Rev. Dr. Ross Neil Nicholson
The Reverend Doctor, Ross Neil Nicholson, age 86, of Marquette, entered eternal life on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Trillium Hospice House, in the loving, comforting care of his family and Trillium staff.
Born January 5, 1933, in Highland Park, Michigan, Ross was the son of Frederick S. and Margaret C. M. (Brooks) Nicholson. Ross was raised in the Detroit area, graduating from the Henry Ford Trade School in 1951. Upon graduation from high school, he was employed by the Ford Motor Company, while attending Wayne State University.
Upon completion of his Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Ross earned his Master’s Degree from Drew Theological Seminary at Madison, New Jersey, to become a minister in the United Methodist Church. His pastorships included: Mount Freedom UMC, New Jersey; Stroudsburg UMC, Pennsylvania; Melvindale First UMC, Melvindale; Madison UMC, Madison Heights; and, Bad Axe First UMC, Bad Axe. While at Bad Axe, Ross earned his Doctorate of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Following his ministerial appointments, Ross was selected to the staff of the Detroit Conference of the United Methodist Church, as a Christian Education Coordinator. Upon retiring from the ministry, in 1990, Ross had developed his own consulting firm—Brooks Associates—retraining those in need of additional skills due to economic-downsizing, emphasizing goal setting and team building, while maintaining an educational presence as an instructor at Walsh College. Among his consultation experiences, Ross served General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad in Escanaba, and Copper Range Mine Company, in White Pine, as well as various school districts.
In the Marquette area, Ross volunteered at Room at the Inn, Bay Cliff Health Camp, The New Free Store, Planned Parenthood where he was a past-president, as well as performing shut-in visitations. In his leisure, he enjoyed time with his family, painting, wood-carving, hiking, and singing in the church choir. He was a man who had found his niche in organization and productivity, experiencing peace and contentment through leading a life of service to others, and uplifting his fellow man. In the end, it is said of those like Ross, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
The family will greet guests at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Marquette, on Saturday, July 27, 2019, beginning at 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. A luncheon/reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trillium Hospice House, P.O. Box 7115, Marquette, Michigan, 49855.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.
Last Updated on October 31, 2023