In Honor of my friend, Nils

**StroupSkier** · 09-14-2007, 09:48 PM

Courtney, that was absolutely beautiful.

I never met Nils, although I was supposed to stay with him in Jackson a few years ago during the summit. Reading all that and missing that opportunity to meet him sadens me. We should all aspire to be the friend that Nils was to so many people.

**rideit** · 09-14-2007, 09:54 PM

Court, that was one of the most moving and beautiful things that I have ever read in my life.

Floored.

Glad that you had the opportunity to enjoy his spirit as you did.

Peace.

**postman22** · 09-14-2007, 10:17 PM

wow i sold my boot liners to nils last year. only briefly met him in whistler. wish i got to know him better.

thanks for the story

**Skibumtress** · 09-14-2007, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by watersnowdirt

Sobbing.

again.

This time I don't know if I'll be able to stop for a while.

Oh Courtney - your words do him such an honor. He would be so proud.

Fuck - I can't even see through the tears.

I'm so sorry you've lost such a dear friend. I hope you'll share this with his family - I am sure they'd be deeply honored to read about what an impact their son had on you.

Nils has been in my heart all day. I don't see that changing any time soon.

DITTO.

Courtney, for some reason I had to read this again. I'm crying even harder now. Friendships like you two had are so hare and rare to come by. Yes, someday you two will meet under that Cherry Tree.

**valleygirl** · 09-14-2007, 10:27 PM

I couldn't go to bed w/out reading that... tried, really.

But glad I did even if it gives me the I cried last night (even tho it's morning now) hangover to go w/the beer one I'm sure to have, toasting Nils over and over in chat.

Thanks Courtney... that's true friends, methinks...

You gave me some peace tonight.

VG

**Buzzworthy** · 09-14-2007, 10:35 PM

Wow. Tears hit hard on that one. Toasting to one hell of a fighter tonight!

**BushwackerinPA** · 09-14-2007, 11:13 PM

Courtney I cant even read your post without crying, the pictures alone make me wish he would come back. this just doenst seem right, for someone who tried so hard to still go out.

Nils was a great guy, saying anymore about him right now is just going to make me more emotional.

**Pedro** · 09-14-2007, 11:17 PM

That was really beautifull Bean Dip

**trouble** · 09-14-2007, 11:47 PM

Thanks very much for posting that, its a beautiful tribute.

**BigJay** · 09-14-2007, 11:50 PM

Wow. That made me cry. A lot. That was such a beautiful tribute to Nils...

**WVAlppsSkier** · 09-15-2007, 12:26 AM

I haven't been apart of the TGR community for too long but I have been lucky enough to actually get to meet up with Nils in person...

This past winter some buddies and I were in VT skiing for a few days, and before I went up I got in contact with Nils because I wanted to meet up and ski with him. I had been reading on here for probably about 6 months and had heard all about this cancer survivor that is obsessed with skiing. I was drawn to Nils because I too am a cancer survivor that is obsessed with skiing. The first time I talked to him and told him that I was coming up and wanted to meet him, he "demanded" that I let him film me so I could be in him documentary. I agreed and we met and skied together for 2 days at Killington. We had an awesome time skiing, filming, and just hanging out. From the time I first met him I knew that he was a special guy and listening to his story I could also tell that he was a fighter. I can truly say that it was an honor to have met Nils and I feel privileged to share the common bond of skiing and cancer with him....

I would also like to say that I have seen that this board is an awesome community of GREAT people that all share one common love. I have never seen people so willing to go above and beyond to help others who are in need. This place is awesome...I am proud to say that I am apart of the community (even if still a rookie) and I know for a fact that Nils was proud too.....

**Arty50** · 09-15-2007, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by H-man

Oh Court, you told him with every gap jump.

Exactly. I never got to say goodbye to my father. I told him I loved him several times, but who knows if he could hear it through the pain medication while sitting in that hospital bed. Even if he could hear it, the words weren't necessary though. It was the little things throughout our lives that said it all, and finally a simple touch near the end. I got to hang onto his arm for a while when he was in the ICU. Just standing there with my hand wrapped gently around his arm, I could send him all of the love in the world without saying a word.

I've never been a big fan of the saying "actions, not words." Both can be so important. But I do feel that it's true that our actions can and do say so much more. It's one thing to tell someone that you love them, but it's quite another to grab them and give them a huge hug...or to just hang onto their arm...or to take the time to play with them. There's just an immense beauty in that. Especially playtime. It brings out your imagination and your dreams, things that are such essential parts of your soul. Like you said, that's what Nils was all about, sharing his inner beauty with the world. Court, you gave him the greatest gift he could have asked for. You gave him yourself, and no words could be greater than that.

