Friends Share Memories Of Dennis Nix, Killed In Hit-And-Run

Friends Share Memories Of Dennis Nix, Killed In Hit-And-RunPhoto: Lauren Deane
Brian Ray
Published on November 25, 2015

Dennis Nix, a longtime San Francisco resident,  avid runner, diver, skier, and member of San Francisco's LGBTQ community, was killed in a hit-and-run over this past weekend, stunning many of his close friends and family. Though he lived near Monterey Boulevard, Nix was woven into the Castro's social fabric, participating in local groups and often seen out and about in the neighborhood.

An outpouring of shock and grief on his Facebook page and among the many communities that he was part of has spread since the early Saturday morning incident, when Nix's scooter was struck by a light-colored sedan near Monterey Boulevard and 280 as he was heading home from a holiday party with his running club. The driver fled the scene, and no arrests were made; no suspects have been identified.


Nix (left) at the holiday party hours before he was killed (Photo: Topher Olson)

The initial disbelief and anger of Nix's friends is now being met with memories of the impact Nix had on friends, and breadth of his involvement in the city and community.


Nix with adopted beagle "Buddy" (Photo: Terry Gauchat)

Terry Gauchat remembers Nix's impact on the people around him, and his attitude towards being positive. "Dennis is a big loss to his family and many friends and communities; but I take comfort in knowing how active he constantly was for his own and others' happiness."


Photo: Carl Fritzsche

Carl Fritzsche recalls Nix always helping others and having a "big heart." He remembers Nix's many passions. "I had the pleasure of joining him on many ski trips (he introduced me to my favorite ski resort, Northstar), Diving for Life trips and we even did an overnight sail to Angel Island. I will miss his passion for life and his kindness for others."


Nix (right) at the 2015 Little Black Dress Run (Photo: Marc Jablonski)

A member of San Francisco FrontRunners, which we profiled in June, Dennis left many memories with his running and walking friends [Disclosure: the author is a member of San Francisco FrontRunners and knew Dennis Nix]. Marc Jablonski recalls his sense of humor. "He won the prize of 'frumpiest' during our Little Black Dress Run event."


Photo: David Serrano

Bill McCarty, who served on the FrontRunners Board from 2007-2008, remembers Nix's reliability and service. "I do not think that Dennis missed a single water station request. I could always count on him. He will be sorely missed."


Photo: Brian Ray/Hoodline

A memorial for Nix has gone up at the Bank of America at 18th and Castro. Additional memorial services are being planned in San Francisco and New York.