Paul Harold Nicolas
May 29, 1936 — June 15, 2011
MONTROSE — Paul Harold Nicolas, age 75, of Montrose, passed away at his home on June 15, 2011. Paul was a lifelong sheep rancher, the son of French emigrants, Auguste and Sophie Mazida (Prell) Nicolas, who settled in the early 1900’s on the Little Cimarron in Gunnison County, Colo. Paul was born May 29, 1936, at Cimarron, Colo. and attended elementary school at Cimarron, graduating from Montrose High School in 1954. He enlisted in the Armed Services and served in the reserves until he was discharged. He married Sherry (Smith) Morlang on Feb. 2, 1963, at Montrose. Paul is survived by his wife, Sherry; brothers, August and Octave Nicolas; three daughters, Tonda Gaunt, Romiea Blair, Augusta (Zida) Murray; son, Shane Nicolas; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Jennie Peth and Aime Berry.
A memorial service in celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 24, 2011, at Victory Baptist Church, 2890 North Townsend, in Montrose. The service will conclude at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Western Slope Woolgrowers Association, in memory of Paul Nicolas. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
