Douglas Dean Nice - 1962 - 2019

Douglas Dean Nice was born March 10, 1962, in McMinnville Hospital to Howard and Luella (Wolfer) Nice. He passed away March 22, 2019, at the age of 57. He was surrounded by family and numerous caring staff who had been a part of his life for many years. To say Doug is unique would be an understatement. Born with Down syndrome, he outperformed and outstripped all prognostications for his development.
At the young age of four, Doug entered the care of Shangri-La Corporation, a fledgling care facility on the forefront and cutting edge of special needs care. The family is eternally grateful for their involvement in Doug’s life for the past 53 years. There he was taught many things, including the beginnings of learning to read which, when augmented by family, served him well for a lifetime.
He gained independence, working at a variety of jobs over the years, riding Salem’s public transportation on his own and excelling through the Special Olympics program. Doug possesses a gold medal in golf earned at the Pacific Region East Asia Special Olympics held in November of 2006 in South Korea.
Doug’s faith was central to his being. He loved Jesus deeply, his family, his church family, and those who cared for him. Doug attended True Vine Christian Fellowship for 37 years and was a welcomed member of the musical worship team, shaking his maracas which he brought back from a trip to Hawaii.
He was crazy about the Oregon Ducks, elk and deer hunting, and riding on his brother’s Harley. He was the center of every family gathering, displaying his sense of humor and filling our lives with joy. God does NOT make mistakes! An integral part of our family, Mom and Dad made two trips to Salem weekly or semi-weekly from Sheridan and McMinnville for 47 years to ensure that connection.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Luella Nice; and a brother, Loren Nice. He is survived by sisters, Marlene Kropf (Stanley) of Port Townsend, Washington, and Judi Jones (Hannu) of McMinnville, Oregon; brothers, Gary Nice (Esther) of Sheridan, and Dennis Nice (Margaret) of McMinnville. He also has many nephews and nieces whom he dearly loved.
A viewing will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 29, at the Chapel of Macy & Son in McMinnville. His graveside service, which is open to all, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at the Mennonite Cemetery near Willamina. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Macy & Son. After the memorial service, there will be a fellowship dinner at True Vine Christian Fellowship,118 N.E. Fourth St., McMinnville. Donations in Doug’s name can be made to Shangri-La, 4080 Reed Rd. S.E., #150, Salem, OR 97302. To leave condolences please visit www.macyandson.com.