Robert (Bob) Daniel Nicholson born May 5, 1949 in Toledo, OH and died June 12, 2026 at Wood Haven Healthcare in Bowling Green, OH.
Bob meant many things to many people. To some, he was a hardworking and dedicated professional whose knowledge and experience was unparallel. To others, he was a talented teacher and mentor, always willing to share knowledge and a kind word of encouragement. Many knew him as a jokester and a prankster, whose quick wit and sense of humor brought laugher to all. He was a devoted husband, brother, father and Papa who took pride in his family and whether he was fixing a problem, offering a solution, or simply just cheering you on, Bob always went the extra mile. He made it his mission to help foster the love of volleyball for his family and young athletes in his community, resulting in college scholarships for several of them. Regardless of how you knew him, Bob’s kindness, generosity and genuine spirit left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bob was born in in Toledo, Ohio to Daniel and Anna Nicholson.
He attended DeVilbiss High School where he met the love of his life, Mary Anne. After graduating, he dabbled in various jobs such as selling shoes, flipping burgers, Toledo Scale and an aide at a nursing home. He then went into to the electrical trade, working for years, contributing to the construction of several of the structures that stand in our community today. He then had the opportunity to work for a solar cell company, where he embraced new challenges allowing him to be part of a team that pioneered solar energy. Bob earned his Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) designation, a credential rarely obtained. It focused on electrical safety and NFPA70E standards. He was also a driving force for electrical safety in our region working with the Safety Council of Northwest Ohio. He finished his career working for JDRM Engineering where he used his vast knowledge of electrical work and innovative problem-solving skills to build a department based on electoral safety and education.
Bob was also intensely committed to the martial arts. A dedicated student, accomplished instructor and respected leader. He began his career January of 1969 and progressed through the ranks, earning a 6th degree black belt. He was the proud co-founder and chief instructor of the United Karate System (UKS). He stretched his impact and spent many years as the chief instructor of the Bowling Green State University continuing education karate classes, taught karate throughout Toledo, Monroe, Fremont and at the University of Toledo. He committed to teaching self-defense to law enforcement officers and served as the first Ohio State Men’s AAU Karate Chairperson. He contributed to the community by sponsoring annual karate tournaments, “kicking for kids”, where proceeds went to the local children.
Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Anne Nicholson and his two children Mindy (Kevin) Bahnsen and Wendy Scalph. His brother John (Jack) Nicholson, his grandsons Andrew Seeburger, Grady and Elliot Scalph and his dog Bubba.
Visitation will be held at Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home in Pemberville on Friday June 26th from 3 – 6 p.m., the service will immediately follow from 6-7 p.m., with a reception following the services at his daughter Mindy’s house.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials take the form of contributions to: The Pemberville Food Pantry or Ohioans Home Healthcare. Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
