Nicolaas Alexander Gelderblom
October 29th, 2020
If you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.
-Fred Rogers
Nico was born in Kitchener, Ontario. He grew up in Calgary and then Caroline, Alberta until he returned to Calgary after high school and where he remained until his passing. From a young age Nico had the courage to be fully himself. Nico lost his life to a fierce struggle with mental illness. We are so proud of him and how hard he tried to stay with us and his many friends.
Nico had a passion for life and for people. He lived life to the very fullest and touched the lives of many while he was with us. He considered many people family, including those at the places he worked; Commonwealth, Home and Away, and Chiki Menya. His love for dance and music led him to develop talents and friendships as a Hip Hop dancer with The Tomorrowz and subsequently as a dance instructor and choreographer. He had a wonderful dance community at Move Yourself Dance in Sundre and Olds and loved to inspire his students and share his energy and sense of humour as Mr. Nico. Nico, aka Techneeks, also loved teaching boxing for UNDRCARD Boxing studio where his musicality and fitness made him a valued instructor. He considered his friends in these endeavours, family. We are so thankful for his families.
Nico had a wide variety of interests. He learned to fly and was on his way to his pilot’s license, but his diagnosis precluded that aim. He loved animals, especially horses and horseback riding, and was quite the ‘horse whisperer’ He was a good athlete. Even as a kid he was one of the better players on the field. As he grew older, he took to faster paced sports like basketball and boxing. He liked variety so he mixed it up with snowboarding, skating, biking, parkour, and archery. Whatever struck his fancy, he went at it with gusto. A 100-plus km bike ride comes to mind. On a fixed gear bike. In the foothills. He must have had thighs of steel. Nico and his friend Fernando, aka the Rari Boyz (“Like the Hardy Boys but way more lit”) went on many adventures. He played a mean guitar and piano and had a beautiful voice. He composed his own pieces as well and his body seemed to feel and move effortlessly with music. We are fortunate enough to have the videos he shared to keep us close. He was a kind and compassionate human being and a lot of fun.
Many people are left to mourn his loss. In addition to his many friends, Nico leaves his loving parents, Rudy Gelderblom and Tracy Orr, and sister Anneke, his aunt and uncle, Barry and Terry, and cousins Kate and Jake. Nico is predeceased by his much-loved cousin, Michael.
So, in addition to our mourning, let us dance, sing, be funny, laugh, and be friends for one another as Nico would want us to. Let his energy and light inspire us to make the most of every day.
With the permission of its creator, Sam Lee, we are sharing a link to a memorial video so that we may share some of Nico’s life and music with you: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bQE5x63m_91CHC0QyAnqvuKrBxIDHkb-/view
In lieu of cards and flowers we invite you to donate to the Canadian Association for Addictions and Mental Health (Discovery Fund)."Fuelling the next generation of groundbreaking research and innovation dedicated to finding the causes of and cures for mental illness"
Messages:
Sending love and prayers Tracy, Rudy, and Anneke. We only met Nico once but his many talents shone. May he rest in peace.
I am very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies.
Nico is one of the most magical people I’ve ever met (and I’m old!). He radiated kindness, creativity, and magnetism. One couldn’t help but love and admire him for all of his wonderful qualities. I often thought of how proud I would be if my son became a man like Nico, and was excited to introduce my son to him. In just one meeting, he made an impact on my boy, who thought he was pretty great. Nico will never be forgotten and the memory of him will always occupy a very special place in many people’s hearts.
I’ve had some good memories of Nico playing volleyball and hanging out with him and the wonderful Caroline crew. I remember him as a positive, caring person and easy to get along with. Love and condolences to all of the family and friends who were close to Nico.
My first impression of Nico was that of a unique and kind soul. There was a depth to him which made our conversations very interesting so it was an honour to have him join the instructor family at UNDRCARD Boxing Studio. He was the first of our 10,000+ customer base to graduate from attendee to instructor; he picked-up boxing very quickly and won over countless clients with his knowledge, musical ear and ’TECHNEEKS’ vibe. I’m grateful to have seen him shine on the stage (both as a boxing coach and DJ) and share his gifts (emphasis on the plural in ‘gifts’) with thousands of appreciative Calgarians. We miss you dearly Nico and thank you for all you did while you were here. See you on the other side, good man.
I am so sorry for your most precious loss. I got to know your son through the world of dance. He came many times to Invermere as a guest Choreographer at our local dance studio that belonged to my daughter and business partner at the time. What an incredible young man. Again my most sincere condolences. God Bless.
I used to dance with Nico in The Tomorrows. His energy was always so exciting and he was limitlessly passionate. His soul will always retain these qualities. I can still hear his laugh after he’d crack a joke in rehearsals. My love and support to everyone, and Tracy, Rudy, and Anneke.
Rest in peace Nico....now you can dance...play your music and just be yourself.
Nico’s loss is profound, but I carry forward with me so many beautiful memories with him that I will cherish forever, from him shouting, “Ooh, Oscar’s got hands!” whenever I took his boxing classes, to ramen runs all over the city, to the most laughter-filled Tuesday nights learning his dances in the industrial district. Nico and I talked a lot about my becoming an instructor at UNDRCARD one day- how he would be there for my friends and family classes, what team teaches we would do (I regret never telling him about the David vs. Goliath theme class I had been thinking about), and where to get all the DJ-quality remixes. He left us just a week short of my first class and while it pains me that he never got to see that goal come to fruition, I know he is, was, and will always be with me every step of the way. I punch harder, with more purpose, and with more intention every day for Nico. I love him and miss him dearly, and offer you all my deepest condolences.
Rudy, Tracy and Anneke, We are so incredibly heart broken for your loss. We remember Nico as a fun, energetic and incredibly kind young man who always had the time to say hello and have a chat. Please know that you are all in our prayers and in our hearts. If we can do anything at all, please let us know. Sending you love.
Rudy, Tracy and Anneke... so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Sending our deepest condolences and hugs! Suzy and Roy
Peace be with you Nico.
I was so sadden to hear of Nicos passing. I well remember him in my Sunday school class ... you could see his creative side even then. I am thinking of you and your family. I can only imagine the hole it has left. It was very touching to see him shine so brightly in that video. Sending love
Hi Tracy, so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Heartbreaking. I pray Gods strength for you and your family.
So sorry for your loss . My heart and prayers are with you and your family
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time. Nico was a great guy and he will be forever missed. Please call if you need anything.
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to all of you. May reminders of Nico be heard and felt in the sun, wind and rain.
Nico, The opening quote by Mr. Rogers is so encapsulating of your profound impact on those around you. You probably thought nothing of it but you were the first person I met when I joined Undrcard. Your infectious kindness and your endearing patience made me feel like I belonged and helped me push through. Thank you for the sincerity of your words and actions. Rest In Peace, Alex
Dear Tracy, Rudy and Anneke, Our deepest sympathy to you as you mourn the loss of Nico. We remember him for his big smile and his enthusiasm for life. He was so very courageous in his fight with mental illness. Keeping you in our prayers. Jan and Arnie
Words are never enough at such a heartbreaking time. We are thinking of you all and send our deepest sympathy.