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Nils Hanson Obituary
Hanson graduated from Mamaroneck High School and earned his degree at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines at the outbreak of WWII, serving in the South Pacific theatre. His parents, George and Elsie Hanson, lived in Larchmont for 55 years. His father was a vice president of the Swedish American Steamship Line. Marilyn, his wife of two years, died in 1948.
During his college years, Hanson became active in political affairs winning an appointment to the campaign staff of New York Governor Thomas Dewey, the 1948 Republican presidential nominee. After graduating college in 1949, he returned home to Larchmont/Mamaroneck where he headed the Local Republicans. In 1952, he became Chairman of Citizens for the Eisenhower-Nixon presidential campaign. In 1955, he was elected chairman of the Mamaroneck Town Republican Committee, a post to which he was re-elected for five successive terms. He was the campaign coordinator for Nelson Rockefeller's successful bid for New York State governor in 1958. He served as Executive Assistant to Westchester County GOP Chairman Edwin Michaelian for eight years. He was instrumental in Ogden Reid's successful election to the U.S. House of Representatives for NY's 26th Congressional District.
In 1965, Hanson returned to his professional career with Thomas Cook Travel from which he had taken a leave of absence to serve in politics. In 1986, he retired as Vice-President of Cook's International Division, which included the United Nations Travel Office in NYC, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank in Washington, DC.
Hanson was a former Board member of The Ziegfeld Club. He played a vital role in returning the Club's memorabilia, gowns and other items to their original location in the newly renovated Disney New Amsterdam Theatre. This historic theatre was home to the Ziegfeld Follies from 1913 to 1927. In 1997, Hanson was instrumental in bringing five of the remaining living Follies girls back to the New Amsterdam Theatre stage. His close friend Doris Eaton Travis and the other four Follies girls garnered new interest in the Follies for the younger generations. His vast collection of Ziegfeld Follies-era memorabilia is now on display at both the New Amsterdam Theatre and the Museum of Broadway.
At age 89, he became a published author with his historical biography 'Lillian Lorraine - The Life and Times of a Ziegfeld Diva'. The impetus for this novel began when Nils discovered Lillian's musty old theatrical trunk in his family's attic. It was filled with Lillian's well-preserved theatrical memorabilia including costumes and gowns. The trunk had been given to Nils's mother, a friend and confidante of Lillian.
At age 93, Nils embarked on a book collaboration with author Robert Hudovernik about the historic Hotel des Artistes. This iconic building on West 67th Street played a vital role in establishing an art colony for a network of American artists. His interviews with current residents and staff of the hotel became an integral part of the 2020-published book 'Hotel des Artistes'.
Hanson was a member of Central Presbyterian Church and Calvary-St. George's Episcopal Church in Manhattan.
Nils loved Broadway musicals and music of all genres. He was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan since attending games at Fenway Park with his grandfather in the 1920s/'30s. He was an avid reader of autobiographies and enjoyed tennis immensely.
He is survived by five nieces and one nephew. Moreover, as a result of Nils's diverse interests and his knack for networking with people from all walks of life, an extensive group of loyal and loving friends and colleagues serendipitously evolved. This extended family treasured his friendship and support and willingly welcomed him into their lives and hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ziegfeld Club, 593 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021.
A memorial service will be held Monday, May 15, 2023, at 6:30 PM, Central Presbyterian Church, 593 Park Ave. (64th St) NY, NY.
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62 Entries
James Herb
June 3, 2024
James Herb
June 3, 2024
James Herb
June 3, 2024
James Herb
June 3, 2024
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James Herb
June 3, 2024
James Herb
June 3, 2024
June 1, 2024 was a glorious Saturday morning, when 17 of Nils Hanson´s friends gathered at Two Mile Hollow Beach, East Hampton to fulfill his final wish: the scattering of his and his beloved cat Missy´s ashes. The weather was perfect - sunny, with a temperature of 70 degrees and a gentle breeze. It was a poignant moment to honor a man who´s like we shall never see again.
Nils´ journey to East Hampton was serendipitous. Initially building his dream home in Westchester County, New York, everything proceeded smoothly until an unexpected twist: the builder decided to construct another house right next to Nils´ nearly completed abode. Devastated, Nils made the difficult decision to sell and seek greater privacy elsewhere.
