In the 1970s, John Denver's magnetic anthem Rocky Mountain High drew John Nichols from Long Island to Colorado, and for three decades he headed up civic projects that enhanced outdoor life in quiet Canon City.

Mr. Nichols died July 1 in St. Thomas More Hospital in Canon City after a heart attack. He was 61.

Just last October, the devoted adventurer had completed a rim- to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon and had another one planned.

John Greenleaf Nichols was born April 3, 1947, in Potsdam, N.Y. He grew up in Hicksville, N.Y., served three years in the Air Force and married the former Janet Ellen Greenhouse on June 9, 1973, in Hempstead, N.Y., the bride's hometown.

The couple moved to Colorado soon afterward. Mr. Nichols earned a degree in parks management from Colorado State University in 1976 and began his career in Canon City as assistant director of the city's Parks and Forestry Department.

He became director in the early 1980s and oversaw several important projects - a skatepark in Mountain View Park, the heralded Riverwalk Trail by which walkers and bicyclists now make their way from Centennial Park to Griffin Park and a playground renovation in Rudd Park.

Mr. Nichols also gave his time as a Cub Scout leader, youth sports coach and board member of the Youth Corps.

"He was committed to family and community, and he loved the outdoors," his wife said. Mr. Nichols was an avid skier, snowboarder, hiker, camper and fisherman.

At his memorial service, family members reprised Rocky Mountain High. Mr. Nichols' ashes will be scattered at some of his favorite mountain locales.

In addition to his wife, of Canon City, he is survived by a daughter, Gina, of Golden; a son, Dan, a student at the University of Colorado, and his father, Nick, of Canon City.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Canon City Riverwalk Park Benches Fund, through Wilson-Almont Funeral Home, 1449 S. Ninth St., Canon City, CO 81212.