I’m heartbroken to learn of the passing of friend, historian and educator Dr. Frank Nickell of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Dr. Nickell taught history at Southeast Missouri State University along the banks of the Mississippi for 43 years. He was the “unquestioned historian of Southeast Missouri.” I was lucky he took an interest in my journey. We made fast friends and he showed me all around – taking time to introduce the complex local history. We broke bread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner together during my tenure in Cape. He was there when I arrived and he was there when I pushed off. It was so very hard to say fare thee well – so I came back, and back again. There are characters you meet in this life who encourage, who inspire, who conjure the best – not only in yourself but of everybody around. Of the society, of the region. A bright light in the nation. Godspeed, Dr. Nickell. I know you’ve touched countless lives during your life of selfless service. I’m so thankful to be one of them.