Fortune smiled upon him when a colleague at Thomas Cook Travel informed him about a charming two-story Dutch Colonial home coming onto the market in East Hampton. The ambiance of this part of Long Island evoked memories of Nils´ childhood summers in New England, where he reveled in the beaches of Naushon Island, Massachusetts-nestled off the coasts of Cape Cod and Martha´s Vineyard. His father, George, an executive with Swedish American Line (SAL) for five decades, instilled in Nils a deep love for the sea. Nils´ adventures took him on seven circumnavigations of the globe.
Nils lived part-time in East Hampton from 1985 to 2004. He was happiest when he was hosting family and friends from all over the world. His home became a haven of warmth and laughter.
Now, his ashes and those of Missy find their resting place-both at 22 Bucks Path and in the embrace of the seas that he loved.
Reflecting on a well-lived life, we remember the timeless wisdom: "Be the things you love most about the people who are gone." Nils embodied steadfast love for family and friends, kindness, generosity, and an unwavering zest for life. His attentive listening and unwavering encouragement left an indelible mark on all who knew him. The memories he gave us, the lessons he imparted, and his unyielding spirit of determination will forever resonate.
We were truly blessed to be his friend. RIP Nils.
David Bartholomew
June 1, 2024
David Bartholomew
June 1, 2024
David Bartholomew
June 1, 2024
[a couple pix from those I shot for his author picture for the Lillian Lorraine book]
Two Nils Memories.
* Having had the one and only copy of the manuscript for his Lillian Lorraine book stolen with his leather attache’ on the train from NYC to his place in the Hamptons-- to make backup copies-- Nils was, understandably, dejected. This depression lasted a number of years. The book was a longtime goal-- determinedly written in spite of failing vision, in honor of his mother, who had become the assistant and (basically) confidante of the diva. This would have been the first we would see of his amazing skills as a biographer.
In testament to his determination, unwavering positivity and the sharpness of his mind (till the end) he eventually got back on the horse, maybe five or so years later, and re-created the book from (probably close to photographic) memory. He received interest and a go ahead from a publisher and was working toward the end of their last punch list items required prior to going to press.
This was a race against the clock on the rapidly increasing deterioration of his vision. And where I would have never heard a discouraging word out of him in the years prior, on this one particular phone conversation he was swearing and telling me that they wanted this and that, and that he was about to toss the whole f-ing thing into the trash and forget about it. In this I heard the frustration of coming so close to the finish line but not seeing a way through; and I told my wife Joan I needed to get there. For about a week I got to assist him in completing the last chapter to the publisher’s requests/specs, work up a table of contents, index, etc., and the book indeed became a reality.
This was just one of many instances in which Nils served up an amazing example of character and all of his other fine qualities. The book was and is a great read, and as mentioned in the obit here was achieved at a pretty remarkable age. He went on to do a number of interviews in which he could recall exact dates, names, places, and speak engagingly on this topic so close to his heart. And then-- also as mentioned within these tributes-- went on to contribute to the book on the Hotel des Artistes as well.
* A different kind of (I don’t know if we should call it an) “example”-- maybe more of a cautionary tale-- is that of a zany (read-- a bit unwise, kids-- don’t try this at home) adventure of ours. I had driven to the Hamptons from the Midwest for a visit. Nils, unable to drive due to his vision, still kept a running vehicle (I think it was an old blue Volvo station wagon) for visiting company. He mentioned that it had gone to the shop for a tune-up or whatever, and that we had to go pick it up.
“How are we going to do that?,” I asked. “Well, we’ll drive over in your car (a Chevy Astro van) and I will follow you back. Follow your tail lights.”
Somehow, though a tad risky, I felt this was achievable. The game of life-- you cannot win if you do not play. And sure enough, I had a legally (and perhaps beyond) blind man on my a**, following the cloudy white and red glows of tail and brake lights… those x number of miles from town back to Bucks Path. Again-- in slightly twisted fashion-- an example of his optimism and never-say-die way of looking at life.
Lisa Bracher Johnson
May 31, 2024
Nils was an incredible uncle to us. He always valued our views and opinions, treating us, even as children, as equal to any adult. He was such a good listener with wise words of encouragement or advice, up into his last months. Nils was a very thoughtful and kind man-we shared his love of animals and he influenced us to explore the world as he had. We all have wonderful memories of the many fun times we had with him as we grew up, and it brings us comfort to know he is with other loved ones in peace and comfort.
James Herb
May 31, 2024
Nils' wish to have his cremains, along with those of his beloved Missy, scattered in East Hampton, NY will take place on June 1, 2024. RIP Nils & Missy.
