Comments on: nick dekker

By: Andreas Bornemann

Andreas Bornemann — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:49:01 +0000

I tried to get in touch with Nick in order to get his point of view on a portfolio I made and I thought he was a tremendous photographer with great passion and a great eye. I also loved the fact that there was never any bullshit with Nick. He always spoke his mind and gave you honest critique. Since a few years I have a print of his standing in a central part of my apartement in Stockholm, Sweden. He gave me the print as a gift after having a great discussion with him ( can not remember about what though ). He was truely a great friend, teacher, photographer… Does anybody know where you can buy his prints? LIve in peace where ever you are. All the best. A

By: Lisa Warninger

Lisa Warninger — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 06:30:19 +0000

I did a quick search for Nick to get back in touch with him and found this post.

I can’t believe he’s passed. I just can’t believe it. Nick taught me platinum printing. He nicknamed everyone, he called me “Baby Girl”. He was the kindest most hilarious guy. I’m so sad. What a great loss this is to the photographic world and to everyone who knew him. He will be missed.

By: Free « courtney marie's blog

Free « courtney marie's blog — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:11:47 +0000

[...] http://www.chrisorwig.com/flipside/2009/12/15/nick-dekker/ [...]

By: Peter Skinner

Peter Skinner — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:11:56 +0000

Hello Everyone:
I was shocked to hear, several months after the fact, of Nick’s passing. I had tried to reach him to wish him well in his life after Brooks and after several fruitless efforts postponed my search figuring I’d track him down later. The other day I mentioned Nick to Sam Ameen only to receive the very sad news from Sam. My first brush with Nick was when I arrived at Brooks from Australia to undertake a special seven-week program set up by then president Ernie Brooks. Nick knew nothing of this arrangement and when I arrived in his class he tried to throw me out because I wasn’t on his class list. We argued the toss, I said something about “be nice to me, mate, I’m contributing to your salary” and eventually we settled things. Subsequently, I ended up working at Brooks for about 10 years as PR director and Nick and I became very close friends—he was one of my favorite people. Along with everyone who knew him, I admired his passion for photography and his very sincere concern for his students. Beneath a seemingly gruff exterior was a very sensitive, caring and generous man with a wonderful sense of humor. Nick had also been an excellent middle distance runner, and he and other faculty of the time, Doug Peck and Stacy Geiken come to mind, could often be seen churning out the miles on the roads around the Montecito Campus. His self-given nickname in that pursuit, if my memory is correct, was Running Crow Feather. Another personal connection was that Nick and my wife Priscilla shared the same birthday, May 22, so whenever possible we tried to celebrate that together. It does not seem fair that Nick should pass away when just about to embark on another phase of his creative life. I am stunned and very saddened. To his family and friends, heartfelt condolences. Cherish the memories and be thankful we knew him.

Kindest regards,
Peter Skinner, Queensland, Australia.

By: Mead Norton

Mead Norton — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:55:47 +0000

Hey Chris-

I just saw on the Brooks Alumni site about Nick’s passing. I always loved visiting his office down in the cave and talking about the lost art of printing B&W. He was one of the people who helped inspire me to move out here to New Zealand. It is such a loss for all the people that met him.

By: Blake

Blake — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:58:09 +0000

That’s terrible news. Nick was a gift to both students and faculty at Brooks. He will be missed. I hope his work can live on through shows and private collections.

By: Tyler Swolgaard (little hog)

Tyler Swolgaard (little hog) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:13:53 +0000

Boss Hog (Nick) was the greatest platinum palladium printers i have ever seen. I can remember many long afternoons sitting in the dungeon with him at the monticito campus talking about everything to do with photography and life. and of course his Harley oh man he loved his Harley, one of my best memories was when Nick and I rode our bikes up the 33 to Camp Scheideck and grabbed a burger. then across the 166 then back down the 101 we both had a blast on that ride. he was sour for weeks after that ride LOL i think it had been a few years since he was last on the old hog. After we went on that ride (about 200 miles) we never got another chance to go again before i left CA. Nick will be missed by me and I know hundreds if not thousands of others. But the best thing we all have in common are the great memories we had with Nick.
To the Dekker Family he was a great man and always talked about the Farm he grew up on. and how he accidentally spilled the fertilizer into the well and contaminated the farms water. He always had stories to tell.

By: Maureen

Maureen — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:07:57 +0000

I still remember the first day I met him, big smile, roaring up on his Harley…he was so sweet and friendly…although I have not seen him in years, he was always in my heart, I am grateful for the wonderful memories I have of him, and fortunate to have reconnected with him via email this past year. God bless you Nick, I will always recall ‘me and you and your bike’ photo in your portfolio, back in the day in SB. Never forget you sweet Nick

By: Megan Humphreys

Megan Humphreys — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:55:58 +0000

Losing Nick is losing one of the greats. He’s in my prayers.

