Philip Nicholson

Philip “Uncle Phil” Earl Nicholson, 79, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away, Thursday, March 9, 2023. Uncle Phil was born November 3, 1943 in Richmond, Indiana to Hubert and Martha (Hunt) Nicholson.

                Uncle Phil was smart. In a myriad of ways. Book smart. Smartly dressed. Art smart. He spoke eloquently, was always put together, and you were inevitably smarter by proxy, just standing near him. Even if you didn’t know him, just looking at a photo or seeing him walk down the street, a word undoubtedly that would come to mind would be: smart. Followed closely by: kind. He worked as a social worker in the Child Support Enforcement Division for the State of New Mexico and was empathetic and dedicated in his work. In both work and in respite, he was acknowledged by all who knew him to be one of the most caring and compassionate people. And stranger still, it was actually true.

Uncle Phil was passionate about theatre and the arts. He had a voice and talent made for performing. He loved to spend time on the stage and also loved to be enriched by witnessing the arts in their many forms. He loved to travel and to get to know people - to know what they believed and what they were thinking and feeling. Mostly, he loved his family and his friends. Uncle Phil was a private person, but there was never a question when it came to how much he cared about us all.

Uncle Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Martha (Hunt) Nicholson; his brother, David Nicholson; and his great nephew, Adam Nicholson.

                Uncle Phil is survived by his sister, Elinor Sue Bates of Albuquerque, NM; his nieces Karen Mann of Albuquerque, NM and Heather Michelle Bottomley (Nicholson) of Seattle, WA; his nephews David Michael Nicholson of Goodland, KS and Frank Samuel Nicholson with wife Katie of Albuquerque, NM; and great nephews and nieces, Adam, Justin, Daniel, Neleh, Meghan, Cordelia, Xayla, Jason, Kimberly, Sky, and Ava.

                There will be no funeral or memorial service at Uncle Phil’s request, however, we ask that friends and loved ones see a performance or an art exhibit in their nearby city in his honor. When you are enriched with culture and feel a deep sense of connection, he will be there.