Darby Nicholas

Visitation: Sunday, April 9, 2006 from 1pm to 9pm with the family to receive friends from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.

Funeral Services: Monday, April 10, 2006 at 10:00 am at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City, MT

Interment: will follow in the Custer County Cemetery

Billings Services: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 2:00 pm at the family home; 515 16th Street West in Billings, MT

Darby Nicholas, age 35, of Miles City, MT, whose infamous voice and style has been broadcasting sporting events across Montana, left this earth, from a heart condition he carried since birth, at his home in Miles City, MT on April 4, 2006.

Darby began his earthy life on June 2, 1970 in Billings, MT. His proud and excited parents were Kenneth and Rosemary (Kirkness) Nicholas. Darby was a loving child whose only concern was that there was enough bologna and kool-aid in the refrigerator. His antics and creation of words, known as Darbyisms, are remembered to this day. He was an only child until the birth of his brother and best friend, Derek, in 1973. Darby was found many times in his brothers crib comforting him or even feeding him cold bottles. The family lived in San Diego in the early 1970s before moving back to Billings. In 1976, he moved to Tri-Cities, WA and in 1986 the family moved back to Billings. Darby graduated from Billings West High School in 1988. His first career aspirations were to be a Minister and Christian Broadcasting DJ. However after the death of his Dad, he changed his mind and chose to be a Sports Broadcaster. Darby moved to Washington after graduation, then on to attend the University of Missoula where he enjoyed drama classes. Darby chose to live in a teepee and tent in Arlee before moving to Red Lodge. Love moved him to New Jersey, where he could only stand to stay one year.

Darby then landed back in Billings where he attended the May School of Broadcasting in Billings, MT. Upon the death of his grandmother, he chose to move to Miles City in the fall of 1998 where he joined KATL as a radio sports announcer. Oh, Miles City, you must know he loved you so! His passion was in announcing sporting events for the local teams. He was famous in his own right as a sports broadcaster. He was an easygoing, low-key listen guy with a multi-sport versatility. He coined the phrase The Corral for the Custer County District High School gym and finished every sportscast with My moneys on the home team. Darby was never too shy to give his opinion, which endeared him to some and irritated the heck out of the others. Darby always loved the kids in sports and rooted for them to do their best. Darby had an exceptional outlook on life. He was always quick witted and talented in music. He could sit down and write parodies within a couple hours, most of the time. He loved poking fun at people. We will so miss his love, his wit, his sense of humor, and his joy that his dream was his work.

Sadly, left behind are his wife Barbie (Todoroff) Nicholas, mother Rosemary L. Nicholas, brother Derek L. Nicholas, nephew Riley Nicholas, nieces Karly Nicholas, and Tracy Todoroff. And not to leave out his uncles David Kirkness, Jimmie Kirkness, and Darrell Kautz, plus his aunts Kim Kirkness, Debbie Smith, Donna Pennigton, and many cousins and second cousins. Then there are those families that are not of blood they are of choice. Dan and Sharon ODonnell, Chris and Jana ODonnell and Nicholas ODonnell.

He was preceded in death by his Dad, Kenneth L. Nichols, maternal grandparents Duane and Marian Kirkness, paternal grandparents Roy S. Nicholas and Doreen M. Kautz, Great-Grandparents both maternal and paternal, cousin Tyson Kirkness and second cousin Jordan Burk.

Darby left an imprint on this earthly world that many will treasure and remember for years to come. For Darby, there is still much to experience and many color commentaries to air as he has now started a new adventure, his first career aspiration A Christian Broadcaster.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorials in Darbys name to a scholarship to be determined at a later date, c/o Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, 1717 Main Street, Miles City, MT 59301 or to the charity of one's choice.