Arthur H. Nickless

Rochester, NH - Arthur H. Nickless, Jr., 60, of 6 White Birch Lane died December 17, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. Born January 2, 1954 in Rochester, he was the son of the late Arthur H. Sr. and Evangelia (Maglaras) Nickless. Art was co-owner and President of Norway Plains Associates, Inc. in Rochester, a surveying and civil engineering firm he and his business partners established in 1986. He attended UNH as a psychology major, but eventually discovered his love of surveying and abandoned his original path to pursue his surveying career. Art was a well-known leader in his industry and was sought after by many looking for advice. He was well known for his involvement in the community. He served on many boards, often times being elected president or chairman of the board due to his strong leadership skills. Through the years, he contributed his time and efforts to the Pease Development Authority Board of Directors (appointed Chairman by the Governor in 2005), Federal Savings Bank Board of Directors, Rochester Housing Authority Commission, Rochester Fair Association, Roger Allen Recreation Association Board of Trustees, Rochester Master Plan Land Use Committee, Rochester Rezoning Committee, Chamber of Commerce in Rochester as well as surrounding towns, Rochester Rotary Club, Rochester Opera House, Pathways to Success, National Federation of Independent Business, NH Land Surveyors Association, Maine Society of Land Surveyors, Granite State Designers & Installers Association, SHS Music Boosters, Gonic School PTA, Strafford County YMCA, Rochester Planning Board, Lilac City Fun Festival, Boy Scout Award Luncheon Committee, the Heart Fund, and Rochester Fire Chief Search Committee. He was honored for his contributions and accomplishments with many awards, including Outstanding Citizen (1989), Outstanding Community Leader (1995), Business Leader of the Year (1996), and most recently the Good Scout Award (2004). Art was also a cherished family man. Despite his many community involvements, he always made time for his family. He had a love for golf which he passed on to his wife and daughter, and shared with his grandson this past summer. If you have attended UNH Hockey games in the past, you may have heard Art's spirited commentary resonating through the arena. He and his wife had season tickets and always looked forward to the next game. He was a loyal UNH fan, as well as all Boston sports teams. In his younger years Art played hockey, baseball, football, and softball. He was thankful to be able to see his grandson begin playing hockey this fall. Music was a huge part of Art's life. Not only did he enjoy listening to it, but he also took great joy in playing his guitar and singing. He played in a band in his 20's and had the opportunity to play publicly again when he, his daughter, and his nephew Jeff started "The Nickless Band." Art was no stranger to the stage. His whole life he was involved in theatre, beginning with drama club in high school. Most recently Art was part of a production at the Rochester Opera House where he was able to share the stage with his daughter. He was a charismatic light on and off the stage and will truly be missed by the many people whose lives he touched. Members of his family include his wife of 39 years Jerry (Karcher) Nickless; his daughter Brianne St. Pierre and husband Rene Jr., and his grandson Easton of Rochester; his brothers Jim Nickless and wife Donna of Rochester, Steve Nickless and longtime companion Sue Erickson of Milton; his mother and father-in-law Charles and Marion Karcher Sr. of Rochester; his brother-in-law Charlie Karcher, Jr. and wife Gail of Milton Mills; his sister-in-law Cheryl Harmon and husband Glenn of Zephyrhills, Fl.; and seven nieces and nephews. Many family, friends, and community members have already shown their support and expressed their condolences by donating to the Art Nickless Fundraiser established by his good friends Marilyn & Cider Berry. In lieu of flowers, interested parties may send donations to the family at 6 White Birch Ln, Rochester, NH 03839. Art's wife and daughter are establishing an "Art Nickless Memorial Fund" to raise money for research and clinical trials for the diseases that Art was inflicted by: Crohn's disease and adenocarcinoma of the small bowel. Memorial calling hours will be Tuesday, December 30th from 3-7 p.m. at R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., Rochester, NH. The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 3rd at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 34 South Main St., Rochester, NH