Geoffrey Wayne Nichols

Geoffrey W. Nichols, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home April 24, 2026, at the age of 75, leaving behind a life marked by perseverance, quiet humor, and deep devotion to family and faith.

Geoff was born on Aug. 25, 1950 in Prairie Village, KS, the son of Grant Simpson Nichols and Catherine Nichols, the youngest of their three children. He graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1968 and went on to attend Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1972.

Geoff had a spirited side in his younger years—especially behind the wheel of his first car, a Mustang he drove far too fast on hills and winding back roads, gaining a reputation among the local police for his antics. That same intensity showed up in his relationships; including the one with his siblings, Grant II and Joyce, he loved them deeply and remained close to them throughout his life.

Geoff’s father was an airline pilot for TWA who had flown some of the earliest international routes. Despite his father’s fearless career in aviation, Geoff quietly carried a fear of flying in his youth. Yet, in a testament to his determination, he earned his private pilot’s license at just 16 years old, largely motivated by a desire to make his father proud.

That same determination followed him throughout his life. Early in his career, Geoff worked as a consultant for a major Kansas City-based insurance company, helping businesses comply with newly established OSHA safety standards. To further his expertise, he pursued additional coursework and earned a master’s degree in Industrial Safety at Central Missouri State University, often attending classes on weekends. He then became a management training consultant, working with clients and businesses across the country and all over the globe. Geoff’s presentation and public speaking skills were renowned - people would often remark that he could make any topic seem interesting.

His career eventually required frequent air travel despite his initial fear of flying. With the steady support of his wife, Micki, who would sit beside him and talk continuously through flights they took to and from St. Louis to help him get used to flying, and through his own commitment to personal growth, Geoff overcame that fear. He grew to love flying and airplanes, logging hundreds of hours in the skies in small planes he flew alone or with family and friends as co-pilots, and often visiting local airports to watch planes take off and land.

Geoff met Micki in August of 1974 while they were working in the same downtown Kansas City office building—he on the 10th floor, she on the 9th. Their first date ended memorably with Geoff telling her to “quit horsing around.” But over time, something deeper took root. They married on January 5, 1980, building a life grounded in loyalty, resilience, and shared experience. Together, they welcomed their son, Stephen Geoffrey Nichols, on September 16, 1984.

Faith became an important anchor in his life. At the age of 37, Geoff was baptized at a Church of Christ congregation in Overland Park. From that point on, he remained quietly devoted, finding small, consistent ways to keep Jesus present in his daily thoughts and prayers.

Geoff is survived by his loving wife, Micki; his son, Steve; his sister-in-law, Kendra; nieces Meredith (Phil), with their children Lydia, Hannah, Naomi, and John Knox, and Sarah (Bart); and nephews Dan, David, Brian, and John (Heather), with children Jackson and Jay, and Grant III (Janel), with children Hannah and Reed.

Geoff was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Grant II, and his sister Joyce. He will be remembered as a man who faced his fears and overcame them, who valued growth over comfort, and who lived a life defined by quiet courage and enduring commitment to those he loved.

In honor of Geoff's preferred attire, we suggest attendees wear a Hawaiian shirt.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Dementia Research at the Mary S Easton Alzheimer’s Research Center at UCLA.