I'm so sorry. I loved Nick. Great guy. Always extremely generous towards me for no reason. Very big loss to the world.

Nick and Rebekah on yet another long walk. =) I was roommates with Rebekah and Nick was gracious about me third-wheeling on their outings. We always got coffee. — with Nick Simmons and Rebekah Blume

My family was part of the same unschooling group as Nick's, in roughly grade school through middle school years. I remember going to his house for play dates and a bunch of kids hanging out in his basement, and although we weren't especially close at the time and didn't keep in touch as we got older, I've often thought of him. He was one of those people from your childhood who make a big impression--I was a little bit in awe of his principles and political opinions, and how he always seemed to be reading or thinking about things I hadn't heard of or thought about yet. I also remember him being kind. At an age when a lot of the boys were teasing the girls or just mostly ignoring them to do their own thing, I remember one day we were all playing a board game in Nick's basement and I was really thirsty, and I must have said something about wanting some water, and Nick went and got me a glass of water. It's such a random, little thing, but it was also kind and unexpected. It's stuck with me a long time, and it's just one tiny example of the positive impact Nick made in the world and on the people in his life. 

Nick and I were unschooled together in Madison, and while we were never especially close, I always deeply admired him. He was unmistakably brilliant and lived with intention, from Youth in Government and spirited history debates to the curiosity and care he brought to everything he did. Years later, our family unexpectedly ran into him and Clay biking the California coast near Mount Tamalpais, a place that now feels meaningfully shared. Nick was always striving to leave the world better than he found it—repurposing found objects, living thoughtfully, and moving through life with a strong moral compass. Even without closeness, those shared values quietly connected us across time and distance. Rest easy Nick. 

Enjoying Family Time at Max and Lauren's Wedding

One of many Co-op parties

I am so terribly sad to hear this tragic news, and my heart goes out to Rebekah, David, Phyllis, Nathan, and everyone who loved Nick. As childhood friends, Nick left an outsized impression on me as we were growing up, through his creativity, political spirit, sport of thinking outside the box, irrepressible energy, and interesting knowledge and endeavors. Nick broadened my perspective as a young person in deeply meaningful ways and I know he will continue to make an impact in my life (and many others' lives) through the creative ways of thinking about, seeing, and positively influencing the world that he introduced to me and shared with all those around him.

Nick visiting the Pastores at our parents new home

It is a terrible tragedy to lose our new family member, Nick. We grieve the loss of Nick, and we grieve our niece Rebekah’s loss, too.  My husband, Gershon, and I give  our deepest condolences sincerely to Rebekah and all those who loved Nick so much.