Layne Nicholson

Willis “Layne” D. Nicholson

Willis “Layne” D. Nicholson, 73, of Potlatch, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Layne was welcomed at the gates of Heaven by his beloved mom and dad, Mickey and Delbert.

Layne was born on October 28, 1952, to Delbert and Mickey Nicholson at Camp Cooke, California, while his father was stationed there during his service in the United States Army. After Delbert was honorably discharged, the family moved to Lewiston, Idaho, where he went to work for the Potlatch Mill. It was there that Layne welcomed his younger brother, Lee, into the family.

After several years in Lewiston, the family relocated to Potlatch, Idaho, a community Layne would proudly call home for the rest of his life. Delbert began working for the Potlatch Lumber Company, and the family grew once again with the arrival of Layne’s younger brother, Lonnie, completing the Nicholson family.

Layne grew up in Potlatch and attended local schools, graduating from Potlatch High School in 1971. He was an avid athlete throughout his school years, participating in football, wrestling, and basketball. His love of sports never faded. Throughout his life, Layne remained a devoted sports fan and could often be found on the sidelines cheering loudly and proudly for any Nicholson who was playing. Supporting his family was something he took great pride in.

Following high school, Layne attended Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston for several semesters while pursuing a teaching degree. During his time in Lewiston, he also drove a delivery truck for the local beer warehouse. It was during his college years that Layne met and married his first wife, Karen.

Although he was only a few semesters short of completing his teaching degree, Layne eventually left college and returned to the Potlatch area. He began what would become a long and hardworking career in the woods and logging industry. Layne worked for various logging companies throughout the years, as well as for fraternities, before eventually retiring from SEL.

Layne’s life was filled with hard work, family, friendships, and a deep connection to the Potlatch community. He was a man who knew the value of putting in an honest day’s work and being there for the people he loved.

After his marriage to Karen ended in divorce, Layne later married Betty. Together they welcomed three children into the world: Jeremy, Lesley, and Shawna. Though their marriage later ended in divorce, Layne’s love and pride for his children remained a constant throughout his life.

In 1989, Layne married Carol in Potlatch, beginning a new chapter in his life. Together they shared 37 years of memories, and experiences.

Layne will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for sports, his strong work ethic, and his deep roots in the Potlatch community. He was proud of where he came from and of the family he helped build. Whether he was working in the woods, watching a ball game, visiting with family and friends, or cheering from the sidelines, Layne had a way of making his presence known.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Jeremy, Lesley, and Shawna (Raymond); his brothers, Lee (Darla) and Lonnie (Paula); 6 grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind countless friends and loved ones whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, and unwavering love for family.

Layne was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Mickey Nicholson, who were waiting to welcome him home.

His family takes comfort in knowing that Layne is now free from the struggles of Parkinson’s and has been reunited with his mom and dad. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the stories shared, the family traditions carried forward, and in every Nicholson he so proudly cheered for from the sidelines.

A celebration of Layne’s life will be held Friday September 11 at 1100 am at the Princeton Church of the Nazarene. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation in Layne’s name.