erging has lost a lion

[dennish]

Perhaps the wrong place for this but I thought here would get Nelson the notice he deserved. Nelson Boyd died this past weekend from cancer. I met Nelson the first time at the Mile High Sprints many, many years ago He did the hour row and then a couple of hours later sat on the erg next to mine and did the 2000 qualifier. He was a slight man (think Bayko only smaller)that loved the erg and the challenges it presented. He never missed the Mile High Spriints and was always a consistent 7:30 something competitor. But he was so genuine, so excited to just be part of it all, it was impossible not to like the man. Nelson and I buildt a friendship on a once a year reunion at the Mile High Sprints. We nearly always sat on adjacent ergs and supported each other like mad men. One year he showed up with this hideous t-shirt that was so not Nelson. I asked what that was about and he told me, "Because I was diagnosed with cancer and I'm gonna beat it and I want everyone to know that you have cancer, it doesn't have you." The last year I was active rowing in 2006, Nelson fulfilled his dream of going to Crash-B's. As soon as I finished I raced over to his erg and cajoled, yelled and put it to him just like at the sprints. He finished DFL but he was so stoked, he jumped up, hugged me and couldn't stop smiling. Every year since I have made it a point to be at the Mile High Sprints for no other reason than to be there to watch my friend put his all into the moment. This last winter was no different, Nelson, as always the personification of courage, dedication and enthusiasm did his race with me sitting right behind yelling my brains out. Afterward we talked for about and hour and then parted with the standard, "See ya next year." He mentioned his cancer only in passing and was the affable and sincere man that I had known for so long. I have known a great many of the giants of erging, but none was grander than Nelson. He was what erging can be. Nelson proved to me its not just about hammers, ribbons, podiums and world records, they are just trappings. Its also about courage, integrity, dignity, dedication and being a friend to name just a few that come to mind quickly. Thank you for your indulgence, but I wanted and needed to make public note of the life of a very decent man. dennis hastings

[Citroen]

http://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10647

Sad news.

[enrage]

RIP

[wjschmidt2]

Thank you Nelson for touching our lifes. You showed us what a positive outlook can do.

" I can make it through."
Maya Angelou

God Bless!

Bill

[hjs]

He took it very brave. But nevertheless he died before his time......

[tjf0]

Great story of your friendship and the persistence that Nelson had battling his cancer. I could actually see you pulling for him at erg events. My brother is going through the end stages of this terrible disease and reading posts by Nelson of his battle and how he approached life while fighting cancer clearly shows that he had the heart of a lion.

[mikvan52]

http://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10647

Sad news.

Nelson's July 28th, 2010 post shows the substance of a great man.....