Louis Peter Nichols, born August 13, 1923, passed away peacefully at his home on February 21, 2017. As husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, relative, friend, or partner, he was known to all for his gentle nature, kindness, generosity, and honor. There was nothing he would not give; no promise he would fail to fulfill.
Brilliant, hardworking, and humble, he rose from difficult beginnings and modest means to become a leading businessman and a stock market expert. Lou graduated from Jordan High School. He met Athena Halles and married her on November 29, 1942 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. They remained loving, devoted partners for 66 years until her death.
Lou served in the United States Merchant Marine, in both Oakland, California and Gallups Island, Massachusetts. At WWII's end, he returned to Salt Lake City, and began his successful business career. His family enterprises included the upscale Windsor Lounge; Christopulos and Nichols Brokerage Firm; and the Boulder Bar. In 1966, he and Athena decided to open what would become a well-known and popular Mexican restaurant, Señor Pepe's, whose doors closed 21 distinguished years later upon the city's redevelopment.
Dad loved sports, particularly tennis, golf, and baseball. He played tennis for Jordan High School and was considered a great doubles player. He helped plan and open the Salt Lake Tennis Club, and served as its president for a year. Later in life he joined the Salt Lake Country Club and golfed during his retirement.
He had a formidable and keen sense of humor, delivered quietly. His wit matched his gamesmanship: few people ever took a hand of gin rummy from him, and fewer still beat him at a game of poker. He survived (and paid for) Four Big Fat Greek Weddings. He loved his family, the stock market, math, cards, The Wall Street Journal, the Boston Red Sox, Frank Sinatra, and Athena's Greek cooking.
He is survived by daughters Kathy Draper (Walt), Mary Boll (Steven), Keri Burgess, and Dana Hock (Richard); by 14 grandchildren (Erin, Adrienne, J.J., Ashley, Melissa, Andrea, Nicholas, Nicholas, Alex, Zachary, Adrienne, Stephanie, Richie and Louie); seven great-grandchildren; and three half-siblings, Jerry, John, and Marge. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Athena Nichols; by siblings Gus, Helen, Diane, Mildred, Carol, and Valerie; and by James Nikolopolous ("Unc") whom Lou adored and who raised Lou upon the death of his parents.
Services will be held Wednesday, March 1 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may call Tuesday, February 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
May his memory be eternal.
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