Niko Dellios Legacy Fund
Donation protected
Nikolas 'Niko' Newton Dellios was so many things.
Niko had a bright vivacity for life --- always exploring, learning, reimagining, creating, and sharing. He was kind, loving, humble, and insightful yet strong, resourceful, and hard-headed. He was infinitely curious. He had a way of seeing past facades and distractions, understanding life on a subliminal level, extracting the essence of his surroundings. He dissected and examined everything that meant anything to him. He loved to break down barriers using absurd humor or to ask weird questions. He grew to be a very balanced individual with focused intensity and a great sense of humor. Even in his early years, people said he was growing into a Renaissance Man… which he indeed did.
Life is brighter, clearer, and more expansive for knowing him.
Niko was an empathetic and intelligent human who deeply cared for his family, friends, communities, and the Earth. He harmoniously wove the three integral parts of his life - art, activism, and community. He was gentle and thoughtful as he persistently and charismatically convinced others to adopt a sustainable lifestyle. He empowered everyone to set high standards for themselves through his playful encouragement.
Niko was a man who built beautiful and enduring friendships worldwide around travel, surfing, art, adventures, soccer, and environmental and social activism. Niko would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it and ALWAYS showed up 100% for his people. He made a point to show you that he loved you, and wasn’t afraid of saying it either. He had a way of making everyone feel like his best friend.
He fiercely stood for what he believed in while also respecting individuals to be themselves. Whether through his art or friendships, Niko always sought to understand a subject or individual's nature. He created and challenged us with his art, ideas and existence.
Niko was taken from this world much too abruptly and young. He died tragically in a car accident along with his dog, Tazo, and his girlfriend's dog, Lou, on November 1, 2020, on their way home from checking the surf. A few weeks before his passing, encircled by golden aspen trees, he raised both arms toward New Mexico's brilliant blue sky from atop the Sangre De Cristo mountains and proclaimed, "I LOVE MY LIFE ." Before leaving this world, he frequently talked about how happy and fulfilled he felt.
Niko pioneered a thriving eco art-activist company, creating meaningful murals, paintings, sketches, graphics, illustrations, photographs, videos, events, and safe spaces daily. By design, he positioned his work to include exploration and travel, which gave him a global perspective we all admired. Niko learned to embody pure love, truth, and creativity everywhere he went.
Everywhere Niko landed, his uncanny humanity catalyzed a loving community around his authenticity. In that, he was a teacher and a role model to us all.
Somehow any combination of words seems inadequate to paint the scale of influence Niko had on those who knew him. We will always remember you with your grin of confidence alongside a wink of mischief.
Niko will be truly missed, but let us not forget the values and lessons he set forth through his example. The memory of his vibrance can continue to fuel and inspire everyone who knew him, even in his physical absence.
We love you, Niko
Tazo, you were the best dog and made everyone around you happy. Thank you for being the perfect companion for Niko. We hope that you’re somewhere eternally playing fetch with him.
Our goal for this GoFundMe is to carry on with Niko's work by funding causes that embody his spirit.
Niko valued the natural world more than anything and was a champion for positive change. Thus, we believe the money raised will best be used to further his desires to fight for climate and environmental justice.
The funds raised will be given to organizations in a few of the areas that Niko called home.
25% will be split among two nonprofits in New Mexico; We will focus on combating oil & gas extraction and its effects on the Diné communities of the Greater Chaco region. We will also support the work of Tewa Women United to end all forms of violence against Native women and girls, Mother Earth, and to promote peace in New Mexico. Tewa Women United , Frack Off Chaco
25% will be split among nonprofits in the Santa Cruz area; we will select organizations that will focus on ocean preservation, prevention of ocean plastic pollution, and equitable surfing opportunities. City Surf Project
The remaining 50% will be put toward Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds. ESG funds will only invest in companies that are deemed socially conscious in their business dealings or directly promote environmental responsibility, engaged in environmentally supportive businesses, such as alternative energy, green transport, water and waste management, and sustainable living. Niko would be stoked to know that money raised would directly help companies that actively helped preserve the environment for a cleaner future.
In addition, we will create a $1000 college scholarship in Niko’s name for a High School senior. It will provide assistance to a student pursuing a degree in art/design with an emphasis on sustainability and the environment.
