Harlan Simmons "Skip" Nice

Born ~ April 17, 1924 Entered Into Rest ~ February 16, 2015

“Skip” was born in a small town in Pennsylvania, the keystone state. He was a fun loving, feisty young guy and he loved the outdoors - hunting, fishing, sports and riding his horse. The hunting, the fishing and sports became lifelong sources of enjoyment.

He could always find ways to have some fun, even during the Depression. That’s when his own dad was hustling pool games to make ends meet. They also “created” antiques to sell to the city folks who drove through. It was here in the woods of Pennsylvania that Skip developed a strong work ethic. It served him well throughout his life in providing for his family and caring for his friends. He was never afraid of work.

He joined the Navy in WWII and served in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean theaters on the USS Stormes. He survived a Japanese Kamikaze attack on the Stormes in May of 1945. On September 17th the Stormes limped back to Hunter’s Point, the Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, where he was introduced to his future wife, Arline. She worked in the Oakland Coca Cola plant. When his military service ended they married and settled near his family home in Telford, PA. The home he grew up in remains today.

In 1954 Skip and Arline were ready for adventure. They left the Pennsylvania Dutch country and chose California for their new future. Skip built a bed in the backseat of the family car for their two children, Robin and Scott, and the family dog, filled a small trailer and off they went. San Jose, CA was their destination and it would be their home for many happy years to come. Outside of time spent at work there were baseball games, softball teams, bowling leagues, neighborhood barbecues, Sunday drives and tee times on the golf course. Heck, he knew Chi Chi Rodriguez and played golf with astronaut Alan Shepard, just not on the moon. Life was full.

As the ‘60s came to a close the kids had moved on to begin their own adult adventures; Skip and Arline were once again a couple. Their life together ended in 1993 when Arline passed away. Later, Skip met and eventually married the second love of his life, Pat.

Skip and Pat loved road trips and one of those lead them to Grants Pass, Oregon. Beautiful country and family not far, they were home. So many things to enjoy and so many new friends to share in it all, especially at the Eagles Club. Happy, colorful days.

Pat left this life 2 years ago. Now his family and many friends filled life. Well, let’s not forget the Giants, the “9ers,” the Ducks, the PGA, Nascar and a few slot machines.

Skip is survived by his son, Scott and daughter-in-law, Lyn of Redding, CA. His grandson, Jason Nice and his wife, Laura of Chico, CA, along with his great-grandchildren, Gwen and Henry.

Skip is survived by his daughter, Robin Quiroga and son-in-law, John Quiroga of Colorado Springs, CO. His grandson, Troy Quiroga and his wife, Michelle of Gilbert, AZ, along with his great-grandchildren, Kylie and Lucas.

And Skip is survived by so many friends he found along his way, they are legion.

After an event filled life brimming with love and laughter, Skip now soars with the Eagles in Heaven, as he is deeply missed right here. And as he is loved here we know he is beloved there.

Rest in peace, Dad. We love you to infinity.

A viewing will begin at 8:30 a.m. until service time on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Hull & Hull Chapel.

A funeral service will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Hull & Hull Chapel. Immediately following the service, funeral honors will be provided at Eagle Point National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center, PO Box 36, Merlin Oregon 97532.