The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) mourns the loss of Burke C. Nicholson, a visionary leader, dedicated mentor and true pillar of our industry. Burke passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of service and integrity.
Burke was a titan in the wall and ceiling trade. In 1984, alongside his wife and business partner, Norma, he co-founded Bayside Interiors in Fremont, California. Under his guidance, the company grew from a small drywall contractor into a premier industry leader, built on the foundation of family values and professional excellence.
His commitment to the industry extended far beyond his own business. Burke was a tireless advocate for the trade, serving in numerous leadership roles. He held the prestigious position of AWCI president (2005-2006) (and was a multi-term president of the Northern California Drywall Contractors Association), where his steady hand and fair-mindedness helped shape the association’s direction. In recognition of his decades of “exceptional business acumen” and his profound contributions to the industry, AWCI honored him with the Pinnacle Award in 2011—the association’s highest honor, recognizing individuals who have given unselfishly of their time and talent to better the industry.
Burke was often described as a “man of the people.” He famously viewed his employees and industry peers as an extension of his own family, taking immense pride in the success of others. His ability to bring people together, combined with his unwavering honesty and kindness, earned him the deep respect of contractors, suppliers and labor partners nationwide.
“Burke’s legacy is not only the company he helped create, but also the values he embodied—integrity, compassion, and service,” his family shared. For those in the AWCI community, he will be remembered as a mentor who met every challenge with fairness and a leader who never lost sight of the human side of the business.
Burke is survived by his wife of 44 years, Norma; his children, Kellee, Michael, Steven, and Laura; and a large family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The AWCI family extends its deepest condolences to the Nicholson family and the Bayside Interiors team.
Burke’s spirit will continue to inspire the next generation of wall and ceiling professionals. He lived a full life, dedicated to his craft and his community, and he will be greatly missed.