By: Stacy Russell

Stacy Russell — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:45:12 +0000

I have great memories of Nick just being a good guy and part of the Brooks culture. He was always friendly and welcoming with no judgment about who you were and what you could accomplish. Ever encouraging, Nick gave me a sense of place and acceptance at Brooks. Very sad to see that he has passed.

By: Jeana Dekker

Jeana Dekker — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:28:47 +0000

Hello, I am Nick’s neice and have been scouring the internet for comments, blogs, photos, etc…anything I can find to remember him by. I loved him dearly and love reading everyone’s comments regarding him and his life. We appreciate all of the love and well wishes and are very happy that he was surrounded by such an amazing community.

By: Nina

Nina — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:41:57 +0000

Oh Geez, it is Monday not Tuesday, I am not thinking clearly. sorry

By: Nina

Nina — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:41:05 +0000

Chris, just wantet to let everyone know that Nick’s service is on Tues. in North Dakota. His family is the nicest, kindhearted gentle people you would ever meet, just like Nick. Please send prayers for him and his family (no matter what religion you are) They would love to have pictures of him.
Peace and Love to all.

By: michele kurtz

michele kurtz — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:18:01 +0000

Nick, was one of the most kind hearted, gentle people of this world. He was so loved by everyone who came in contact with him. He ws an honest person who ws consumed with the passion for his photography, which is and will always be his stunning legacy. RIP dear Nick i know you are with all who preceeeded you. You are truly with GOD!

By: Chip Holley

Chip Holley — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:10:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of hanging out with Nick while at Brooks. We watched wrestling together, so I was able to see the personal side of him. As a teacher he was very honest and never let our friendship affect the marks he gave me, never got a A out of him. We shared a love of Harleys, but never got to ride with him, he was to busy with his true love of photography. I was working in a studio, doing Corp Video when I got the call, I broke down in front of the crew, which took me by surprise, and shocked the crew as well. I don’t think they were ready to see there DP/Biker Cameraman cry. Life is so unfair, for Nick just retired and bought a home three weeks previous I was told. Anyhow, I will miss him. RIP Nick. I thank those who have made these pages, and shared there images.
-Chip Holley

By: Samantha Harmon

Samantha Harmon — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:52:06 +0000

Nick was such a gentle, yet smart man. I’ll never forget his huge smile and chuckle. He had something in the glimmer of his eyes that no one could overlook. He had a way with making people feel loved. He was also amazingly talented. He was a gift to all who knew him.

By: Peter Hawkins

Peter Hawkins — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:23:30 +0000

Even though I only had one class with him some twenty seven years ago I seem to still be learning from my friend. He had great impact on many who went through his class, just read the numerous posts on his Face Book page.

Nick you pushed us to the limit, you even made us angry some times bring us to tears, you gave us encouragement and taught us well. I would have it know other way and I want to thank you for every thing you did all those years ago. It is because of you that I am the photographer and person that I am today. Again thank you my friend!

By: Nina

Nina — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:42:58 +0000

Chris, this is Nina, Nick’s brother in law just called and told me the sad news. I was Nick’s ex-wife. I met and we married just 6 months later in Santa Barbara. He was the kindest most gentle person I have ever known. I will miss him greatly, and he taught me everything about growing up as I was only 20 when we married. This is such a huge loss for everyone who knew him. Your tribute to him is beautiful! I am too sad and heartbroken to say anymore.

Thanks, Nina

By: Lori Kallestad Davis

Lori Kallestad Davis — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:27:39 +0000

Nick was a true fine artist and a master of his craft. I can see his images dancing in my fond memories.

By: Natalia Martinez

Natalia Martinez — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:46:10 +0000

Nick was the first person that made me feel a sense of home at Brooks. I got there with a pretty good idea of where to look, but he taught me how to see. I miss him and love him so much and I will still see him in every tree, every bird, every ray of light that streams through the redwoods he loved so much. I feel very fortunate to have known him and have him as an amazing teacher, mentor, adoptive grandfather and most of all a cherished friend. I hope he knows how many lives he touched. Thanks for the post Chris, and for always reminding us to savor life and cherish every moment.

By: johnwaire | photo

johnwaire | photo — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:15:05 +0000

RIP nick. forgotten dreams is an incredible image.

By: Mark Olson

Mark Olson — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:55:23 +0000

A talented artist. A generous educator. His work and teachings touched many lives. The Brooks photo community mourns today for we have lost someone we respected and admired.

By: Jeff Lipshitz

Jeff Lipshitz — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:40:33 +0000

Nick Dekker was my favorite teacher when I was at Brooks till 2001. He gave me a beautiful platinotype of the Redwoods in N. CA, which strangely, I only had framed 2 weeks ago! I am deeply saddened by his death but have many fond memories of him.

By: Natalia Del Carmen

Natalia Del Carmen — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:28:27 +0000

Beautiful photo of Professor Dekker, he was such an inspiration to me, a mentor and an amazing artist, I will miss him very much.

By: Erin Wilson

Erin Wilson — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:57:04 +0000

A lovely tribute.
I’m sorry for your loss…

Peace