Frederick M. Nicholas, 1920 - 2025: An Appreciation
On May 30, 2025, Frederick M. Nicholas celebrated his 105th birthday. Few others reach this milestone, but even fewer could ever claim a century-plus life as extraordinary as Fred’s – distinguished not only by its far-ranging experiences, but even rarer, by the compassion, social concern, and cultural responsibility that Fred demonstrated time and again. War hero, lawyer, businessman, benefactor and philanthropist, civic leader, adored family man – Nicholas lived large. His friends were legion, for good reason.
The forces that shape courage, selflessness, and commitment – hallmarks of a life of greatness -- are mysterious. There’s no way to predict whether the first-hand ordeals of wartime, for example, will produce heroism or cowardice. Repeated heroism characterized Nicholas’s military service in World War II, and bravery and a commitment to the larger good were the foundations underlying his subsequent achievements.
In 1941, America called. It needed him, and he went. As an Army officer, he pursued Rommel across North Africa and participated in the invasion of Sicily, driving the Germans out of Italy. He then headed to the Philippines in the Pacific campaign. At his 105th birthday, Nicholas became the oldest surviving World War II veteran, and, with a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, one of the most decorated.
Perhaps the most formative episode in his Army career, however, came during his service at the Japanese-American internment camp in the Tanforan Race Track near San Francisco. Appalled by the suffering at hand, at great peril the 21-year-old Nicholas smuggled the internees food, other essentials, and belongings from their homes. The experience left Fred with an indelible moral compass, teaching him that the individual acting out of a sense of justice could make a profound difference in the lives of others. His lifelong dedication to social and civic activism was born and took root.
After his wartime service, Fred worked as a journalist covering the longshoremen’s strikes in Hawaii, and then he earned a law degree. In Los Angeles he became a successful attorney specializing in real estate law and development, but he quickly realized that he could apply his private-sector expertise to the public sector as well. Inspired by Ralph Nader, who urged lawyers to give back to society, Fred founded— in a one-room office, with his own funding— Public Counsel, providing free legal services to abandoned children, homeless families, veterans, senior citizens, consumer fraud victims, and nonprofit organizations serving low-income communities. Today, with a 140-member staff and thousands of volunteers, Public Counsel is the nation’s largest resource of its kind.
Characteristically, Nicholas didn’t name Public Counsel after himself, preferring to act quietly without attracting attention. As with everything he undertook, he believed in simply doing the right thing.
Fred’s selflessness flowered again in the 1980s, when Downtown Los Angeles, like the Army decades before, called. His combined legal and developer skills were precisely what was needed to help overcome a prolonged stasis in the City’s cultural arena. He promptly volunteered his expertise, and over the next twenty years he masterfully led the creation of two landmark projects, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Both brought Los Angeles to the national and international vanguard of contemporary architecture and culture.
At MOCA, Nicholas exercised his customary diplomatic skills to deftly negotiate the shoals of competing egos among the founding trustees. Together with director Richard Koshalek, Nicholas made the fledgling museum a reality. He led the Board during the glory years of assembling major collections and building the endowment. Under Fred’s aegis, MoCA quickly became one of the world’s most acclaimed museums of contemporary art.
During MOCA’s ascendency, Fred also became a renowned patron of contemporary art and artists far and wide, eventually acquiring major works by Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Stella, Ed Ruscha, Ad Reinhardt, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Donald Judd, and Sam Francis, among others. Lasting friendships with the artists blossomed as well (especially with Francis). Long before others, Fred also collected superb examples of pre-Columbian and African art.
MOCA’s success than set the stage for Nicholas’s crowning cultural achievement in Los Angeles: his leadership throughout the design and development of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the greatest architectural masterpiece in the City’s history. As the Hall’s initial Committee chair beginning in 1987, and operating largely behind the scenes (again, pro bono), Nicholas adroitly assembled working groups drawn from various constituents to raise the necessary funds and formulate the building process. Most importantly, his architecture selection committee, uniting the heads of LA’s top museums and architecture schools, awarded the project to Frank Gehry, who had hitherto been bypassed for major commissions in his own hometown. As much as anything, Fred’s advocacy enabled Gehry to invent the magnificent edifice that now crowns the corner of Grand Avenue and First Street.
Never during his eight-year tenure at Disney Hall did Nicholas ask to have his name placed on any of the building’s exterior or interior spaces. The finished masterpiece -- and the resulting leap in the international stature of music in Los Angeles -- were his reward. With this achievement, Fred joined the generation of great civic leaders who established Los Angeles’s standing as a world cultural capital.
