Howard Russell “Bud” Nickel

Howard Russell “Bud” Nickel, 86, of Goleta, died of natural causes at his home in Goleta, on Wednesday, May 14th. He was born on Oct. 31, 1927, in Dayton, Ohio to Gladys Eby Nickel and Henry Emil Nickel. He was raised in Dayton and graduated from Dayton High School in 1946. He learned the trade of toolmaker from his father and while working at the Frigidaire Division of General Motors Corporation. He met his future wife Jacqueline Faye Unangst through friends and they were married Nov. 23, 1950. After their first son, Warren, was born in 1952 they moved to California where he worked for Lockheed Corporation. Some years later the family moved to Goleta where he worked at UCSB as a Senior Lab Tech Mechanician. After losing his wife in 1991, and after retiring from UCSB, he continued his passion of recreational shooting, helping others, and making new friends of everyone he encountered.

A new chapter of his life began in 1992 when he met a very special friend, Peggy Pages of Rancho Palos Verdes. Howard spent much of his time traveling and enjoying social activities with Peggy and her family.

He will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to know him. He is survived by his four sons,Warren, Randy, Dale (all of Goleta) and Steve (Washington); three grandchildren, Bailey, Nicole and Brian, his two sisters, Lois Turner (Ohio and Florida) and Janet Rodgers (Ohio), and his dear friend Peggy Pages.

A celebration of his life will be held May 31, from 1-4 pm at his home in Goleta. Please contact the family for additional information, (805) 967-0903 or (360) 701-4579. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Howard’s name.