandchildren—Amelia, Jill, Drew, Kennedy, Talia, and Parker; and one great-granddaughter, Tilly. He was immensely proud of the family he and Mary built. Music was one of his greatest passions. He picked up the clarinet at a young age and played it throughout his life with friends, family and at events. For years he was a member of various Dixieland jazz groups. In later life he taught himself jazz piano, in which he found great happiness. He also loved to travel. Hal and Mary made many trips around the country and the world to visit children and grandchildren. He was a lover of history and stayed constantly curious about events in the world around him. For all of Hal's accomplishments and interests, he will be remembered most for his ability to bond and form friendships. That sparkle and glint in his eye, his unique chuckle, sense of humor, and humble wisdom will be lasting memories for all who knew him. There will be a memorial service for Hal on February 16, 2025 at 3pm in Talus Hall at Timber Ridge in Issaquah, WA