Mark “Nick” Steven Nickel, 52, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away in Sheridan, Wyoming on Thursday, April 7, 2011 from natural causes.

Mark was born on July 13, 1958 to Mamie Janich Nickel and Tony Nickel in Sheridan, WY. He attended school in Sheridan, graduating in 1976. He attended Colorado Northwestern College in Rangley, CO, graduating with an Associates Degree in Petroleum Technology.

He married his soul mate and best friend Randi Lou Belt on June 7, 1986 in Casper, WY. Mark and Randi Lou have two children TJ and Maggie.

In 1992 they moved to Carrollton, TX and in 2001 they moved to Anchorage, AK.

Mark had many passions including fishing, fly-tying, hunting, reloading, camping in his Tahoe “Condo”, practical jokes and faithfully following of the Wyoming Cowboys. He was very creative in woodworking and had just won first place for a diamond willow sculpture during the Fur Rondy Celebration in Anchorage. Mark loved just being outdoors. He especially enjoyed sharing all his expertise with the visitors that came up to Alaska, making sure their stay was a magical experience. His career took him to twenty-one different countries for various jobs. Most of all, Mark loved his family, friends, and spending time with them.

Mark was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Ducks Unlimited, Wild Turkey Federation, N.R.A., Petroleum Club Association, University of Wyoming Cowboy Joe Club and many more organizations.

He is survived by his wife, Randi Lou, children TJ Nickel and Maggie Nickel, all of Anchorage, AK. Other survivors include his father, Tony Nickel of Sheridan, siblings Toni (Karl) Kukuchka, of Dayton, WY, Peggy (Rick) Parkison of Sheridan, Mike (Julia) Nickel of Banner, WY; mother-in-law Virginia Belt of Casper, WY, as well as brother and sisters in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Mamie, and his grandparents Mike and Gladys Janich.

Memorials to honor Mark can be made to the donor's choice.

As his wish, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 15, 2011 at Kane Funeral Home, with Pastor Tony Forman officiating. A reception will follow in the Kane Reception Hall until 4:30 pm at which time it will be continued at the family home at 1855 Val Vista St. in Sheridan. There will be a “Celebration of Life” service in Anchorage at a later date.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

The Sheridan Press - April 12, 2011.