Words to Live By
The Nick Would Foundation set to inspire a new wave of writers and musicians
by Suzi Mitchell
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of Art with Altitude.
Nick Simon could hum a tune before he could talk. At the tender age of five, he hopped on a stage at his father’s work Halloween social and sang every word of “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” unplanned and uninhibited. Music simply flowed through his veins.
Born and raised in Steamboat Springs, the Routt County native lost his life in a car accident during a surfing trip to New Zealand at age 25 in fall 2022. He left behind a cavernous void for his parents Dan and Sarah, and sister Natalie, along with a sea of close friends and family.
Energized by life more than most, Nick lived many lifetimes in one, and bequeathed a gift that would become the greatest source of comfort to all who long for his presence —his voice through poetry and song.
Nick was known by many for his athletic prowess and love of travel. He was a hockey player, big mountain skier, rafter, surfer, mountain biker, kayaker and climber. He backpacked through Europe, took a three-month NOLS course in the Himalayas and did a stint in Alaska as a commercial fisherman.
What many did not realize was the Cal-Poly graduate’s talent for the written word, and his ability to pick up a menagerie of instruments and learn to play by ear. “It was probably his greatest talent of all,” Sarah says. “He left many journals and we can feel so connected to Nick any minute of the day by reading these pages filled with his poetry and songs.”
Family members are not the only ones to experience his life through lyrics. Nick was known for bringing his guitar on any road trip. “Folks relied on him for music around the campfire,” Dan shares with a soft smile. After Nick’s passing, over 50 of his personally written songs came to light. “Not one of us knew all the things he’d written until after he’d died.” His lyrics were inspired by observations and feelings toward life and the natural world, written during camping trips to Santa Barbara, river trips in Colorado, driving through the desert or being in his beloved Yampa Valley. Each song was shared personally with those who had been in his company.
To honor Nick’s memory and continue his loving legacy toward life, the family, along with a handpicked group of close friends, formed The Nick Would Foundation. The intent of the organization is to establish opportunities by removing barriers for people to access the thrill of outdoor sport, wildland exploration and artistic development. The foundation kicked off its arts goal in June 2023 with sponsorship of the Greyboy Allstars’ performance at the Free Concert Series in Steamboat Springs. “It was a way of sharing music with everyone in the community,” said Dan.
Nick loved folk and Americana music, picking up a guitar, ukulele, harmonica or playing the piano to share a tune. The Simons hope the foundation will enable others to foster a love of music and the arts by providing instruments or creative opportunities not currently available. The first album in Nick’s name is available on Spotify and all proceeds will benefit the foundation and enhance a beautiful legacy.
Elevate the Arts: Visit nickwould.com/music to listen to Nick’s original album and learn more about The Nick Would Foundation.