Fred then proceeded to deploy his skills in other cities, with similar acclaim. He developed the $900 million Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Washington D.C.’s largest building after the Pentagon. And he returned to the Tanforan Race Track in San Francisco, where he built a shopping center and, most movingly, dedicated a memorial to the Japanese Americans confined there when the site was an internment camp. As ever, he deftly negotiated the labyrinthine details inherent to these massive projects, orchestrating personalities, positions, power, and funds to reach the desired outcomes.
Perhaps Fred’s finest achievement, however, was the one most prized by those in his private sphere: adored family man. Throughout his life, Fred exemplified the roles of patriarch, husband, father, confidante, supporter, and bestower of limitless affection to his family. His love was returned by all in his closest circle, including the many friends fortunate to be admitted to it as well.
Throughout his extraordinary life, Fred wrought the best possible outcomes in everything he undertook. Everyone he encountered benefited from his indomitable spirit and grace. Immeasurably more than most, Fred made the world a better place.
July 2025
More Tributes
“Generations of Angelenos have benefitted from Fred’s commitment to public service, his love for our city, and his vigorous enterprising spirit. Fred has helped breathe life into so many of our iconic institutions; The Geffen Contemporary, MOCA, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Public Counsel, each of which has become synonymous with Los Angeles. Along the way, he cultivated legions of friends and innumerable fans and a loving family that has carried his values with them into the world. But despite everything that he built, we know that the greatest of those LA institutions, was Fred. Fred, we literally wouldn’t be LA without you. So on behalf of our city, thank you for everything you’ve done for Los Angeles.” — Eric Garcetti, 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles
“A tribute to Fred Nicholas and his warmth. His efforts and belief in the arts were fundamental to the creation of MOCA, Disney Concert Hall, and the management of Sam Francis’s estate. I met him, his son Tony, and his family while working on a fundraising edition for MOCA with The Lapis Press. Fred’s gentle smile and kindness were his nature.
One day we were having lunch in Culver City, circa 2006. Fred asked if he could get a ride back to the office in my car, an Isuzu Rodeo. For those who remember, I had a lot of water bottles and recyclables in the back seat. At the time recycling was a place you had to go. So when Fred asked for a ride, I started apologizing for the recycling as I reorganized the bottles... I hadn’t anticipated having anyone in the car with me that day. His response was classic Fred: “Stop apologizing.” He meant it about the recycling but also so much more. About me being me.
The permission he gave me that day affirmed something inside me... that I didn’t ever have to apologize or explain for who I was. I can still hear him say that!
Fred’s friendship and warm greetings every time I saw him always filled me with the hope of being believed in. Which for a young artist is everything.
Thank you, Fred, for trusting in me and all the advice and friendship you gave me over many years.
And to the entire Nicolas family, my deepest condolences and much love.” — Alexandra Grant, artist and friend
“Fred Nicholas had an unwavering belief in the benefit that the arts and culture, amplified through its institutions, could provide accessibility to the best of Los Angeles for everyone. Through that belief and his tireless work pushing that idea forward, Los Angeles and our collective civic landscape have been forever transformed for the better, and importantly, for all.
He was a quiet but deeply effective leader for Los Angeles’s future at a pivotal moment. He threw himself into this role just as LA was growing into a major metropolis with influence and economic position resonating worldwide. While it was likely that Los Angeles would continue to grow in population and economic power, it wasn’t inevitable that it would become the global cultural leader that we take for granted now. Fred understood the city would need a “civic armature” of cultural institutions supporting the vibrant, diverse, and forward-facing creative culture blossoming in Los Angeles.
Seemingly without ego, Fred committed himself to helping shepherd the city in that transitional moment toward a profound civic transformation that we largely take for granted today. That transformation changed the cityscape physically, but even more importantly his work was instrumental in evolving expectations and attitudes within the city about the role of culture. He helped shift the perception of culture and its relevance, from that of a limited and isolated luxury, into the fundamental lifeblood and pulse of Los Angeles. His work was essential in putting Los Angeles on a path, that we now think of as inevitable, toward becoming a cultural leader on the international stage that it is today.