Nick Griparich
May 28, 2024
Nick Griparich
May 28, 2024
One of Nil´s greatest joys was his 1972 Mercedes convertible.
Nils acquired his sky-blue baby from a Mercedes dealer on the West side of Manhattan after the dealer´s wife preferred a different color for her birthday present.
The Mercedes was one of the first off the assembly line and has certain features unique to the European market which today 52 years later still catches a collectors eye.
I was fortunate enough to purchase Nils car after he could no longer drive due to his sight. I continued to have it serviced by his favorite mechanic shop Karlbachers in East Hampton until Nils sold his house on Bucks Path.
Nils will be taking his last ride in the 350 SL to release his ashes.
James Herb
May 17, 2024
A visit to see Nils in East Hampton usually resulted in a drive to either Two Mile Hollow Beach (photo below, his favorite beach) or the main East Hampton Beach near the Maidstone Beach Club. Occasionally, a drive to a beach on the Long Island Sound (Sammy's Beach) included the purchase of clams, shrimp, and oysters. A stop at a local produce stand might include (if we were lucky and it was in season), Nils' favorite, sweet Jersey corn.
Nils was always the most attentive host. He enjoyed sharing his love of his East Hampton home with family and friends. It was a true treat to be his guest at the Hanson B & B.
James Herb
May 16, 2024
James Herb
May 16, 2024
James Herb
May 16, 2024
James Herb
May 16, 2024
Nils bought this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 story Dutch Colonial-style home in East Hampton without stepping inside. The fact that the listing real estate agent was unavailable to show him the home during Nils's short stay in East Hampton from NYC did not stop him from getting a glimpse of the home sans broker. He walked the outside of the home, peering in every 1st-floor window. He loved the privacy and seclusion that the 1-acre lot provided, especially after his recent aborted construction of his dream home in Wacabuc, NY West Chester County (more about that in another submission).
Yes, our Nils was so confident that this was the place for him that he made an offer without ever having stepped into the interior of 22 Bucks Path. He loved the charm and the ambiance of East Hampton; everything reminded him of his childhood summers on the beaches of Naushon Island, MA off the coast of Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard.
Nils' intuition was not wrong. He loved living in East Hampton for 9 years. He generously shared that love with so many of his family and friends. Nils wanted to live in this home for much longer but the loss of his sight made living there more difficult than residing in NYC. He even sublet his NYC apartment for several months in order to try living in East Hampton full-time but it was a very sad day for him when he decided to list his beautiful home. His family and friends witnessed how extremely painful this decision was to leave a place where he had invested so much of his time and energy.
His friends will be fulfilling his wish to scatter his ashes in East Hampton on June 1, 2024.
Please share your Nils' East Hampton memories/photos in this Guestbook. Remembering Nils keeps him close to our hearts and minds.
James Herb
May 15, 2024
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, Nils Hanson´s friends will be fulfilling his wish to scatter his ashes in East Hampton, NY. Located on the south fork of Long Island 120 miles east of his former NYC apartment, Nils resided in this quaint village part-time from 1985 to 2004. He generously shared many of his life´s happiest moments with his family and friends at his idyllic Dutch Colonial style home at 22 Bucks Path.
At 11 AM, we will be meeting at Bostwick´s Chowder House, 277 Pantigo Road on Route 27 / Montauk Highway. We will then proceed to Nils´ favorite East Hampton beach, Two Mile Hollow. The beach is 0.6 miles from Bostwick´s. After scattering our beloved Nils´ ashes, we will return to Bostwick´s. Please RSVP if you plan to join us for lunch.
We will always keep Nils close in our hearts and minds. Remember him by sharing fond memories and photos at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/nils-hanson-obituary?id=51768795
Rod Sager
October 29, 2023
My first job after high school was at the UN working Nils at Thomas Cook. He was a natural at mentoring and pointed me in the right direction right from the start. I will never forget his baby blue Mercedes convertible. I visited Nils every chance I got either in Manhattan or his home in the Hamptons. Nils was always supportive, positive and great at handling any situation. We almost lost him on the return flight of one of his many trips to Russia. I finally became the professional musician I wanted to be and remember Nils saying "that song sounded great you should make a recording", which is what I now do full time. I was blessed to have met and worked with Nils and will also remember him as a mentor and a friend.
