Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Nic Fiore. He was a part of everything that makes Yosemite great and he will be sorely missed.
Nic passed away at age 88 in Fresno earlier this week. He is survived by two daughters, eight grandchildren and five brothers and sisters.
A memorial service in Nic Fiore’s honor is planned to occur at Yosemite’s Badger Pass ski area in autumn. His family has asked that contributions be made in his memory to The Yosemite Fund and the Air Warrior Courage Foundation.
For many years Nic was an icon at Badger Pass where he taught skiing. He is believed to have taught more people to ski in North America than any other ski instructor.
Comments
6 responses to “In Remembrance of Nic Fiore”
It is great to read all the glowing tributes to Nic Fiore appearing everywhere. I know he was amazingly well known for his love of skiing and for teaching so many people to ski at Badger Pass. But I remember Nic as the Director of the Yosemite Park and Curry Company High Sierra Camps. For many summers he made endless trips to check on the daily activities and solve the problems of the High Sierra camps from Tuolumne Meadows Lodge to Vogelsang and Glenn Aulin. He would leave after breakfast from TML and have lunch and spend the afternoon at one of the camps and be back for dinner. He touched a lot of lives through this part of his life as well. He was always smiling, never seemed to be upset over anything happening at the high camps from the entire crewing walking out in the middle of the night to an irate guest who did not get a piece of banana cream pie for dinner.
I am not sure how many names he remembered but long after I stopped working at TML I would run into him on my many trips back to Yosemite and he would instantly remember my name and some incident we were involved in.
I can remember having dinner with him and his wife and daughters in their home in the Valley. There are no words to describe his incredible energy, enthusiasm and truly sparkling personality. His voice will ring in my ears and his classic simile will be in my memory forever.
My husband and I met working for Nic in Yosemite in 1994. He was an inspiration and we often quote him. I would love to have info regarding his memorial service.
Nic was extremely special to myself and my family! I met him when I was 3 years old! We would take our family vacation every year to Badger Pass to ski for a week…but also to visit our great friend Nic!! He taught me how to ski and my senior year in high school he offered me a job as a ski instructor. I was very torn but new how much I loved Yosemite and if I accepted the job, I would never leave the valley! I chose to go to college instead. But, Nic remained a wonderful friend and he will be very fondly remembered!! He was like a grandpa to me! I love him dearly and my deepest sympathy goes to his family.
My parents and I would love to know when the memorial will be so we can attend.
Love,
Patti “Tricia” Mires
We have been missing Nic for a long time now as he had already been away from Yosemite for too, too long. He must have missed the park so much. I remember, years ago, hiking the high camp loop one year. As we left Sunrise Camp, Nic was sitting outside the mess tent drinking a cup of coffee. When we arrived, hours later, at Merced Camp, there was Nic, sitting outside the mess tent, drinking a cup of coffee! He had gone cross country, of course! We will never forget you, Nic. We’ll be seeing you down the trail at the next High Camp. Love, Dana Behr
I had the opportunity to take a ride up to Badger Pass before it opened with Nic and our crew from the Ice Rink. He was one of the nicest people that I have ever met. No matter who you were or what job you had he opened his heart to you. Anyone who had the honor of spending time with him will never forget him. Nic you will be missed dearly.
nic is one of the legends of yosemite alongside john muir and ansel adams. i will miss seeing him at badger pass. he was a welcoming presence sharing his warmth and love for yosemite. i took my son to yosemite at least once each year as he was growing up and we met nic on several occasions at badger pass. nic is unforgettable and will be missed.
nancy walker
san leandro, ca