David Samuel Nickerson

April 10, 1927-Aug. 21, 2021

David Samuel “Sam” Nickerson, 94, a 30-year resident of South Fork, Colo., passed away Aug. 21, 2021, in Manchaca, Texas.

Born in Kingsley, Mich., Sam was passionate about education, working 40 years in elementary education in Corpus Christi, Texas, first as a classroom teacher, then as a principal.

He moved to South Fork, Colo., in 1990, to the land he bought from his brother Nick.

He raised hay, trained horses, learned to downhill ski, hunted elk, hiked, line danced, ran for public office, was active in the Kiwanis Club, fished, and rafted regularly. He and Ann, along with Nick and his wife Ellie, loved Creede Repertory Theatre, and the annual mushroom foray in Creede. Sam, a member of the 7th Cavalry reenactors, led the charge to honor Colonel Pfeiffer’s gravesite, located on County Road 15.

A family man as well as an outdoorsman, he loved including even his youngest children and grandchildren in his outdoor adventures.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ann, his sons AJ and Mark, and five siblings.

He leaves his daughter, Lucy Nickerson Frost, his stepson Mark Applewhite and his wife Judy, stepdaughter Lane Hissong and husband Keith, grandchildren Hannah Overton and husband Larry, Michael Nickerson, Amy Applewhite, David Nickerson and wife Sarah, Ben Applewhite and wife Devin, Nate Saenz and wife Ashley, and Max Frost. He also leaves 15 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.

A Celebration of Life and scattering of ashes will be held in the South Fork area at a date to be determined.

The family asks: To honor Sam’s memory, spend some time in nature. And take a kid with you.