Fred was a genuine champion of anyone who shared his hopes for a more positive and optimistic future Los Angeles. He was selfless in his help supporting those individuals and groups, often lending a hand at exactly the moment help was needed. The effects of this generous giving of his time, advice, and encouragement, helped create a generation of artists and civic leaders in Los Angeles who continue to shape the city and its culture. This is one of his greatest gifts to Los Angeles, that of his belief in its people, no matter their backgrounds, to make true and lasting contributions to our city. It is perhaps the greatest illustration of his profound and steady form of true leadership.” — Michael Maltzan, architect and close friend
Fred Nicholas was a great man who accomplished incredible things during his remarkable life. However, despite all his amazing accomplishments in life, he never forgot about Tanforan and the Japanese Americans who were incarcerated there during World War II. In his 105th birthday tribute this past May, it’s mentioned how the experience of being a military guard at Tanforan changed his life.
Fred once said that while serving as a military guard at Tanforan and having to remove people from Japantown who were forced out of their homes leaving much of their worldly belongings behind, was a traumatic, life-changing experience that awoke his lifetime commitment to serve the underprivileged and fight for social justice. In 1970, Fred would go on to create Public Counsel, a nonprofit law organization that advances civil rights and racial and economic justice. Today, Public Counsel is the largest pro-bono law organization in the World, helping more than 25,000 individuals and entities each year. The value of its yearly services is more than $45 million.
In 1968, Fred purchased the old Tanforan racetrack. He tore down what was still standing to the ground and built a shopping Center. In 1971, when the Tanforan Shopping Center opened, without prompting or fanfare, he dedicated this plaque about the history of the Tanforan Racetrack and the Japanese Americans who were forced to live at the racetrack. It was installed inside the mall near the front entrance to Sears. This was the first public plaque in the nation that described what happened to Japanese Americans during WWII. This was done 19 years before the United States government would finally recognize its wrongs and apologize to those interned.
On his 104th birthday. I wrote to Fred: I will never forget the kindness you showed the Japanese Americans incarcerated at the Tanforan Assembly Center during WWII. During a time in America’s history where persons of Japanese ancestry were hated and despised you showed compassion.
We need more people like Fred today. Rest in Peace My Friend.
— Paul Osaki, Executive Director, The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California
“I'm sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. While I am sure there is sadness, Fred’s loved ones should be very proud of what he did and what he stood for in the midst of the darkness that spread over California and this nation. Fred is one of the people who without question led a full life. Not just a full life, but a life worth living.
He is one of the individuals who I have tried to highlight. Individuals who through direct action showed leadership. Showed what it really means to be an American. Not simply saying that someone should do something or that someone should have done something. But was that someone who did something. The simple acts of treating people with kindness and compassion - acts that were considered against military rules and against the law at the time - showed leadership.
At that time, Fred showed what it meant to adhere to American values. Even when many Americans forgot that putting men and women - as well as children - in horse stables, for example, was wrong. Even when many Americans forgot that putting people in prison simply because of their ancestry was wrong.Throughout history, there have been men and women like Fred who stood for the values that others say are important. But when many others are given the opportunities to stand for those values themselves, many are willing to dismiss those values because of circumstances. In the years after his service to the country, Fred continued that leadership. I will continue to strive to highlight Fred for what he did during the war - as well as what he did in the years afterwards - because I believe that others might see that they, too, could stand for values even when almost everyone around them disagrees with their actions at the time.
The world is a better place because Fred was among us for the time he was given.
I still remember how he explained that having a problem with his teeth meant he missed shipping out with the other men in his unit. Had he shipped out at that time, it might have meant his life would have been cut short at a young age. Had he shipped out at that time, he would have never been in San Mateo County to witness first-hand what this country was doing to its own citizens as well as to people denied the opportunity of citizenship because of their ancestry. Had he shipped out at that time, he would never have been in a position to show the kindness and compassion that Americans talk about, but don't always do. He was determined to have that site - where horse stables were used as prison cells - torn down. He was determined that people would not forget what happened there by putting up a memorial plaque.
I hope Fred’s family finds solace in knowing that he - in moments not chosen by him - showed Americans what an American should do, could do, and did.”
