LEWISTON — On Tuesday, Feb. 21, Ed Nichols passed away unexpectedly at his home in Lewiston.

Ed was born in Lewiston on April 17, 1951. He was the son of Nancy and Harold Nichols. He graduated from Leavitt High School and Southern Maine Technical College. He began his career in the well-drilling business where he owned and operated the former Water Wells Inc. in Greene, and later was employed for Ingersoll Rand International working throughout the Middle East in its well-drilling division. He then came back state side and formed his next corporate venture, the former Ed Nichols Plumbing and Heating Inc, and more recently was employed with facility operations at Liberty Mutual in Lewiston.

Ed was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and snowmobiling with his family and friends and was the president of Androscoggin County Fish and Game Association in Auburn. His hobbies included owning and restoring vintage automobiles and he enjoyed both skiing and playing football during his school years. Ed was an incredible man and will be remembered for his great generosity. It was always in his nature to put the needs of others before his own. His passing leaves everyone who knew him with an unimaginable loss.

Ed is survived by his wife of 36 years, Joyce; his daughter and son-in-law, Erin and John Varuolo of Florida and his granddaughter, Alexandra of Florida. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert and wife, Sally, of Leeds, Gerald and wife, Sandy, of Lewiston, Ronald of Old Orchard Beach, Wayne and wife, Tina, of Hebron and Clay and wife, Ann, of Turner; sisters, Susan Bedford and husband, Donald, of Greene; Pamela Morris and husband, Ken, of Turner; Cheryl Ward and husband, Phil, of Greene; and many nieces and nephews.

Ed is predeceased by his father, Harold Nichols; his mother, Nancy O’Connor; stepfather, Bernard O’Connor; and brother, Michael Nichols.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.

Edward L. Nichols