Ralph Thomas Nicholson Jr.

Ralph Thomas Nicholson Jr. was born 01.16.1950 in Ely, NV to Mary and Ralph Thomas Nicholson. At the age of 17 he moved to Independence, Oregon to reside with cousins. This move proved to be a pivotal point in his life.

During his senior year in high school, Ralph was hired to work part-time as a dispatcher for the Independence Police Department. He diligently continued his studies and graduated from Central High School in 1968. January 1969 saw him as a private in the Army. Ralph's interest in law enforcement was furthered by serving in the military police in Viet Nam from 1970-1971. Along with his Viet Nam campaign Medal he received a Good Conduct Medal, among others. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in November 1971 and continued service to his country with an additional four years spent in the Army Reserves.

Not one to sit idle, Ralph was hired by the Independence Police Department as a patrolman in December. While there, he completed the Board of Police Standards & Training and went on to become a Field Training Officer for Independence Police while simultaneously working on an Associate's Degree.

The end of 1974 saw him with the Marion County Sheriff's Office in Salem. In the course of his 26-year career with MCSO, Ralph served as a Field Training Officer, Detective, Polygraph Examiner, retiring at the rank of Commander. There were many stand-out moments in his career, but one that bears mentioning was a twelve-year-old homicide. Detective Nicholson was singularly responsible for bringing the case to a successful conclusion, earning him a Certificate of Commendation.

Ralph married Susan Nelson in 1978 and they enjoyed 47 years together. In addition to raising their two children, they enjoyed traveling, camping, motorcycling, & racquetball. After retirement Ralph and Suzi moved to Maui, HI where they spent 11 years surfing, snorkeling, canoeing & generally enjoying paradise. Ralph was also a member of the Dawn Turtle Patrol.

Ralph & Suzi returned to the mainland after Ralph's diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) due to his exposure to Agent Orange in Viet Nam. His was a long and valiant fight, but succumbed to the disease on 01.04.26-fourteen years after his diagnosis.

He is survived by his wife Susan, son Tom Nicholson, and daughter Marci Nelson of Portland. A private service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery.