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"I shall pass this way but once; any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." (Etienne de Grellet)

This quote truly depicts the selfless, impactful, and exceptional life Ruhollah Nikain lived. His life was rich with generosity, great care, kindness, and immense love for others.

Ruhollah Nikain's life began in India on August 5, 1947. The youngest of four boys, he was the son of Noorullah and Farangiz Nikain.

Ruhollah was raised and educated in India. He graduated from High School and continued his education by later enrolling in a correspondence course to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). After some time, he relocated to Berlin, Germany where he worked in a hospital as a Nurse. However, by compulsory conscription, he later enlisted in the Iranian Navy, serving for two years.  Upon being discharged from service, he worked in Iran for an American government contractor in Finance. When a lot of businesses were leaving Iran during the Iranian Revolution, it was his job to close down the last American office before he fled to India. Nine months later the same government contractor offered him a four-year position in Saudi Arabia. Upon completion of that contract, despite challenges by the Saudi Arabia government to renew his visa, Ruhollah's company CEO offered him a job as well a visa in the United States.

Ruhollah met the love of his life, Effat Fanaeyan, through a mutual friend. They were later married on February 9, 1978. He loved his wife dearly and cared for her deeply. The Iranian revolution marked a season of transition for them. Because of the revolution, the new government that emerged, as well as the severe and prevalent persecution, Ruhollah had to send Effat away for her own safety and protection. However, their beautiful love and union weathered such challenges and would continue to flourish for forty-five years.

Ruhollah, affectionately known as Nicki, was a brilliant and very intelligent man.  He was known to be adventurous, always willing to try new things and challenges. He was full of excitement and was a pleasure to be around.  With Nicki, there was never a dull moment. He loved to laugh and enjoyed making people laugh. He unashamedly told dad jokes, which would have his daughters rolling their eyes, but still laughing none-the-less. Everyone seemed to have their very own "inside joke' with him, which spoke to the true bond he shared with many. He had such a unique way of lifting the mood. Nicki was also a man who enjoyed doing for others and gave selflessly. He never wanted others to worry about him because he always wanted to be the one to take care of everybody. He cared more about others and how they were feeling than for himself. Although he wasn't a man who was verbal with his emotions, he knew how to express them clearly, affectionately, genuinely, and lovingly without having to say a word. He'd also quickly turn a conversation focused on him to inquire about the well-being of others. He was a protector.  In times of great crisis or challenges, he was not the type of person to ask, "What can I do?" He would just take action and the crisis would be averted.  He would simply say, "I already took care of that for you."

Some wonderful and noteworthy things about Ruhollah were firstly, his evident and immense love and care for his family.  His family was his pride and greatest joy. He loved his grandchildren and carried pictures of them with him, in his wallet, each day. He was also famous for the very thoughtful birthday slideshows he'd put together when a birthday came around. He would personalize each slideshow with pictures, a beautiful message along with a song. He then posted it on the birthday person's Facebook page for all to see. Ruhollah also valued community. There was a time that he and his wife hosted many parties. They were surrounded by and entertained many people. He also thrived on education. He was a natural scholar and had a passion for history. He was an articulate teacher and educator who could back up, with reasoning, what he believed and why he believed it. He was never afraid or too proud to seek and search out what he did not understand. He consistently kept up with current events. He was also a talented linguist who spoke many languages. Although he played both soccer and cricket and enjoyed them in his youth, Ruhollah also loved American football.  Win or lose, he loved a great game. Known to be an amazing cook and a master in the kitchen, Ruhollah had a certain magic when it came to his cooking which made each meal uniquely delicious.  He was also a committed man of faith. He was a member of the Baha'i Faith Community, where he served on the spiritual assembly.

Ruhollah Nikain, "Nicki", departed this life on December 26, 2023.  He lived a life worthy of honor and celebration.  He was known to be kind, selfless, supportive, creative, very smart, meticulous, a sweetheart, a jokester, loving, doting, strong, fun, funny, exciting, a protector, a light, a great cook, talented and an overall great man. He was deeply loved and will be truly missed.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of forty-five years, Effat "Effie" Nikain; children, Atiyeh and Trevor Evans, Alaleh and Jeff Stecyk, Nina and Richard (aka "Bubba") West, Samira Nikain and Jason Kennedy and Nadine Nikain; grandchildren, Tabby Mahdi, Dylan Evans, Heather Orosco and Gabriel Morales, Nichole and Ryan Ragle and Little Richard West; great grandchildren, Olivia, Rhett and a baby girl on the way; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE., Leesburg, VA  20176 where a service will begin at 12:00 pm.