Be cool. Be nice to everyone.
Always make people laugh.

In 2015, tragedy struck the Nix family. Twenty-seven-year-old Catherine Nix, along with her very good friend and co-worker Tyler Strandberg, died in a hiking accident during a trip that was supposed to be her “victory lap.” Before Catherine was to return east to pursue a doctorate in child psychology, she was making the most of her last few months in Jackson, WY, where she had made her life for the past five years. She set a goal to complete every one of her favorite hikes, rides, and outdoor adventures one last time. She called it her victory lap and was going to catalog it on social media to share with everyone. Unfortunately, she would never get to complete this lap. Until now.

Catherine’s family and friends quickly realized they were not the only ones mourning Catherine’s loss. In just days, they learned the magnitude of her absence by the widespread social media outpouring from friends, associates and others whose lives Catherine had touched. Her hashtag #victorylap was changed to #forevervictorylap and people from all over started to share their stories of how Catherine not only changed their lives, but her spirit continued to inspire them all to live like Nix, a term coined by one of her friends. You see, Catherine knew how to “dig deep” to face her challenges and reach her goals. Her setbacks and triumphs equally fueled her ambition, framed her positive outlook and nourished her love of life. She thrived on her accomplishments and wanted others to have that same feeling. She was always there to inspire others and let them know that she believed in them and their power to be their best selves.

Catherine was always self-assured and from a very young age, knew who she was and what she wanted. Recently, when going through some of Catherine’s belongings, her sister Molly stumbled upon a unique treasure. When she was in eighth grade, Catherine was asked to write words of wisdom to her “future self.” This treasure was peppered with hints of Catherine, but what struck her sister most was one particular line. In the middle of this letter, Catherine implored her future self to “Be cool. Be nice to everyone. Always make people laugh.” Catherine will never have the opportunity to learn that she did, in fact, live up to her personal goal. We hope that we can spread Catherine’s personal mantra and continue her life’s dream to live an inspired life and encourage others to do the same.