Spartan Of The Month 3/21

CLASS OF 1974 SENTINEL SPARTAN OF THE MONTH

March 2021

Dana Nichols

Dana was born in Missoula and raised in Piltzville along with two brothers and two sisters. Dana attended Bonner grade school first through eighth grade and graduated from Sentinel High School. Dana still maintains friendships with "The Bonner Boys".

Upon graduation from high school Dana began employment with Bonner Sawmill until closure of the mill in 2008. Dana has been married to his wife Tabitha for 22 years. Dana was blessed with two daughters from his first marriage. In addition to Dana's two biological daughters he also has three step children, many foster children and one adopted daughter. Dana is the proud grandfather of four beautiful grandchildren.

After the closure of the Bonner Sawmill in 2008 Dana was self-employed and assisted a friend in housing construction. Upon graduation from the University of Montana School Of Technology and receiving a degree in Building Maintenance, Dana became employed with Missoula Housing Authority as a Maintenance Technician in 2011.

Dana was a volunteer with A Carousel For Missoula along with his 11 year old daughter who was the youngest volunteer. Dana has also been instrumental in organizing and putting together our 40th and 45th Class Reunion.

Dana has always had a love for classic cars purchasing his first classic car, 1965 Plymouth Satellilte in the Fall of 1974 for $500.00. Dana kept and maintained his 1965 Plymouth Satellite for 35 years. In 2005 a 1950 Studebaker pickup caught his eye which he purchased for $400.00 which would become his next classic care project. Over a 3 1/2 year period Dana along with five friends worked on restoring his Studebaker every Sunday for four hours per day. Dana and friends installed a new chassis, body and paint work, new custom interior, new glass and new wiring as well as rebuilding the motor and transmission. After competion of rebuilding the engine, transmission the Studebaker was sent to Dana's brother for installation of the motor.

If you live in Missoula or are visiting and you happen to see Dana cruising the drag, flag him down and I am sure he would be glad to escort you down the Missoula Drag in his Studebaker.

1965 Plymouth Satellite

1950 Studebaker