Pub. 1 2012 Issue 4

8 l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r t h e b a n k i n g i n d u s t r y i n k a n s a s President of Home State Bank and Trust, offered the understanding that Dick was sometimes concerned about how to maintain such a wonderful group of employees. Little did he know that no one left because they loved the environment he created. After several years of service on the board and various other com - mittees for the KBA, Dick was elected to serve as the President of the Kansas Bankers Association in 1986. It turned out to be a very eventful year. On July 7th, Dick and his wife Connie had boarded the Staten Island Ferry as part of New York’s great Fourth of July party celebrating the centennial of the Statue of Liberty. “As we were going by the Statue of Liberty,” Dick remem - bers, “I saw a man wielding a large sword and chanting deranged things. I thought he just wanted to get past me so I kept my back to him and stepped forward.” Then the homeless refugee from Cuba stabbed Dick through his back and into his abdomen, piercing his bladder, spleen and other internal organs. He was in critical condition. Two others were killed and eight, including his wife Connie, were injured in the incident. “Connie was lucky, the tip of the sword hit her rib and didn’t allow much penetration,” recalls Dick. Ed Koch, Mayor of New York, went to the hospital the same day to personally apologize for what had happened. “He had tears in his eyes as he shared his most sincere apology,” Dick explains. Much to the mayor’s surprise, Dick said, “It’s alright Mr. Mayor. It’s not your fault, this could have happened anywhere.” Cheri Dahlsten, VP of Human Resources, Home State Bank and Trust interjects, “This is the kind nature and positive attitude that we saw from Mr. Nichols every day. The glass is always half full for him. He always looks for the best in every person and every situation.” “I was always active in politics and I think everyone should be,” explains Dick. In 1991 he was elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Second Congress, representing Kansas’s 5th congressional district. In 1993, he lost that seat to redistricting following the U.S. Census. Dick resumed his duties with The Home State Bank as Chairman. Connie Nichols lost her battle with can - cer in 1994, after they returned home to McPherson.With his deep faith and strength of character, Dick remained in his leadership role and continued his duties in civic clubs and organizations. In his tenure he guided the bank from$5.8million in 1969 to $144.3 million in 2011. Dick attributes his success to the people he was blessed to have around him. “What good fortune I have when those around me say ‘How can I help you?’ and they mean it,” exclaims Dick. He went on to say, “One of the most important affiliations in my career in banking and Congress was with KBA, the best in the nation. Harold Stones, JimMaag, Chuck Stones and the staff are amazing! I want to salute them in all their hard work.” Dick now enjoys his retirement with his wife, Linda, whom he married in 1996. His mother guided him to find his own success and well being as she helped him believe that he was indeed a lucky boy. His life has been a great tribute to her. “Good things have happened in my life, unexpected things.” Mayor Ed Koch of New York City and Police Officer del Pino with Dick and Connie Nichols after their attack on the Staten Island Ferry. continued from previous page