Obituary of Peter Murray Nicholls

Peter Murray Nicholls, born Feb. 24, J943 in San Francisco, California to Edward and Beth Nicholls, was the first member of his family born in the U.S. The eldest of 4 children, he spent his youth constantly moving., following the path of his father's army career. He graduated from Wilson High in Portland and attended Portland State University where he met and married Kristin Gray in 1968. While at P.S.U. he was active in anti-war activities. He received his B.A. at P.S.U. and his M.A. from the University of Washington, both in Philosophy. He and Kristin traveled the world extensively, before returning to Portland where he began teaching Philosophy at Portland State University in the mid 1980's. Peter was known at P.S.U. for his exceptional teaching abilities, his pleasant demeanor, his wit, his dedication, and his never ending supply of neck ties. He was valued by his colleagues for his willingness and ability to discuss philosophical and teaching issues at any time. He was a great favorite with students, receiving the John Elliot Alien Outstanding Teaching Award. He always volunteered to be the faculty marshall for Philosophy graduates at commencement. Peter was also the AAUP representative and served on the bargaining team. He loved teaching and taught until 5 weeks before his death from acute leukemia on February 15, 2007. Peter and Kristin moved to Camas, WA. in 1993 where he ran for City Council in 1997. He withdrew from the race but was elected nevertheless, serving a 4 year term. Apparently, he was the only person in Washington State history to be elected to an office for which he was not running. On the Council he was noted for his wit, clear and logical thinking, and mediation skills. One of his special focuses while on the Council, was the Grass Valley Park project. Following his years on the council he served in numerous volunteer capacities including Parks and Recreation children's activities, and the committee to build the Skate Board Park. At the time of his death his volunteer activities included the Planning Commission, President of the Camas Library Foundation, and Vice-president of the Community Chest. Peter was admired and loved by friends, colleagues, his dogs, and his family. He was quiet, loving, gentle, kind, helpful, ethical, witty, and modest. Peter was also noted for his extraordinary intellect, mental acuity and concentration, as well as for his curiosity and fairness. A voracious reader, his studies included philosophy, politics, economics, history, science, physics and medicine, as well as music, art, novels, plays and poetry. Peter was also an accomplished artist, poet, fiction writer, photographer, and chef. He was a keen sports fan, possessing a huge memory bank of baseball statistics, esoteric rules, and play by play recollections of games. . Peter worked for peace his entire adult life. He believed in the Constitution and was angered, saddened, and ashamed of the path our country has taken over the last 6+ years. He believed strongly that open and free discussions, focusing on our common humanity, guided by rational thought and common sense, would lead to peaceful solutions. He also took his other responsibilities as a citizen seriously., never missing a chance to vote, including voting for the Camas school levies the week before his death. Peter is survived by his wife of more than 38 years - Kristin of Camas; his brother William of Walnut Creek, CA; his sister Beth Nicholls of Palm Springs, CA.; his sister Edwana Hutchinson of Lancaster England; his Ward and brother-in-law Dan Gray of New Hope Farms, Goldendale, WA; one nephew; one niece; and his beloved dogs Fenwick and Lavinia. At his request, no service will be held. Those wishing to honor his life, may donate in his memory to: The P.S.U. Foundation, noting that the funds are for the Peter Nicholls Philosophy Scholarship Fund- mailing address: Department of Philosophy, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR. 97207; New Hope Farms. P.O. Box 89, Goldendale, WA 98620; The American Civil Liberties Union ACLU; or The American Friends Service Committee. Straub?s Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sing the online guest book visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.