Ellie Hudovernik
May 25, 2023
The Dearest Friend I Never Met
I never had the pleasure of meetings Nils in person yet we became great friends.. He was first a friend of my husband Robert's who got to know Nils when he was doing research on Ziegfeld's photographer. Nils was an amazing help to Robert during his trips to NYC.
I'm not sure when Nils and I first met via the telephone. Our shared interests were discussing politics and the state of the world, food, our love for our pets and of course the tragic loss of his wife early in his life.
Years ago Nils was asked if he would take in the cat of a neighbor who was moving. Missy was her name. Nils and Missy formed a great bond and when she died it was devastating for Nils. He shared with me how he took a cab to the pet crematorium out in one of the NYC burrows. He transported Missy's remains in a box and when he arrived at the facility he insisted on standing guard and even paid extra to insure Missy's remains were cremated solely on her own rather than grouped together with other deceased pets.
He brought Missy's ashes home and kept them so he and Missy could one day be laid to eternal rest together.
He so loved his cat and we had long talks about his loss. And when my dog died, Nils was there for me because he knew first-hand what it felt like to have to say good bye to a beloved pet.
Our most fun conversations were around food. I love to cook and Nils, like all of us, loved to eat. We would fantasize about me living down the street from him and coming over to cook his favorite foods. It seems like any dish I mentioned he would swoon. I never made it to NYC to cook for NIls, but how I wish I had.
I was speaking to Nils one day and told him that when I described him to people I know here in the Midwest, that I would say, "I have a crush on Nils Hanson." Nils laughed and laughed.
I think we all, in our own way, had a crush on Nils. He was the quintessential gentleman and a great conversationalist. What's not to love about a person who possessed both of those qualities and a myriad of other wonderful ones!
I miss Nils but he often told me he was ready to go. His faith was strong in the afterlife. So now when I think of Nils, I see him smiling and happy and reunited with the wife he lost so many years ago as well as family and friends who departed this world before him.
Rest in peace my dear Nils.
Ellie Hudovernik
My photo for Nils is of the Blubells blooming in our garden
Hans Hansson
May 14, 2023
A last greeting from second cousin in Sweden
Hans Hansson (known as Hasse to Nils)
Bob & Ellie Hudovernik
May 14, 2023
A Fond Farewell to our dear friend Nils Hanson..."A Beautiful Man..."
To Nils: Our world is so much poorer without you. It was such a great honor and pleasure to know you and be your friends. Your boyish charm, optimism, sparkling wit, and eternally youthful voice made our many phone conversations a constant joy. You will always be in our hearts.
For anyone reading these words who did not know Nils Hanson, we wish that you had had the opportunity to experience his loving personality, his kindness and his humanity. He valued his friendships. He loved his friends and family members more than anything else. He talked about them on the phone to us all the time.
Nils was very religious. He told us how he loved his god and his church(s) and talked often about someday joining his beloved wife in heaven, who he lost early in life. He shared his love for his mother by telling stories about his memories of her and ultimately writing a book about her life with Ziegfeld star Lillian Lorraine titled "Lillian Lorraine, The Life and Times of a Ziegfeld Diva,".
Nils bravely faced many challenges throughout his life, but battled them all with dignity right to the end. In our minds he won life's battle willing himself to pass the finish line beyond 100 years (like his Ziegfeld friend Doris Eaton Travis at 106 years old) and he did.
In later life when he lost most of his eyesight while working on his book project about his mother, Nils amazed us when he said that he made his way across Manhattan by "following the cracks in the sidewalk!"
Nils left us a powerful legacy of hope for the future with his examples of promoting love and friendship in an increasingly insensitive, non-humanistic world.
We love you and will miss you always Nils! Thank you for all your indelible memories!
-Bob & Ellie Hudovernik
We are including a photo of Nils in the Hotel des Artistes apartment of building Super Tony Borg & his wife Margaret taken by his niece Robin Smith. Robin also took the wonderful portrait of Nils on the roof of the Des Artistes used as the Legacy main photo on this page.
P.S. If you wish to "meet" or relive your memories of Nils Hanson, you can listen to him online on The Leonard Lopate Show on WNYC RADIO in 2011 talking about his book. It's 16min and still available (click blue arrow below description) at https://www.wnyc.org/people/nils-hanson/
Craig Folk
May 13, 2023
Nils was just a wonderful man. Friends for 20 years and he never spoke a negative word about anyone. So glad you are in peace now my friend!
