How do you want to Be Remembered?

Nicky,
The saying goes that you die twice: first when your heart stops beating and second when someone says your name for the final time. Knowing you’re gone is one of the greatest pains I’ve ever had to endure, but it makes me smile to think your name will live on for years and years to come. Twenty years was far less than you deserved. But you accomplished more goals and impacted more people in those short twenty years than ten men could hope for in a lifetime. The weight of your passing has left irreparable scars on the hearts of everyone who knew you. But the magnitude of your beautiful life forged unbreakable bonds and left invaluable memories in the hearts of everyone who loved you. Summarizing our friendship in a speech, explaining the influence you’ve had on my life with words, is impossible. Your impact on my life is immeasurable, and the value of our memories is innumerable.

You were a brilliant student. A shameless comedian. A passionate performer. A curious learner. A fearless athlete. An avid adventurer. A loyal friend. A caring boyfriend. A devoted brother. A loving son. I hope you know how much everyone loves you. I hope you know how much I love you. I love you endlessly. You are loved endlessly. The pain caused by your loss is unbearable. But the memories you’ve blessed all of us with, the legacy you leave behind, is unshakeable.

Nicky,

Your 20 years on this Earth were a gift from above. You were the kindest, sweetest, most selfless person I’ve ever met. Being your roommate in Buenos Aires was something I will never forget, and I will forever be thankful for our special friendship and happy memories together.

I will miss our daily meditations at the Skyspace, Beatles singalongs, study sessions, deep talks, and culinary explorations. Your death leaves a massive hole in so many people’s lives that won’t be filled anytime soon, but I know that the last thing you would want is to have the people you care about feel sad.

As you watch over us, just know that your existence has made a permanent impact on my life and those of so many other people. We can honor your memory and continue your impact by being happy and content with the lives we have, treating everyone with kindness and love, not taking ourselves too seriously, appreciating nature, and following our passions.

My dearest friend, Nicky, is rocking and rolling his way into Heaven. Although taken from our world too soon, the joy and spirit that Nicky instilled in our hearts will never flicker out.

Throughout high school Nicky helped me to become a better photographer and person. He starred in hundreds of my photographs, never failing to sport his infectious smile. From taking his senior pictures to capturing him in any and every extracurricular activity he could squeeze in, Nicky was one of my all time favorite subjects and friends.

His impact on this world and the lives he touched is insurmountable. I’m so lucky to be one of thousands of Nicky’s friends. Although absent from our world, you will be forever with us in our hearts, Nicky! May we all learn from his joyous life and continue to live and #lovelikenicky ❤️

In just 20 years, you have made such an impact on so many people. I wish I could’ve told you this in person, but I truly learned so much from you. You taught me how to live life with the best attitude possible, give your all to everything you do, and most of all, to put others before yourself. I never would have thought that my doppelgänger could also be such a great role model to me. I will never forget the amazing person that you were, and I promise to take what you have given me and pass it on. I love you so much bro. Rest easy and I’ll see you soon.

Heaven welcomed a great human this week. When my brother and I moved schools Nicky was one of the first people to introduce himself to us and go out of his way to make sure we felt welcome. His caring, friendly, magnanimous personality always had whoever he was around smiling and laughing. From going to dances, working out together after school, and always being on the football field with us, every memory I have is a great one. You will be missed but not forgotten. Thanks for your friendship Nicky.

I’ve never known a kinder soul. Truly a blessing in my life and the lives of so many others. Rest easy brother, loving and missing you every day.

During Nicky’s time at UT, especially during his freshman year, he spent a lot of time studying at the PCL. There, he would work late into the night, fueled by both coffee and an unquenchable desire to be the best he could possibly be.

But, during these long – sometimes VERY long – nights, Nicky would briefly leave the PCL just before 9 PM to listen to The Eyes of Texas play at the UT Tower.

This tradition refueled Nicky’s hope and optimism, and reminded him that the world spanned far beyond his personal stress and worry. The Eyes of Texas, the Tower, and the sentiment of it all brought him back down to earth and gave him peace. It made him feel like part of a community – a community of scholars, leaders, and innovators loyal to these Forty Acres, just like he was.

After listening, Nicky often called his family to tell them about how excited he was for the future, and how happy he was in general. Nicky was filled with contagious joy and excitement for what was to come.

He was proud to be a Longhorn like his father and sister, and he loved being a part of the UT tradition. Nicky truly believed that what starts here changes the world. The love he continues to spread is the perfect example of this — loving like Nicky will always change the world for the better.

Words don’t do you justice. I don’t think any of us can thank you enough for what you’ve done in this world and how you’ve impacted our lives. I’ve never met anyone more widely admired and adored. You carried the ability to personally connect with and appeal to every person in the room. You made everyone feel so welcome and at home. Your attitude, kindness, and laughter was such a gift to us all. You brought warmth and laughter into every room you stepped into. You saw the best in everyone and taught so many of us what it’s like to be a true friend. The world didn’t deserve you, but I am so grateful to have known you. #lovelikenicky

To Nicholas Cumberland, my partner in crime:

I remember the moment I met you in our 6th grade gym class—we were both still in our chubby phase—and how you welcomed me with open arms. I never could have guessed all of the shenanigans that such a simple “hello” would lead to. The relationship I had with you was different than anything I have ever experienced with anyone else. You were more than just my best friend; you were my brother. When I was lost, you guided me. When I was alone, you comforted me. When I felt no one else believed in me, you did. My love for you is something that undoubtedly transcends this lifetime. I am so utterly grateful to have had the opportunity to know you. I am the person I am today because of you. Thank you.

Nicky,

I will forever be grateful God put Clio in my life because Clio gave me the chance to get to know you. I love that we pretended to be “enemies” because lets face it — you know no enemy and you know no stranger. You are loved so deeply and truly by all of the people you’re leaving behind in this world, and we’ll miss you every single day. Without you, there’s a huge presence absent from us. Love you so much sweet Nicky, rest easy. You’re legacy of love and selflessness will never be replaced. #LoveLikeNicky

Nicky Cumberland is one of my favorite people I’ve had the fortune of meeting in college. I don’t think I’ve met many other people with the same capacity for caring and selflessness as him, and his humor would immediately light up a room. If you ever needed someone, for anything, Nicky would be there in a heartbeat. Nicky was the best kind of person; honest, caring, and above all, just plain fun to be around. Whether it was belting out the lyrics to “Santeria” in Buenos Aires or chasing after stray dogs in Santiago, I enjoyed all the time I got to spend with this amazing human being.

If anyone needs to talk, know I’m always here, and happy to swap stories of all the good times we spent with our friend.

Nicky, I miss you.

Nicholas Cumberland was the most amazing, genuine, caring guy. Every person he came in contact with was left happier than before the interaction. Nicky not only had the greatest love for others, but also the greatest love for life. Nicky will continue to be remembered and loved by many. #LoveLikeNicky