McCabe Funeral Home

"Uncle Ralph" was my father's (Art Nicholls) youngest sibling. My earliest memories of Ralph go back to the 1960's when we would go into Detroit for Sunday dinners at Grandma & Grandpa's house. Being of English and Welsh descent, Grandma would typically serve an English Roast and Yorkshire pudding. Grandpa would usually offer a Vernor's Ginger Ale shortly after we arrived. Ralph was young enough that he was still living at home then and I remember being impressed by how he looked in his uniform and "spit-shined" shoes when he came home from Guard duty. He typically had time to play "cars" with his young nephews as there were always a few toys at Grandma's house for when the grandkids visited. Many years later, I remember the family Christmas gatherings at Ralph & Arlene's house in Farmington Hills, while Grandma & Grandpa were still alive. We would sit in a circle in their family room and watch as gifts were opened. It was an enjoyable, yet all too infrequent, chance to gather and catch-up with the Nicholls side of the family. And again, many years later, I remember a great, leisurely dinner visit in Siesta Key, Florida when Dad and Ralph had taken what I recall was a "brother's trip". Dad claimed someone had taken them for twins and I think Ralph got just as big a kick out of that as Dad did (as there were 16 years between them). But this underscores the fact that, in my mind anyway, Ralph and Dad were the most similar of the four brothers -- in looks, temperament, love of travel, etc. Finally, one of my great memories was of being able to share a Caribbean cruise with Ralph & Arlene (for Dad's 90th). It was a great gathering of the Nicholls siblings' and their spouses (unfortunately Uncle Bob had already passed). We had great visits, meals and shore excursions that were shared together. Arlene, Lisa & Linda, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your husband/father. I know you, and the grandkids, had great times together and will carry those treasured memories with you forever. With Love, Larry & Anna Nicholls, Megan, Lauren & Kate Jeff & Natsuko Nicholls