PORTLAND – John Timothy Nichols, writer, actor, producer and director; musician and singer; treasured brother and beloved friend to more than we ever knew, passed away peacefully at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, with family at his side, after a hard-fought battle against congestive heart failure and diabetes.

How to describe the incredibly creative life of our brother, Johnny?

He had class-clown tendencies and could never resist a one-liner. At the same time he was a keen judge of quality and authenticity, and the best-read of a family of voracious readers. He never seemed pulled toward a conventional life, marching instead to the beat of his own amiable drummer.

He loved the creative arts, and spent a decade in New York City, N.Y., studying at the Herbert Berghof Studio and pursuing a career as an actor and singer. He had it all in terms of looks and talent, but never caught the big break that might have separated him from all the others chasing the same dream. Undaunted though, he returned to Portland and carved a niche there, founding the Stone Pinhead Ensemble, creating, producing, directing and acting in a series of satiric, funny and rude plays, first at the old Oak Street Theater and then the St. Lawrence Church on Munjoy Hill. His work attracted a rabidly loyal fan base, and he gathered a large troupe of like-minded artists around him who rejoiced as he did in the deliberate chaos of those productions.

Johnny also tried his hand at stand-up comedy and stage poetry, and found time to lead a couple of rock and roll bands, writing their songs while playing rhythm guitar. His songs were – no surprise – smart and quirky, and his voice was a quality instrument. Oh, and he also left behind a couple of near-finished novels that might yet see the light of day.

Johnny was predeceased by his parents, John L. and Shirley O’Mara Nichols; and by his brother, Howard.

He will be sorely missed by sister, Jeanie Makovec and husband Piero, by sister, Gerry Nichols and husband Wes Dolezal, by brother, Jim and wife Anne, by sister, Julia Nichols and husband Matt Bittner, by sister, Joyce Nichols, by brother, Joe and wife Tobi, by brother, Paul and wife Jane Tremlett; by assorted cousins; and nephews; and by his multitude of friends, and all the admirers of his work.

Please visit http://www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view Johnny’s tribute page and to sign his online guestbook.

Johnny didn’t want a service, but those wishing to honor him can do so by donating to Hospice of Southern Maine, where tender care was given him during his last few days.

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