Nathan L. DeMond’s connection to Keene State College was stronger than the grounds he worked on. DeMond graduated from KSC in 2009 and worked as a groundskeeper for fourteen years at the college.
He was electrocuted Saturday, April 19, near the Owl Athletic Complex near Martel Court when he came into contact with a downed electrical wire and wet grass field which ended his life.
As KSC mourns the loss of a familiar face, we reflect on the importance of each individual on campus. Although some might not have know DeMond personally, his work was viewed each day in every direction by students, staff and visitors. The ground we walk on daily is the ground he dedicated his time, passion and energy to. We must take this time to remember to display compassion and gratitude to those who surround us. A day should not go by without a thank-you or caring for others.
Jordan Crowley / Equinox Staff
Regrettably, it’s not everyday we show our gratitude or appreciation for one another. Often distracted and focused on the past or future, we forget to live in the present. We take for granted those we see all the time and rarely think about loss. Life is short. This tragedy has shown us that.
The Equinox reporter Karina Barriga Albring spoke to Arthur ‘Bud’ Winsor, assistant director of Physical Plant—Grounds and close friend of DeMond. Winsor said DeMond appreciated nature daily and found happiness in simplicity outdoors. We can all learn something from his engaging connection with earth.
Winsor said DeMond enjoyed lining up the commencement chairs each year. Winsor told the Sentinel, “We set out six-thousand chairs at graduation, and Nate touched every one of them. He took great pride in having the straightest chairs in the state of New Hampshire, and I know he was looking forward to doing that. He loved that time of year.”
If anything, DeMond’s dedication in making sure each chair was aligned accordingly proves that he cared about the work he was doing. DeMond was one of us. His presence remains at the core of KSC.
When May 10 finally arrives and graduates fill the seats DeMond looked forward to placing, may we all remember a man who not only kept the KSC campus beautiful but a man who touched the community with his content happiness.