Niko had a bright vivacity for life --- always exploring, learning, reimagining, creating, and sharing. He was kind, loving, humble, and insightful yet strong, resourceful, and hard-headed. He was infinitely curious. He had a way of seeing past facades and distractions, understanding life on a subliminal level, extracting the essence of his surroundings. He dissected and examined everything that meant anything to him. He loved to break down barriers using absurd humor or to ask weird questions. He grew to be a very balanced individual with focused intensity and a great sense of humor. Even in his early years, people said he was growing into a Renaissance Man… which he indeed did.
Life is brighter, clearer, and more expansive for knowing him.
Niko was an empathetic and intelligent human who deeply cared for his family, friends, communities, and the Earth. He harmoniously wove the three integral parts of his life - art, activism, and community. He was gentle and thoughtful as he persistently and charismatically convinced others to adopt a sustainable lifestyle. He empowered everyone to set high standards for themselves through his playful encouragement.
Niko was a man who built beautiful and enduring friendships worldwide around travel, surfing, art, adventures, soccer, and environmental and social activism. Niko would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it and ALWAYS showed up 100% for his people. He made a point to show you that he loved you, and wasn’t afraid of saying it either. He had a way of making everyone feel like his best friend.
He fiercely stood for what he believed in while also respecting individuals to be themselves. Whether through his art or friendships, Niko always sought to understand a subject or individual's nature. He created and challenged us with his art, ideas and existence.
Niko was taken from this world much too abruptly and young. He died tragically in a car accident along with his dog, Tazo, and his girlfriend's dog, Lou, on November 1, 2020, on their way home from checking the surf. A few weeks before his passing, encircled by golden aspen trees, he raised both arms toward New Mexico's brilliant blue sky from atop the Sangre De Cristo mountains and proclaimed, "I LOVE MY LIFE ." Before leaving this world, he frequently talked about how happy and fulfilled he felt.
Niko pioneered a thriving eco art-activist company, creating meaningful murals, paintings, sketches, graphics, illustrations, photographs, videos, events, and safe spaces daily. By design, he positioned his work to include exploration and travel, which gave him a global perspective we all admired. Niko learned to embody pure love, truth, and creativity everywhere he went.
Everywhere Niko landed, his uncanny humanity catalyzed a loving community around his authenticity. In that, he was a teacher and a role model to us all.
Somehow any combination of words seems inadequate to paint the scale of influence Niko had on those who knew him. We will always remember you with your grin of confidence alongside a wink of mischief.
Niko will be truly missed, but let us not forget the values and lessons he set forth through his example. The memory of his vibrance can continue to fuel and inspire everyone who knew him, even in his physical absence.
We love you, Niko
Tazo, you were the best dog and made everyone around you happy. Thank you for being the perfect companion for Niko. We hope that you’re somewhere eternally playing fetch with him.
Our goal for this GoFundMe is to carry on with Niko's work by funding causes that embody his spirit.
Niko valued the natural world more than anything and was a champion for positive change. Thus, we believe the money raised will best be used to further his desires to fight for climate and environmental justice.
The funds raised will be given to organizations in a few of the areas that Niko called home.
25% will be split among two nonprofits in New Mexico; We will focus on combating oil & gas extraction and its effects on the Diné communities of the Greater Chaco region. We will also support the work of Tewa Women United to end all forms of violence against Native women and girls, Mother Earth, and to promote peace in New Mexico. Tewa Women United , Frack Off Chaco
25% will be split among nonprofits in the Santa Cruz area; we will select organizations that will focus on ocean preservation, prevention of ocean plastic pollution, and equitable surfing opportunities. City Surf Project
The remaining 50% will be put toward Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds. ESG funds will only invest in companies that are deemed socially conscious in their business dealings or directly promote environmental responsibility, engaged in environmentally supportive businesses, such as alternative energy, green transport, water and waste management, and sustainable living. Niko would be stoked to know that money raised would directly help companies that actively helped preserve the environment for a cleaner future.
In addition, we will create a $1000 college scholarship in Niko’s name for a High School senior. It will provide assistance to a student pursuing a degree in art/design with an emphasis on sustainability and the environment.
Organizer
Delese Newton Dellios
Organizer
Albuquerque, NM