South Whidbey Island lost one of its more colorful characters early-am Tuesday with the passing of Michael Alan Nichols two months shy of turning 72. Nichols was better known by the monikers of “Mikey” and/or “Dr. Dirt”. The latter seemed appropriate given his talent for making green things grow strong and proud. But Nichols actually had a university degree in soil science (plus an inherited green thumb from his father!).

Mikey grew up in Missouri and Iowa, earned his college degree in Wisconsin, then worked briefly in Montana for the U.S. Geological Survey. He moved to Whidbey Island in the late 1970’s and never left; In fact he developed a somewhat strong aversion to the mainland, although Mariners’ game tickets were an effective lure. He and a former wife started a Freeland boutique called Island Girl in the space now occupied by Webbs department store. He then ran a fair-sized painting business and finally became a small-scale organic farmer. With his own produce and other fare from island farmers, Nichols developed a home delivery service called Whidbey Green Goods.

Friends recall Dr. Dirt’s joyfulness, kindness, generosity, extreme intelligence and excruciatingly sharp sarcasm. He was passionate about renovating and preserving Bayview Hall and was an active participant in the South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market. He called his homestead “The Hovel”, where he hosted many potlucks, with a knack for bringing people together.

Diagnosed with cancer in 2018, Mikey was given a 50% chance of surviving 26 months. He got 66 months, and expressed gratitude for the kind care given by Whidbey Hospice and Regency Coupeville in his final days. Michael Alan Nichols is survived by two younger brothers and their spouses. A celebration of his incredible life will be held Saturday July 13th from 4 to 6:30pm at Bayview Hall, 5642 Bayview Road, Langley.