We knew this individual socially only slightly and we were casual social friends of his wife Lynn. I did, however, meet with him several times on matters when I needed advice and counsel on American Legion matters. This man was the epitome of a Legionnaire. He was a three time past Commander of our Post and had held every available post within our organization. He was also the Department (State) Commander in 1991-1992. He was a member of not only the Legion, but the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS and the 40/8. He served as advisor to the Veteran's Administration, senators John McCain and John Kyl, and was appointed by our Governor to the Arizona Department of Veteran's Services Advisory Committee for 6 years. He was inducted into the Arizona Veteran's Hall of Fame in 2007. He, almost single handedly, organized and ran a Golf Tournament annually that benefited the SAVAHCS (the local/area Veteran's hospital) volunteer and veteran's services to the tune of over $70,000 in the last few years. He sponsored a boy to Boy's State out of his own pocket almost every year, he contributed heavily to almost every children's and/or veteran's program within the Legion. He ALWAYS had our nation's veterans in his mind and heart. In fact, one of the remarks that was made at the memorial was ... "Nils had the American Legion in his blood, but he had our veterans in his heart". His memorial service was attended by the Department Commander, the Department Adjutant, 7 Past Department Commanders and many other members of the Legion family and the 40/8 from throughout the state.
Nils died from complications from his diabetes and his last several years were rough ones for him, steadily losing a lot of his sight and a lot of his mobility. The last six months were especially bad, ... bed-ridden, a leg amputated, etc. But he never complained. In fact, while he was bed ridden, he gave a check for $11,ooo.00 to the Veteran's Hospital for veteran's services.
Nils didn't walk on water, ... he was extremely opinionated, set in his ways and generally got his own way. But I must say that in hindsight, his way was usually best. I do know that in 3-4 short meetings with him ... he taught me more about the American Legion, it's mission and it's programs than I have learned from any other source (and I attended classes on the same with the Legion's Extension Institute). He changed my relationship with the Legion from one of "a member" to one of a "Legionnaire". He made me realize that my lack of monetary funds did not keep me from being a contributing member of a wonderful organization that has the great duty and will to support our veterans and our youth. Thank you Nils.
I know that most of you never even met this gentleman (you've missed something), but I had to write something about him. We rarely meet someone of his ilk and I know that the entire plethora of veteran associated organizations shall really feel a void with his passing.
Farewell Comrade !!
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