Dean Hinton
a.k.a. Nature Nick
May 23, 1961 - December 26, 2001.
Dean was one of the greatest friends I have known. A friendship that spanned across two decades. A friend who was always there whenever anyone needed him. He had a great mind, a great spirit and was a great debater. A great navigator on the rapids, rapidly navigating towards greatness in life. Dean was a friend of the earth, nature and humanity. His ever expanding skills as an athlete never ceased to amaze. My respect for him is great. In our many conversations there was always an excitement about him. The time he was able to first use his newly acquired Emergency Medical Technician training to help an accident victim, training for a triathlon in Moab, and meeting the love of his life. His heart beamed of goodness and my life was changed by his friendship.

His untimely and unexpected passing serves as a reminder that we must live life to its fullest and seek the peace he so desperately wanted for everyone. For ourselves and for others. I admired his ability to navigate the many obstacles he faced in life. And just when it seemed his life had reached the happiness he deserved, he was taken. You will be missed by many my friend so true.