Lyle Edward Nicholson

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person—he believed in me.” – Jim Valvano

Lyle Edward Nicholson passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon. He was born on April 25, 1943, in Seattle, Washington, after his family relocated there from Phoenix, Arizona. When Lyle was still a toddler, the family began a return trip to Phoenix but stopped in Hemet, California, to visit relatives—and decided to make Hemet their permanent home. It was there that Lyle grew up alongside his older sister, Linda, and younger brother, Paul.

After graduating from Hemet High School in 1961, Lyle enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a private with the Missile Combat Crews at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County. When his father, Paul, suffered a debilitating stroke, Lyle was honorably discharged to return home and help care for his family.

In 1971, Lyle moved to Oregon, where his sister Linda and her family had relocated. His mother, Lois, and brother, Paul, soon followed. It was in Portland, Oregon that Lyle met the love of his life, Cecilia Goinski. They married in 1973 and welcomed three children: Angela, Bradley, and Charles.

Lyle's greatest devotion was to his family. He loved taking them on weekend outings across Oregon and SW Washington. Lyle looked forward to their summer camping trips where the family enjoyed fishing and rafting on the Deschutes River. He encouraged his children’s involvement in sports and extracurricular activities, often coaching their softball and baseball teams. Whether on the field or in the stands, he and Cecilia were their children’s most devoted supporters, cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm. Lyle was also deeply involved in the St. Cecilia School and parish community, serving as a Sunday usher and active member of the St. Cecilia Men’s Club, which organized fundraising events for the school and parish.

An avid outdoorsman, Lyle found joy in fishing Oregon’s rivers for trout and salmon. He also loved golf, a passion that extended into his professional life as a floor coverings salesman for over 30 years. He entertained clients on the course, where he competed in and won several industry tournaments, and later shared the game with his wife and sons. In retirement, Lyle and Cecilia enjoyed visiting family and friends. Lyle was a devoted University of Oregon fan who rarely missed a Ducks football or basketball game. Above all, Lyle cherished his role as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family was his pride and joy.

Lyle is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cecilia; their three children and families: Angela and her husband Jason, with sons Bennett (13) and Dalton (11); Bradley and his wife Joanna; and Charles and his wife Marilee, with daughter Jocelynn (12) and son Ty (4). He is also survived by his brother Paul and sister-in-law Mary Lois and nieces and nephews Lorinda and husband Don Hoffman, Lorraine and husband Brian Heerwagen, Grace and husband Ron Duckworth, Jacob and wife Rachel Nicholson, Amy and husband Joshua Campbell, Patrick O'Donnell and wife Kimberly and Matthew Goinski.

Lyle was preceded in death by his mother Lois Nicholson, father Paul Nicholson, sister Linda Gentry and brother-in-law Jim Gentry.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church (5105 SW Franklin Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005). Burial will follow at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery (11666 SE Stevens Rd, Happy Valley, OR 97086). Remembrances may be made in whichever way friends and family desire. The family requests that flowers be sent to St. Cecilia Catholic Church for the funeral service.