Background
Born in Denver, McNichols was the son of Cassie and William H. McNichols Senior His father served as Denver"s City Auditor from 1931 until 1955.
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William Henry
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After he graduated from Denver"s East High School, he attended the University of Colorado-Boulder and then the University of Alabama, though he did not receive a degree from either institution.
Career
Appointed by Mayor Tom Currigan in 1963 as deputy mayor and manager of public works, Bill McNichols became mayor in December 1968 following Currigan"s resignation to fill an executive position with Continental Airlines. Running for reelection in May 1983, he finished third in votes behind Federico Peña and Dale Tooley. During his fourteen years in office, several construction projects changed the landscape of the city, including:
16th Street Mall
McNichols Sports Arena
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Auraria Campus
The North Building addition to the Denver Art Museum
Expansions of Mile High Stadium
Twenty new pools and recreational centers
McNichols died at his home on May 29, 1997.
He is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
In 1999, the city"s old Carnegie library building in Civic Center Park was renamed the McNichols Civic Center Building in the former mayor"s honor. Previously used as offices for the city administration, the Greek-revival style structure underwent restoration from 2011 to 2012 and now serves as a cultural center for public exhibitions and community events.
Achievements
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During World World War II, he served with the United States. Army in Europe, and received three battle stars and the Purple Heart. Campaigning in the city elections of 1971, 1975, and 1979, McNichols won a return to city hall. In 1985, McNichols received the Citizen of the West Award, given by the National Western Stock Show to those who personify the spirit and determination of the Western pioneer.
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Born
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Died
March 29, 1997 (aged 86) -
Nationality
United States -
Political Party
Democratic party
Awards
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Purple Heart; the West Award
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed, while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the United States. military.The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed, while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the United States. military.