Nik's memorial

[d-dog]

The memorial service yesterday for our friend Dr. Nikolas Hartshorne was one of the most powerful and healing expereinces in my life. To meet and talk with all the members of his family, from his wonderful mother and strong father to a group of passionate and deeply caring siblings, and everyone else. . . it was like a dream.

If any service could do justice to our dear Nik, this was it. It is never easy to say goodbye, but to do so in the company of friends and fellow travelers of this caliber, this was truly special.

The family expressed thanks so many times to all the folks around the world who have shared a bit about their time with Nik here. Honestly, I think many of them were overwhelmed by the praise and genuine feelings of love that so many of us in Nik's "BASE family" felt for him.

We postponed the memorial jump so that we could bring his ashes along. I will let folks know when the date is scheduled, though I understand that not everyone will be able to attend.

So many thanks to Zaz and DJ and Ray and Tom and Yuri and Rob and Kathy and Annie and Karin and all the other BASE friends that were able to make the service in person, as well as the many folks who were there in spirit if not in flesh. As much as I will never forget Nik and how he touched my life so powerfully, I know I will never forget this memorial. It was a testament to his true greatness of spirit.

Also, personally, my thanks for so many kind words and notes sent to me during the last week. At the memorial, I shared with everyone in attendance the many emails and calls I received last week from jumpers around the world who knew and loved Nik. To those who could not attend the service, you were there in spirit and we all knew and felt that.

To Dwain, in particular, I have only these words: so few of us truly understood and appreciated the strong bond that you and Nik had in life. I believe that he was like a brother to you - and more. You shared so much together, the good and the bad, and knew one another as few friends ever do. I know that Nik cherished your friendship even as he grumbled about your hard-headed, linear, straight-laced ways at times (don't we all!). I also know all the things you did (and tried to do) to keep your friend safe. Nobody could have done more; nobody could have been a better, genuine friend than you were for Nik, warts and all.

To DJ: your story at the memorial was so amazingly beautiful. You said in few words what so many of us wanted to share, and you did it with humor. An amazing tribute from an amazing man. I am honored to know and share jumps with you.

Peace to all,

Douglas B. Spink (aka D-d0g)
ddog@wrinko.com
www.wrinko.com

ps: the garden being planted at my place in honor if Nik is going to be beautuful. Butterfly bushes, a walnut tree, several beautiful rose buses, and a Japanese Maple among others. I've even got some Miracle-Gro to make sure we uphold the tradition :-)

[K]

Thank you Doug. I wish I could have been there; I know I missed out on a wonderful tribute and sharing of spirit, but your recounting of the event helped me feel a part of it. I was there in spirit, I kept my eye on my watch and paid attention to Nik and Portland at 4:p.m. When I come up, I'll plant some greenery in Nik's garden, maybe bring a small bag of my home made compost thrice blessed....(way better than Miracle Grow!) :)

Love and peace,
K

[guest]

Doug,
Like I said when I met you and gave you the english rose bush, I knew you were Nik's friend from the memories that you posted. I don't think that his Mum and Dad where suprised by the love that the base jumping community showed for him. If there is one thing about Nik that everyone could agree upon, it is that Nik made an impression on people. But Simon, his brother by blood, whom Nik did not share his life with, was. Nik was many things, to many people. He could be sooooo obnoxious and loving in the same moment. and that he shut his brother out even the last time they saw each other makes me cry. I know I am responsible for the last visit of Nik and Simon, for it was Nikolas who I called when I wanted to throw a suprise party for Dan in Colorado. Nik is the one who then called our crew (spread across the USA) and made it happen! When Simon told me that when he went to pick up Nik the next morning and Nik said come back in 2 hours. I felt pretty bad, cause I knew that it was due to the prior evenings festivities. Simon said he wanted to leave right then. I am glad he put up with Nik's bullshit once again.

Having known Nik for over a decade, it is simply so very sad that we will not get another phone call of him "just checking in mates", and that there will be no more devious plots hatched by that man, will leave a hollow spot in my heart for a long time to come.

When we arrived home on Monday, it was my daughters 2nd birthday. Emotionally and physically I have not felt as tired as I do right now, since the birth of that child. When Nik called me in the hospital his first words were "that's it on the babies isn't - do you need to get fixed" and "get done breastfeeding so you can smoke a joint." Nik was one of those few friends we have had that I could absolutely be myself with and I will miss him and cherish those friends that know me like that who are still alive.

I loved that guy and I hope he is flying high right now!

Kelly Merrick

ps. could you send your address again so the next time we are in Portland we could see your memorial garden (and you had better use that miracle grow on the rose!)
keldano@aol.com

[guest]

Thanks, Doug, for saying so well how wonderful the service was. It was indeed a great step in the difficult task of healing for everyone that knew Nik. I'm not a jumper and I don't know you, but you said a lot of what I wanted to say in your posting above. I am so glad I went to the service -- it really was a great release and I got to meet some nice people and share some tears and laughter.

Here's to Nik!

Mark

[Faber]

Hi Doug
Thanks sharing this.

I did the jump same time(in the morning here)true beautiful 400ft.A

Peace

Faber