— Richard McDonough, writer
“I was so sorry to learn of Fred’s passing. I have admired him since I was a teenager, and what a privilege it was to have known such an extraordinary man. We have Fred to thank for so many cultural treasures in our city. His legacy as a leading founder of MOCA, his work preserving Sam Francis’ legacy, his tireless efforts to support Disney Hall, and his dedication to justice and Public Counsel were incredible gifts to our community. Fred was also the consummate gentleman and mensch. He was always charming, respectful and honest with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. We should all try to celebrate a long, wonderful life well-lived.” — Marc Selwyn, art collector and friend
“The interesting thing about Fred was first of all, his respect for the creative individual. And not only artists, and he was a collector, but also architects, designers, curators, and directors. He always had this enormous respect for people who had creative instincts and who actually tried to challenge the status quo. And he had a commitment to doing what was important for LA and that is to build a city that was respected for what it accomplished in the arts, and the civic structure of the city.” — Richard Koshalek, Director, MOCA, 1980-1999
“The energy, the sparks in his eyes, the sense of love and passion and in deep commitment and loyalty to this community, to the arts. You felt that. He did it. Anyone who knew Fred knew that he became and stayed younger by engaging. This was his magic elixir, to make all of these things happen and I thought as long as he was doing these things, he would, and should, go on forever.” — Paul Schimmel, Chief Curator, MOCA, 1990-2012
“Fred was quite an amazing guy and the Burton Family sends our sincere condolences. It is the end of an era – Fred was a gentleman in all senses of the word – and he’ll be missed dearly. Without Fred, there might not be the MOCA we love without Fred. What a life – we can only truly aspire to have the heart and fortitude and compassion of Fred. What a marvelous institution my mother and Fred leave as their legacy. And – regarding Fred – so much more! Disney Hall and (so prescient) Public Counsel – how it is so needed now. We held Fred in such esteem, and with such gratitude for all that he has given the city and us, individually. We are thinking of Fred’s family.” — Sigrid, Max and Betye Burton, MOCA Life Trustee
“As a young attorney, Fred saw the value of art and artists. He gave us a long life of friendship and commitment to many great causes."
— Ed Ruscha, artist and longtime friend
“Fred never sought the spotlight. He was happiest lifting others up and helping them find their own path. He believed the practice of law was a privilege—not a right—which conveyed with it an obligation to give back to those in need who were not able to afford representation. Equal access to justice was more than an idea to him—it was an essential.” — Dom Snyder, Public Counsel’s first staff member and dear friend for over 50 years
“For more than five decades, Fred was not only our founder but one of our most steadfast champions. His deep belief in justice and his enduring support shaped Public Counsel into the organization it is today—one that stands with our clients to transform individual lives while pulling every lever we can to secure justice and lasting change for communities. We are honored to carry forward his legacy.” — Kathryn Eidmann, President & CEO, Public Counsel
“I feel incredibly privileged to have known Fred for more than four decades. He was a true pillar of Public Counsel and the City of Los Angeles—someone whose integrity, compassion, and steadfast commitment to justice made an indelible mark on everyone around him. It was our shared dedication to human and civil rights that brought us together, and his unwavering moral compass has always been an inspiration. Fred set a standard for community leadership, and the impact he made on our world is immeasurable. I'll miss him deeply.” — Mike Farrell, actor and activist
“I often think about Fred and the butterfly effect of his life. Directly, he changed so many people’s lives for the better. Indirectly—through Public Counsel and his many charitable efforts—his positive impact, especially in Southern California, exceeds that of most world leaders. Inspired by how Fred lived his life, I spent time working at the Legal Aid Society of San Diego. His example continues to guide and inspire me.” — Nancy Sandoval, Esq.
“RIP Fred Nicholas, the 105-year-old "Mr. Downtown Culture" of Los Angeles, died June 28. The real-estate mogul thankfully sorted out Sam Francis's estate and also served as a lifetime trustee of MOCA and played key roles in getting Geffen Contemporary and the Walt Disney Concert Hall built, even hiring Frank Gehry.” — Kelly Crow, Wall Street Journal
“Fred was a man I admired and I treasured his friendship. His life made a difference for the better in this city. He did so much good for so many causes and people.”
— Andrea Van de Kamp, Chair of the Operating Committee of the Los Angeles Music Center
“Fred loomed so large in this city that it is hard to think of ways he didn’t have impact. More importantly, he did it all right, with profound care for his community, a deep sense of morality, and without losing sight of what’s most important. His devotion to his family was so evident. He walked the walk as a father, father-in-law and grandfather. I’m so glad I had the chance to know Fred and experience his warmth and charisma – not to mention his great smile.” — Chelsea Hadley, friend
“Today I learned about Frederick Nicholas. Paul Osaki of the JCCCNC introduced me to the information about his unparalleled life. My parents were incarcerated in Tanforan, and then Topaz, Utah. Of course I've been to Tanforan in recent years and seen the plaque there. I'm almost speechless when I learn of his life, though disappointed that the LATimes does not even mention his having been a guard at Tanforan--- an experience which seems to have galvanized his character and underlined his life's passions. It would be wonderful to see a documentary on his life, especially focusing on this aspect of his development. What a great man, what a Story, what a Man!” — Masako Takahashi, artist