Nelson Alexander Odt
Nov. 13, 1984 to Aug. 21, 2009
Age 24, cherished son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson and friend passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 21, 2009 in a single-vehicle collision in Truckee. It is believed he was avoiding wildlife and caught his wheels on the edge of newly installed pavement; the new shoulder had not been installed yet – making it a hazardous situation. Alex is survived by parents Nelson, Susan, sister Liza as well as nephews and cousins. Al was born November 13, 1984 in Minneapolis, Minn. He was a graduate of Minnetonka High School in 2003 and Sierra College in Rocklin, California. Al was a much loved and respected employee at the Tahoe Forest Hospital under John Ares as well as the Tahoe Donner Golf Course under Brett Foster. Alex lived by the motto that life should not only be lived, it should be celebrated. He loved the outdoors, skiing and music was his passion. Al lived his short, full life – carpe diem.
~ The family asks for donations be made to The Al Odt Memorial fund, PO Box 9498 Truckee CA 96161 to memorialize his spirit through causes important to Al.
Remembering Al
Al is always going to have a special place in my heart, he was like a kid. He would always get lectures about being careful. But AL lived like a character in a movie, or a book, he went at life with a passion whatever he did. He taught me more than I ever taught him, I’m sure of that. And i will miss him dearly.
Our last conversation in this world was Fri. August 21 – he told me that he was going to get a chocolate lab puppy…he said ‘You love your dog so much, maybe a dog would settle me down some.’ We just looked at each other and smiled.
I had a dream about him the other night. he came in the Lab, in his quiet way (ha), ringing the chimes, and sat down in a chair by the door. i was crying at my desk, He said, ‘Willie knock that off, you’re freaking me out,’ and smiled. The dream felt so real, I realized it was just the chimes in my window with the gentle breeze from the lake. The next day my grief for his family and him and all of his friends whom are in pain became a huge prayer, and this letter. now whenever i hear the chimes near my window and door at the lab, i will always think of AL with wonderful memories and happy thoughts and peace for his many many friends. My life was better having known him.
~ Willie Lostlen, Tahoe Forest Hospital employee, Aug. 27 at 10:02 p.m.
I played on the Toe Jammers kickball team with Al, and of course had many great ski days with him. I also work for Tahoe Forest hospital, I am an ICU nurse, and I used to see Al driving the big white van around town, he would always honk the horn and wave out the window every time I saw him. I remember how excited he was to get that job, he said ‘Kacie I have this new job at the hospital, and I have insurance. You know what that means I can go big this ski season and not be afraid to get hurt!’ I thought that was so funny, and the whole time I was just thinking about when he had his jaw wired shut. He was definitely not afraid to go big on the mountain that’s for sure.
Al will be greatly missed.
~ Love Kacie Dennison, Tahoe Forest Hospital employee, Aug. 29 at 10:25 p.m.
I originally met Al in Truckee, I was born and raised there and spent a lot of time there in the last year. I met Al skiing one night through friends.
We developed a pretty close friendship and I really admired his approach on dealing with things in a mature manner. I admired the fact that he never passed judgment. Which this day and age is really easy to do. And he also shared with me the different dreams and aspirations he had with school, skiing, his love for music. Al is one of the most athletically talented people I have ever met in many ways, and very bright. I heard him speak of you, his mother and his sister many times…and I can promise he is watching over you. My Mom passed away two years ago, I can assure you she is taking care of him. She could throw back flips of cliffs on her skis and I know she and Al would make great friends.
Al is a very loved man, many people have him in mind. You’re in my prayers every single day. And I send you all the best energy I can gather together. I know many lives were shocked from this tragedy. Thank you for all the love spread through Al, and best of luck to your family. Hang in there and watch for the signs he sends you.
~ Best, Melissa Hope/Dennison, Aug. 25 at 7:58 p.m.
The Upper Echelon Ski
‘Al was passionate about his ski of choice, Praxis,’ said Nelson Odt, Al’s father. ‘All he ever had to say about Praxis or Keith (O’Meara, company owner and founder) was how awesome the people and products were.’
In a touching memorial, Praxis Skis, and a select group of Al’s friends, will be designing, building, and riding a special edition ski, The Upper Echelon.