**skikola** · 09-15-2007, 12:39 AM

Never met the guy, mostly became aware of him when the threads about his health popped up. After reading this, I was tearing up, thank you for helping to show what a great person this was. As a fellow born and bred upstate ny skier, i would safely say he's one of our finest. condolences to his family and friends

**Tyrone Shoelaces** · 09-15-2007, 12:43 AM

I've tried to respond to this 50 times and just couldn't...still barely can.

I'm at a loss for words so all I can say is that if you were here now Courtney I'd give you a great big hug. That was a beautiful tribute and quite possibly one of the more moving things I've ever read.

**snowsprite** · 09-15-2007, 12:56 AM

Btw...I had to LMAO at crab dip comment

Dammit Nils if I didn't eat a whole bowl of that stuff, and I ate it for you. Aaccck!

Sprite

**jepilot** · 09-15-2007, 01:15 AM

I haven't been around these parts too long, but I knew Nils' story, and was really happy he was home last weekend. Although I never met him, nor have I met anyone else here yet, I can truly say that he was as lucky to have maggots as maggots were lucky to have him. Beandip, he was especially lucky to have you...you brought me to tears in a good way.
My thoughts are with everyone who was close to him.

-jepilot

**Kevo** · 09-15-2007, 01:24 AM

What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for writing that and sharing a little more of Nils life with us.

**erica_z** · 09-15-2007, 02:05 AM

there are no words, C. You said it all from the heart.

**kush1** · 09-15-2007, 02:13 AM

I couldn't read anything before I wrote this.... AKA called to let me know a few hours ago, but I was stuck filming for work......... so this went in the first thread I saw about Nils....

I'm glad I met him 4 years ago at a shity mexican joint before our MSP permier in Tannersville, Pa. This was already after he had been diagnosed and couldn't drink, yet he was stoked as hell to come to my nasty house after the show to hang out with 20 year olds, party, and feel (in his words) "normal again". He watched AKA and I bang down tequila shots and was happy to just be out getting after it again.....

He came to visit my college a few more times before I left for Tahoe, sometimes he could drink others he couldn't. But he always ALWAYS had a good time!!

That was the last I saw him until this past year...... I decided after being in SLC with my dad due to my sister having a baby we should head to Alta's closing day. Nils (as well as many other mags) hooked me up with enough gear to outfit myself, my dad and my brother in-law.(everything from clothes to skis; I didnt bring anything) Now i realize how lucky I was to hangout and ski with him for most of the day. Actually made me wait on my last pow day of the season so he could hike up and drop something.... the nerve of this guy

The last I talked to him was a week or so ago and he sounded very optimistic on the phone, even though we both knew it wasn't good. But that wasn't his style, "screw this, I'll see you in January" was the last comment I heard other the "talk to you soon, man"

RIP Nils........

screw being sad, get some, get someone, or just pound something for him..... the last thing he wanted was pitty... so just get after it, not matter what "it" is!!!!!!!!!

**beaterdit** · 09-15-2007, 03:15 AM

Man, BDFA, I never met you or Nils but that is really beautiful. It really gave me an idea who Nils was and I know I'm poorer fro never having met him in person.

You are both very lucky to have shared that.

Thanks.

Tears shed.

**P_McPoser** · 09-15-2007, 03:28 AM

Geez C, you made me cry at work. That was an excellent tribute, we should all be as lucky to have friends like Nils or yourself.

**beaterdit** · 09-15-2007, 03:31 AM

I cried at work too.

**machschnell** · 09-15-2007, 04:10 AM

BeanDip, That was a pretty moving tribute. Thank-you for the photos, remembrances, and insight into your friendship with Nils. I'm sure he is very overwhelmed to see you post that. And he will always be with you...

**bigtrubs** · 09-15-2007, 04:36 AM

Beandip, that was both beautiful and eloquent and it makes me envious of the fact that you knew Nils so well. Seriously, cry and let it out, but know that Nils will be waiting for you at that cherry tree when you need him most!

**Woodsy** · 09-15-2007, 05:59 AM

Thanks ceej,
glad I got to play with y'all a bit.
Thanks for all the calls yesterday and taking mine.
and thanks Nils for always making me shake my head and smile.