Charles ‘‘Nick” Nickerson, 79, died April 23 in Klamath Falls, Ore.

He was born July 11, 1924 in Troutdale, Ore., to Mark and Ada Nickerson. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II in the South Pacific.

He was chief engineer for Bell Laboratories and held a number of patents. The most notable was the use of Braille for telephone operators.

He lived in the Northwest most of his life. He was an original investor in Bainbridge Floorcovering when it was purchased by Steve Shawley in 1972.

He is survived by his daughter Signe, son-in-law Leo and grandson Mathew, all of Klamath Falls, and brother-in-law Richard of Lebanon, Ore.

A memorial service will be held July 11 in Portland, Ore.