Bryan Rodrigues
May 13, 2023
I was friends with Nils during the last 20 years of his life. I would come down from Rhode Island and we would talk for hours before heading out on some adventure. Sometimes we would go up to the New Amsterdam or to a Broadway show. Often we would go to eat at the diner across the street or to one of his regular haunts across town via taxi.
He was a great lover of culture and conversation and his connections to the old world of New York entertainment are legendary. When he took me to the National Arts club we had the great fortune to share stories and have dinner with Abe Vigoda! I've got a cool 3D picture of Abe and I as well as one of Nils and I on the 6th Avenue line from when we went to the Noguchi Museum in Queens.
Nils also gave me some of his glass slides to scan as he could no longer see them. I've got about 40 images, all from his tour guiding days. I include one here of Nils in front of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice in his Thomas Cook outfit.
That's how I will remember Nils. On some adventure, befriending and guiding others and making the most of life, despite any pain, loneliness, or loss. Offering an ear, a smile, a laugh, and gratitude for the time we shared passing through life. A gin and tonic toast to you Nils.
"Take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again"
Christine Hall
May 11, 2023
Christine Hall
May 11, 2023
Christine Hall
May 11, 2023
Christine Hall
May 11, 2023
Christine Hall
May 11, 2023
Christine Hall
May 11, 2023
Christine Hall
May 11, 2023
We met Nils through Central Presbyterian and he became a cherished friend over the years. While we´re happy he´s reunited with family and friends in heaven, we´ll miss him here on earth. Christine and Michael Hrynuik
Leann and Paul Griesinger
May 7, 2023
Every now and then we are blessed to meet and befriend someone truly special in our lives. For us, Nils was one such extraordinary person. We will never forget the day he arrived on our doorstep in the fall of 2005, a complete stranger. Nils was accompanied by his neice and presented us with a framed print of our home which it turns out was owned by his uncle when it was a working farm. He relayed stories of many a happy childhood summer here and we shared a love of this vintage farmhouse in Concord Massachusetts. It turns out we also shared pride in our Swedish heritage and traditions. A year later, Nils graciously gifted us an inscribed painting of our home which he had commissioned and kept in his apartment for many years. He also sent us copies of old photos which inspired a mural we had painted on a wall upstairs near where Nils resided long ago. Oh the stories and memories he shared! It was the beginning of a very special friendship. Nils was an exceptional and accomplished man who possessed great intelligence, integrity and the utmost kindness. Much could be learned from his wisdom and experience. We will truly miss him and forever cherish the friendship we enjoyed together.
Bill George, Jr
May 6, 2023
Nils was an amazing man. I got to know him through Doris Eaton Travis, the last Ziegfeld Follies girl. For ten years we attended Broadway Cares Easter Bonnet. He is a vital part of the best years of my life. RIP my friend.
Éric et Véronique Stalla
May 6, 2023
I met him for the first time in 1974 , i was 22 years old , he was in Houston with Eric. He welcome us few months in his appartement in wood hollow square. We had wonderful time with him , meeting his family , Mickey , Kim Robin and his friends. Then he comes in France for our wedding in Chantambre, then for Capucine
`Baptême as godfather and once more for Capucine and Romain `s wedding !
He always was with us for the great moments of our life.
We have many memories of him with our daughters Capucine and Anne-Victoire in East Hampton and New York, he was part of our French family!
Thank you Nils for having share your life with us
I will always keep in memory your wonderful happy voice , when we had you on phone , and which never changed till your 100 years !
Éric and Véronique
Dixon and Nancy Allen
May 5, 2023
We are so grateful to have known Nils. What a special person. Nancy and I considered him our adopted grandfather since our grandparents were deceased when we met Nils in 2007.
Nils was so instrumental in the revitalization of Central Presbyterian Church (CPC). We are grateful to all of his hard work at the church.
We will miss him dearly.
Dixon and Nancy Allen
John Loiacono
May 3, 2023
John Loiacono
May 3, 2023
John Loiacono
May 3, 2023
John Loiacono
May 3, 2023
Nils was an admired and cherished friend these past 26 years as well as our last living connection to the Great Ziegfeld era! He will truly be missed, but will live on in our hearts and in every corner of the New Amsterdam Theatre!
