Willard Bates Nicholson ’55

Williard Nicholson of Pompano Beach, Fla., died at his home on Nov. 30, 1988, after a protracted illness. Born in central Florida, he moved with his family in 1943 to the Miami area. He was the salutatorian of the first graduating class (1951) at Goral Gables High School, for which played center on the football team.

At Princeton, Willard (better known as "Bus") majored in electrical engineering and was a member of Tower Club. After graduation, he went on active duty in the Naval Reserve, serving on the U.S.S. Jack W. Wilke as antisubmarine-warfare officer, gunnery officer, and executive officer. In 1957, he went to work for Tropigas International Corp., in Miami. By 1970, he was president and C.E.O. of Tropigas, Inc., of Florida and V.P. of Tropical Gas Co., Inc. In 1972, he formed and became president of Tropigas, Inc., of North Carolina, and in 1974, he founded Delta Gas Co. of Miami; he was its first president, C.E.O., and chairman of the board. In the early '80s, he worked for Pesaco and Aramco in Saudi Arabia. Willard also was president of the Gas Inst. of Greater Miami and of the Florida L.P. Gas Assn.

Consistent with his wishes, his ashes were scattered in the Atlantic off Lighthouse Point, Fla. He is survived by three children, Marian Elizabeth, Frederick Scott, and Dean Bates; one grandchild, Taylor Nicole; his sister, Elizabeth Nicholson Haywood; and two nieces, Carolyn Elizabeth Haywood and Anne Haywood Daniels. We who were fortunate to have him as a friend share with his loved ones a deep sense of loss.

The Class of 1955