Remembering a good friend

To the Editor:

It is with great regret that I write this letter regarding the passing of Al Nichols. My friendship with him began in 1976 at the arts and crafts store his wife Marie, along with Al, ran in downtown Libby.

As the new teacher at the high school, Al was very instrumental in introducing me to local artists and the art community. He quickly became an inspiration to me through his enduring friendship, based upon his knowledge, keen observation and wit, and especially his life-long love of the arts.

So many of his hiking expeditions to Glacier Park became transformed through his paintings and drawings — and a great spirit emerged through these works along with the man himself.

To all of the people in Libby and afar who know him, Al continues to live on in his paintings.

Joel Johnson

Vero Beach, Fla.