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.        

Nolan… Unfortunately we never got to make our book full of the most useless paddle strokes like the “inefficient” or the “windmill”. But I could have never asked for a better canoe partner or leader. The most incredible person, and friend.

-Hanna U

Around the start of Outdoor School, Nolan was one of the only one I knew before the program. On a bus ride back to town I shared my music on my phone and I remember we were jamming out to the songs we both liked. He was someone I greatly respected, and I am so glad to have known him.

My dearest memory of Nolan Royer is on a trip we had in Outdoor School. It was probably on the 3rd or 4th day of the canoe trip. It was just after one of the lunches. We were waiting for Sam, Mitch and Kim. All of us we’re pared up in our boats and Nolan brought out his tin whistle and started playing it. He started with Lord of the Rings, and went on to play the Jurassic Park theme song. He was a great person who made all of us at ODS inspired by seeing him everyday and every trip. We will all miss him dearly.

-Sean G.G.

Nolan was the most humble, kind, thoughtful and strong person I have ever met. He taught me how to walk through fire with a smile, and never give up no matter what. He showed no fear, and was always ready to take on anything that came his way. I will never meet another person as amazing as him. The world will forever miss him, just as I will forever miss him. Despite his age, he made a huge impact on so many people. Rest In Peace Nolan, You are LOVED.

Nolan taught me many important lessons, one of the most memorable being when he enlightened me to the fact that bears are not only the answer to everything, but the reason the world is what it is today.

“Why are the trees here?”

“Bears”

“Why do the clouds look like that?”

“Bears”

“How did we get here?”

“Bears”

He truly knew all the answers.

Nolan was such a beautiful person. he was the most humble, selfless individual with a heart of gold. It’s hard to believe he is gone but his memory will live on and will never be forgotten. Thank you Nolan, thanks for being you.

a memory – once when I was driving / carpooling people home we saw Nolan and ‘raced’ him. Bike vs. Car!

Nolan had a great sense of humour and personality that will be missed by all. Love you Nolan.

-Alex P.

Nolan was one of the best people I have ever met. He was kind and did his best, no matter what.

Nolan was the heart of that ODS semester. He always helped out whenever he could and never badmouthed anyone. He was one of the best men I had the pleasure of calling my friend.

He was always optimistic and always had a smile on his face. 

I remember one day when we were working on our final interviews for Outdoor School. Nolan offered me a ride home. We talked on and on in his run down truck that almost quit on us. That was a moment I don’t think I’ll ever forget.

-Keegan L.

“why do the best people pass on?”

“when you are in a garden, which flowers do you pick?”

“the best ones, the beautiful ones”

On our canoe trip we had our kitchen pails and it was my turn to carry it on a portage. I was struggling and without hesitation despite already carrying more than anyone else Nolan offered to carry it.

-Michael G.

Nolan was a great guy and gave me such a great time in ODS, and changed me for the better. I am thankful I got to meet this wonderful young man and share memories. He was a strong, humble beautiful young guy who treated everyone with the utmost compassion. He said the iconic quite in ODS while overlooking the Saskatoon skyline, “what a modern city.” He has brought so, so much joy in my life and others, and I will miss him terribly. I have nothing but great things to say about Nolan Royer. I have many special memories with him, which I will never forget. he was such a unique, kind, gentle soul and I am forever heartbroken. Undoubtedly, he will never leave us and we won’t forget him. He, unfortunately was a much better skier than me, (even though I frequently bugged him I was better) and always beat me, it was so much fun and he taught me so much about being kind to others and skiing. Thank you for everything my “modern man”, you taught me so much. We all love you so much, and at least you don’t have to hear my brutal language and swearing anymore, haha. Much love may you be resting well and be safe out there. We love you so, so much and everything you are, and became in life. Best of luck out there, Nolan, wherever you are.

-Your friend, Sienna

Nolan had the curiosity and drive to live life to its fullest that doesn’t come along everyday. He was a driven and talented young man. His smile, enthusiasm and willingness to work hard made him someone that the class counted on, and he always pulled through. His love for adventure was contagious, even in the most challenging conditions. Nolan was someone who loved to push the boundaries of what he was capable of, and watching him grow through the semester of Outdoor School is one of the highlights of my career. Nolan will live on as an ODS legend – the kid who would run 10km to school in the winter, the kid who portaged ALL his gear in one trip, the kid who ran Besnard Creek in a canoe with us, the kid who did a handstand for more seconds than we could count, the kid who dug up the story of Spadina crescent, the kid who always had a smile, loved everyone, and was always ready to go.

-Mitch Lowe

Nolan Royer embodied everything we value in Outdoor School, and working with him was one of the great privileges of my career. I have never known a student who was more enthusiastic, curious, humble, and generous. Seeking challenge was a cornerstone of Nolan’s personality, whether it was skiing the longest trail at Blue Mountain to find his solo spot, or learning to write beautifully in a journal- he inspired everyone around him to dare to be their best. We are so sad to lose him, but find consolation in the fact that he squeezed every drop out of the time he had here. When we think of Nolan and his drive, curiosity, generosity, and heart, it inspires us to be the best version of ourselves. What a beautiful legacy to leave.

-Samantha Gunn

NOLAN ROYER

1999-2017

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.

Students went on a solo experience in the Grasslands. We were in a beautiful location. Hoodoo hills all around, sunny day, really ideal. Once the students are out on the land, they reflect on the location and their journey so far. Matt returned from his solo looking refreshed and inspired. Not refreshed like he had slept all day, but refreshed like he had made a connection to the land and place he was. He had a smile on his face for the rest of the trip – he was just truly happy.

Matt had a daypack that was full of camp stuff – he was always prepared – even in the middle of the city he would have his fire starters and mess kit. Matt always listened intently, and asked for advice. He was a generous soul, and a unique young man.

STRONACH, Matthew Buddha

January 21, 2001 – January 2, 2019

Matthew, beloved son of Allison (Troy) Patterson and Ryan Stronach, passed away at the age of 17 years. He was the loving brother of Emma-Lee Stronach and Manning Patterson of Bradwell, SK; grandson of Rod and Bonnie Wright of Saskatoon, SK; great-grandson of Lena Wright of Saskatoon; and great- grandson of Ann Stronach of Vernon, BC. Matthew will also be dearly missed by his girlfriend, Bennet Lenz. He was predeceased by Baba Pat and Opa Joe Stronach. Matthew was born in Saskatoon to young parents and was the first grandson and great-grandson on all sides. He lived in Saskatoon and Bradwell all of his life. Matthew was always energetic. As a toddler, he’d climb the refrigerator, counters and walls. People were scared of the daredevil moves such a young child would make. He was 2 years old when he escaped his crib to play in the backyard! He loved his trips to White’s Pharmacy for ice cream which he’d been having since he was 6 months (sorry Baba). Matthew loved sounds and music. He took violin and drum lessons in elementary school and made instruments (harmonicas, kazoos, drums, flutes and too many more to name) out of everything. He was the absolute goofiest kid! Matthew was in his senior year at Bedford Road Collegiate. His plans were growing by the moment and he was excited for his future with Bennet. Matthew wanted everyone to love one another and be happy. He is now in a place where everything is as he dreamed. Our son is safe and at peace in Heaven. May God hold him for eternity. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at 3:30 p.m. from the Western Development Museum, 2610 Lorne Avenue, Saskatoon. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorial.ca Arrangements entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home.