Alvin "Al" R. Nicholls

Alvin (Al) R. Nicholls, 81, died Wednesday, Oct. in Libby.

He was born in Butte on April 7, 1926 to Robert and Agnes (Plint) Nicholls and was raised and educated there, graduating from Butte High School in 1943. He came to Libby in 1944; he enlisted in the Army that year and served during World War II. He served in Europe with the 6th Armored Division and earned both bronze and silver stars for his service.

Following the war, he returned to Libby working first for the J. Neils Lumber Company and later for Zonolite and W.R. Grace & Company for 25 years in the company's dry mill. He married Marie Solem on Oct. 18, 1947.

A gifted artist and painter, Al produced many works in oils, water color and acrylic and he, along with his wife Marie, had owned and operated the Kootenai Art Gallery where he taught painting and Marie had instructed in hand crafts. He also had served as an adjunct art instructor at Libby High School.

Al continued to paint until being unable to due to failing eye sight in recent times. He had been an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting and hiking in the mountains surrounding the Kootenai Valley.

He is survived by his wife Marie of Libby; a son, Paul Nicholls, also of Libby; a brother, Robert Nicholls and his wife Myrna of Libby; as well as sisters-in-law Norma Vinson and Marlene Nelson and brother-in-law John Solem and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held on Monday at the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment services with military honors followed at the City of Libby Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.