Dear Editor,
I was trying to recall the first time I spoke to Nicole Veerman at length. My dad, Toni Klettl, park warden, ski, avalanche, mountain rescue and climbing pioneer, had recently passed away. Nicole phoned me and wanted to do an interview for the Fitzhugh. Just like many others, I reluctantly agreed, with a reserved, and a guarded “Yes”
We had agreed to meet at the Snow Dome (one of Jasper’s favourite meeting places) and in walks this unassuming gal with a notepad, I sensed her vibrancy, and youthful confident spring. In my head, I was thinking, “Oh boy, what kind of questions will she ask, she’s so young, and will she truthfully represent and portray my words?” I felt this interview was important, not only for our family, but to the larger JNP park warden family, the history of national parks, and to fellow Jasperites who had known Toni for decades.
Time flew by, my coffee congealed, unnoticed, Nicole kept asking questions, and was scribbling madly as I talked and talked. She must have thought, “Wow, slightly crazy,” but I sensed her genuine interest, and told her many things that few have ever heard about dad. We left the Snow Dome buzzed with a connection made, sparks, fuses, understanding and passion. I was nervous the day the Fitzhugh hit the stands, however, she nailed it!
Nicole, I’ll really miss you not being at the Fitzhugh, especially our open-hearted, offside on the griddle rants, frustrations and laughs. I will always appreciate your support and guidance for all the stories I’ve submitted over the years. Some of these include; long weekend trail tale/suggestions, Marmot Basin’s 50th anniversary decade highlights and most recently, JNP’s backcountry ski history.
Also, because of your straight forward honest approach, I trusted you, and handed the Fitzhugh many a contentious editorial; striped my soul bare with the obscene secrecy of the Harper PC era, remarkably, joined opinions with Jill Seaton regarding John Wilmshurst’s outrageous dismissal, and wrote gut wrenching words about the caribou closures.
Throughout it all, you encouraged, listened, subtly mentored and published. I can’t even recall when it morphed, when I realized you weren’t only an editor, but a friend as well. Jasper was fortunate to have you and Ian land (even temporary) on the paradise that is Jasper. Happy travels.
Loni Klettl
