By
Eric Swedlund
Arizona Daily Wildcat
500 colleagues, friends celebrate senator, UA prof in Phoenix
PHOENIX - More than 500 colleagues, friends and family turned out at the State Capitol yesterday for a memorial service to honor Sen. Andy Nichols, a legislative champion for public health and long-time University of Arizona professor.
"We will be forever indebted to Sen. Nichols," said Gov. Jane Hull. "He was a man who truly left this world having given more than he took."
Nichols, a Tucson Democrat, died Thursday after collapsing in his Phoenix office. He was 64.
Hull said that from health to education issues, Nichols was a champion who "always fought the good fight."
Rather than proposing a moment of silence, Hull invited the crowd to join with her for a standing ovation for Nichols and his achievements.
Cathy Nichols, Andy's daughter, said her father loved everything about being a legislator.
"He would call home with glee when he swung a vote in one direction or another," she said. "He couldn't stand to see bad laws made."
Nichols was a doctor and professor of family and community medicine, and founded the UA's Rural Health Office in 1970. He was elected to the Arizona Senate in 2000 after serving eight years in the House of Representatives.
Senate President Randall Gnant, R-Scottsdale, fondly recalled how his mother and Nichols were the only people in the world who could get away with calling him "Randy."
Gnant then shared a mental image he had of Nichols, standing at the gates of heaven and saying he'd rather take the elevator down instead because he could help people in need.
House Speaker Jim Weiers, R-Phoenix, noted Nichols' persistence in his battle for causes he supported and said that when the senator wanted something, he never knew the word "quit."
Sen. Ruth Solomon, D-Tucson, recalled Nichols as a loved, respected friend whose tenacity paid off.
"A piece of each of us died with him," Solomon said. "We're blessed that he shared with us a piece of himself. He shared with us the belief in the dignity and equality of every human being."
Solomon then turned to Nichols' family and said, "We're going to make his dreams come true."
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Tucson, who was Nichols' seat mate for District 13, said she was proud he served as her state senator.
"To use his words, he was marvelous," she said. "Andy lived and died promoting causes he believes in."
Rep. Debora Norris, D-Sells, said she wished all public servants could help half as many people as Nichols did.
"No matter how long you knew Andy, it wasn't enough," Norris said.
Earlier yesterday morning, a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives adopted a resolution in honor of Nichols.
"Quiet and soft-spoken yet true to his values and ideals, Dr. Nichols knew no greater joy than serving others with gentleness and compassion. He will be greatly missed by his legislative colleagues, family and many friends as well as the citizens of Tucson and the State of Arizona," the resolution stated.
During the joint session, Sen. Harry Mitchell, D-Tempe, called Nichols the "conscience of this Legislature."
Rep. John Loredo, D-Phoenix, said Nichols had an impressive level of commitment and intensity.
He said Nichols told him "There are many things we can compromise on - health care for children and the poor are not one of them."
"This man leaves a legacy that I don't think will be matched by anybody in this room," Loredo said.
Sen. Ramon Valadez, D-Tucson, said he was watching "one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen in Phoenix" shortly before he heard of Nichols' death. "It was a fitting tribute to our friend Andy," he said.
"Andy had faith in what he was doing and all of us," he said. "'Doc' always had a moment for you."