Steven Hanson
May 3, 2023
As a kid, visiting "Uncle Nils" in his upstairs rooms or during the spectacular Christmas Eve dinner at 70 Lookout Circle, he was a neat guy. It was only as an adult that I realized just what good man he really was. He was the last of a generation of old world class. Along with his sister Mickey and his brother (my dad) Ray, he personified the intelligent, thoughtful and giving human being we seem to be sorely missing today. He once invited me to lunch at the Ambassador's Dinning Room during one of my rare trips to the area. That in itself was special, but what really made it great was that it was hard to get to eat our meal because it seemed that everyone else in the dinning room stopped by to say hi to him. And the first thing he did after acknowledging their greeting was to take pride in introducing his nephew to them. What a day. Now he's back with Farfar, Farmor, Mickey and Ray. Rest in Peace .
James McKenna
May 2, 2023
Whenever Nils would drop by the New Amsterdam Theater throughout the years, all attention seemed to turn to him. Those who had no idea who he was or of his contributions drew near to him as well. He seemed to remember everyone's name, even those he had met only once before, and he took a shine to new acquaintances, from ushers to security guards. The sight of a 90-ish year old gentleman with a seeing eye cane effortlessly wading through bustling Times Square matinee crowds, on his own, and into the lobby, just for a hello, visit spoke volumes of his fortitude and graciousness. As if an important dignitary was paying a social call, you wanted to put out your best silverware, but he expected nor demanded nothing of the kind. His natural air of diplomacy and propriety were contagious as we all tried to emulate these traits as a guest relations staff in honoring values that he regarded as paramount.
Beyond the extensive interesting tales of his travels, his treasured museum contributions, and being the fascinating story telling 'key holder' of magnificent people and places of the last century, Nils's treasure lay in his belief that mutual affection and lasting friendship is what truly nourishes all of us in our lifetime together, here on earth.
James McKenna
May 2, 2023
James McKenna
May 2, 2023
James McKenna
May 2, 2023
James McKenna
May 2, 2023
Please include these photos with the message from "Your New Amsterdam family", (3rd attempt to attach)
James McKenna
May 1, 2023
James McKenna
May 1, 2023
James McKenna
May 1, 2023
James McKenna
May 1, 2023
James McKenna
May 1, 2023
James McKenna
May 1, 2023
James McKenna
May 1, 2023
To Nils
Thanks for the Memory from your New Amsterdam family John, Tania, Kellie, James
Capucine Benoist-Stalla
May 1, 2023
Capucine Benoist-Stalla
May 1, 2023
Capucine Benoist-Stalla
May 1, 2023
Capucine Benoist-Stalla
May 1, 2023
Nils was my god father and has always been a strong pilar in my life. I will remember his joyful voice when as a child he taught me my first english words "somebody's home? Nobody's home". I loved calling him once in a while to give him news from his french family. My parents, Eric and Veronique met just before spending time at his home and he was there to witness the begining of their love story. I think he is the reason why I wanted to explore the world and live abroad for many years. He is also the reason why I wanted my children to go to english schools so they would be able to speak with him. I had promise him I would come and visit with my children but with covid restrictions we finally only managed to speak on the phone. That is a missed rendez-vous but I am sure that from here above you will keep an eye on us all. I miss you Nils.
Capucine
Bonnie Seitis
May 1, 2023
As one of his nieces i remember how devoted he was to his family. We would spend Christmas Eve in Larchmont every year and experience all the Swedish traditions. I remember his cat Nixon who was always included. Nils is now with his family and I am happy that he gets to be with my Dad, his brother, who was taken too soon. But Nils could always come up with a story about him that would make me smile. God Bless you Nils
James McKenna
April 30, 2023
Robin Smith
April 30, 2023
The best uncle ever and the most amazing - publishing one book in his 80s and collaborating on another in his 90s ! An inspiration to us all - RIP Nils. Robin Smith
Kim M Bracher
April 30, 2023
As one of Nils´ 5 nieces, I have such wonderful memories of time spent with him. Since his sister, my mother, and I shared his birthday month and we all were only days apart, we celebrated together a few times in E. Hampton. As a teenager, he taught me to drive on icy roads. So many memories I keep in my heart. He is in God´s hands now but with his sight restored and no more pain. I am happy for you, Nils, and I will love you forever
James Herb
April 30, 2023
Nils was a remarkable man who never stopped pursuing his passions. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, professionalism, and class. He was beloved by many devoted friends-young and old and he valued their friendships. He was an adventurous traveler from an early age. Now, as you travel to your next destination, know that your spirit will live in us all. RIP Nils.
Jim & Carlos
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