In Memoriam

Nolan Royer

It is with great sadness that the Outdoor School Alumni Association announces the passing of Nolan Royer, a former student of the ODS program. We would like to extend our warmest condolences to Nolan’s family and friends, and we wish you all the best during these difficult times.

On behalf of current and future ODS students, the Alumni Association would like to thank all those who have lent their support to the program in Nolan’s memory. Through this generosity, Nolan’s memory will live on.

Memories from Nolan’s classmates and his obituary can be found below.

Mathew Stronach

“The ODS Alumni Association is sad to announce the passing of one of its past students, Matthew Stronach. Memories from Matthew’s friends and classmates have been shared with the Association and can be found below along with his obituary. The Alumni Association sends condolences to Matthew’s friends and family during this difficult time. 

In Outdoor School, students are in food groups, typically 4 people per group. When we are hiking we ask the students to split the kitchen gear between them, so one person doesn’t have to carry it all. We were mid hike in Grasslands National Park, and I noticed Matt had one of the biggest packs I had ever seen. Stuff hanging all over the place, and towering above his head. When we stopped for a break I wandered over to see what was going on with this backpack. We started unpacking, and I quickly realized that Matt had the entire groups kitchen in his pack. Other people didn’t have room, and he just said he would take care of it. In true Matt style, he didn’t complain, didn’t whine, just took care of his food group, ensuring they would have something to cook their supper in that night.”

— Mitch Lowe

More memories of Mathew and his obituary can be found below.

odsalumni@gmail.com