Edmund James Nichter

Birth: August 2, 1945 | Died: February 3, 2024

Edmund James Nichter arrived at St Peter’s Gate on February 3. “Ed” was the faithful son of James and Atarah, who preceded him in death. He is survived by Lynn, to whom he was a devoted husband; three children – Tracy, E.J. (Angela), and Todd (Colleen), to whom he was a loving father; and jovial “Pop” to eleven grandchildren including Zachary, Joshua, Gwen (Tracy’s kids); Andrew, Gabriel, Maria, Catherine (E.J.’s kids); and Samantha, Brooke, Reid and Evan (Todd’s kids). Dad grew up in Orange County when it was still covered in orange groves, often engaging in “orange fights” with his friends. He attended St. Boniface Catholic School in Anaheim and later, Servite High School, where he played football as a 165-pound lineman – “dripping wet”, as he would say. After high school, he attended UCSB then was drafted into the Army, where he spent two years as an MP in Fairbanks, Alaska. Two years in sub-zero temps will change a man, so when dad came back home, he was ready to get on with his life. He met the love of his life, our mom, on a blind date in 1969, and they were engaged just three months later. They were married at the old El Toro Marine Corps Chapel in 1970. When a plane crashed into the chapel several years later, they often joked that it was an ominous sign for their marriage – however, 53 years of marriage, 3 children and 11 grandchildren say it all. For 30 years, dad ran his own flooring business, Canyon Floor Covering. He loved running his own business, but it took a toll on his body. He would bring us to jobs during the summer, and after a hard day of scraping linoleum floors, he would casually remind us to do well in school or we’d be doing that for a living. Dad was as selfless as they come, especially with his family. He never missed one of his kids’ games. I mean never. Not one. You could count on him to be in the stands, always offering words of encouragement or motivation. We always wanted to perform well for him. In his later years, he enjoyed watching the Angels, even though they frustrated him so. However, he found the most enjoyment in his 11 grandchildren. They were all such a source of pride for him. We love you so much, dad. Thank you for bringing us into this world. Your spirit is a part of us, and your legacy lives on with your grandchildren. We will miss you tremendously, but we know you’re with the Lord now, watching over your family, cheering us on from the stands.