Spencer Nichols is a lifelong resident of Big Piney graduating from Big Piney High School in 1964. Upon graduation, he enrolled and spent two years at Utah State University. After these two years, Spencer answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army and served in two honorable tours in Vietnam.
Upon his return to Big Piney, Spencer Nichols sought employment for Belco Petroleum where he served over thirty years as a roustabout, lease operator, electrician and production operator. He retired from Enron Oil and Gas in 2000.
Spencer has always been active in local affairs including a six year stint as Mayor of Marbleton while serving on the Marbleton Town Council. During those years, Mayor Nichols obtained the necessary bonds and grants for Marbleton's first city water and sewer systems. To do so, this mayor had to convince the Federal Housing Authority that there were one hundred houses in Marbleton. He counted every structure including outhouses, chicken coups and barns to secure the needed finances.
Spencer also served and held offices on numerous other Boards and organizations. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for Sublette County School District 9 for ten years serving as chairman for six of those years. He has served twelve years as chairman on the Plainview Cemetery Board. As President of the Sublette County Roping Club for six years, Nichols worked as announcer, stock contractor and most other necessary duties for the club. This included the first purchase of forty roping steers and thirty bucking horses. As a result, Nichols brought the first P.R.C.A. rodeo to the Chuck wagon Days. Later he was a member of the original group that formed the indoor roping arena. An avid sportsman, Nichols was a charter member of the Big Piney Gun Club and helped build the current trap and skeet range for the club.
As commander of American Legion Post #78, Spencer Nichols was instrumental in the design and development of the beautiful Veteran's Memorial that all are so proud of today. The Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star has also been an important part of his life for well over forty years. He has served in countless capacities including Worshipful Master, Worthy Patron and Worthy Grand Master of the Grand Chapter of Wyoming. Because of this legacy and military service, Spencer Nichols has been called upon to conduct many funeral services in a manner that has brought peace and comfort to countless families.
Throughout, his wife Lois, and boys Wil and Nick, have been his priority. He now joins his father George, Class of 1929, as a Distinguished Alumni of Big Piney High School.