Ken Nicholson was born in Fresno on April 23, 1948 to Chet and Pearl Nicholson and passed away on January 29, 2024.

Raised in a loving household, he attended San Joaquin Memorial High School and played football, was an enthusiastic coin and stamp collector and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad, uncles and cousins. He also enjoyed gardening, and was proud to help in growing champion roses with his dad.  Ken graduated from Fresno State with a business degree and teaching credential.

Ken loved to travel — especially abroad. He often commented that Ireland was the most beautiful place he'd ever been. Prior to getting married, he traveled to Italy, Greece, France, England, Scotland, Germany and Canada!

Ken taught business administration at Lemoore High School where he met his future wife Claire Caskey. They married in 1980. Together they continued their love of travel and visited Europe, Canada, Montana, Minnesota, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Maine and more. They never met a museum they didn't like!

Ken was a watch collector and enjoyed researching new timepieces from Tag Heuer, Omega, IWC, Ball and more. However, he would never own a Rolex as "a matter of principle!"

For thirty one years Ken and Claire commuted together from Fresno. They retired in 2002 spending as much time as possible with their nephews and their families. Ken was ready at a moments notice to wash and wax Eric's pickup or Matt's SUV. And a few years later, he absolutely loved when any number of his great nieces and nephews would suddenly invade his house and demand playing hide and seek! He loved the laughter and innocence they brought.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Chet and Pearl Nicholson, his dear wife Claire and sister in law Becky.

He is survived by sister Mara and husband Channing Lefebvre of New York; sister Kathy and husband Rick Williams and children Corey and Diana of Clovis; brother in law Michael Caskey and wife Joan; nephew Eric Caskey wife Cynda, great-nieces Ella, Caroline and Julia; nephew Matthew Caskey wife Nicole, great-nephews Declan and Braden, great niece Kendall (all six great nieces and great nephews were the apples of Ken's eyes - they all loved him dearly); brother in law Raymond Steine; cousin Mike Obradovich, wife Stacy children Brock and Brynlee; cousin Helene Phippen, husband Ed children Anna and Sam; dear friends Charlie and Corene Burns, Joe and Ann Pazzi; and of course his longtime friends from St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Sal, Richard, Pepe and many more.

Donations may be made to St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church or Nancy Hinds Hospice.