Obituary of Richard Allen Nicolas

Richard "Eechie" Allen Nicolas Sunrise: June 23, 1965 Sunset: November 29, 2020 Memorial Service Saturday, December 19, 2020 2:30 pm Vaughn Greene Funeral Home 4905 York Road Baltimore, MD 21212 Obituary Richard Allen Nicolas, affectionately known as "Eechie", the oldest child of Mary Clegg and Daniel Lormand Nicolas, began his earthly journey on June 23, 1965, and transitioned peacefully in the loving arms of his younger sister, Mary, on November 29, 2020. Richard was noted for his easy smile and caring demeanor. Although his life was not an easy one, he never complained and went out of his way to make people laugh. Born with brain damage which resulted in a speech impediment, his parents moved him from Baltimore, Maryland to Montreal Canada at a young age. The young family returned to Baltimore when the Canadian climate proved harmful to Richard's asthma. Transitioning from French to English, with a speech impediment was difficult for young Richard, but as always, he took it in stride. He learned to navigate the language and manage his speech well enough to teach himself and his younger sister. Richard had a career as an Emergency Medical Technician, something he loved and was very proud of. He was a hard working lover of life. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and pursuing his love of skateboarding. Being the father to his little angel, the late Aja Nicolas, was the happiest time in his life, however, his faith and strength were tested when he lost her to a violent crime. Not only was he forced to endure the heartache of losing his only child but was subsequently convicted of her death. Maintaining his innocence throughout his time in prison and developed a strong following of people who also believed in his innocence. He had even become the subject of a podcast, "Convicted" which highlighted his case. At the time of his passing, Richard was working with the George Washington School of Law's Innocence Project to re-evaluate his case. While working to free himself, he also dedicated his time to helping other inmates, by becoming a paralegal. Dubbed the "legal beagle", he created numerous newsletters to help explain the legal process to inmates, as well as hosting a radio show while in the Western Maryland Correctional Institution. He is welcomed into heaven by his parents, the late Mary Clegg and Daniel Nicolas, and his beloved daughter, the late Aja Nicolas. Richard leaves to cherish his memory: "his girls", younger sister Mary Tate; nieces; Kiara Tate & Elona Tate-Shivers; grand-nephews & niece: Dominick, Logan, and London Dorsey; brother-in-law, Charles Jackson; good friend, "Uncle" Mike; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Psalm 23 A psalm of David 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Order of Service Prayer Hymn of Celebration Scriptures Old Testament New Testament Prayer of Comfort Eulogy Solo Reflections Rachael Kaimans, Esq. Friends & Family Reading of the Obituary Solo Words of Comfort Benediction