On Wednesday Sept. 30, 2015 Gustavus alum, Miles Robert Wilson of Spring Park, passed away during work after he unexpectedly collapsed. A memorial service was held on Wednesday Oct. 7 at Calvary Memorial Church.

I’m going to miss having him next to me in the car on the way to the rink.”
—Tommy Lundquist

Wilson, only twenty-three and a 2014 Gustavus graduate, earned his B.A. in geography all while keeping busy playing hockey, riding motocross and hanging out with his friends. For 3 years Wilson worked for the DNR water conservation department and, most recently, started his new job at Manor Concrete. He was successful right out of college, but that wasn’t a surprise to his family and friends as he proved himself successful all throughout his school career.

Wilson graduated from Mound Westonka High school in 2010, where he developed many friendships through hockey, motocross and staying active on the lake Minnetonka. Friends and teammates of Wilson’s gathered on Oct. 6 at Pond Arena in Mound to play a game of ice hockey in memory of him. He was very active, keeping busy with jet skiing, motocross and hockey so it’s no surprise when he was called up to play Varsity for the Gustavus Men’s hockey team.

“There are so many great memories with Miles but the one I remember the most is when he got called up to play for the varsity team because John McLean got hurt. Once he heard the news from Coach Peterson he came running to me with the biggest smile.” Wilson’s four-year roommate and best friend, Tommy Lundquist, recalled.

“Once he heard the news from Coach Peterson he came running to me with the biggest smile.”
—Tommy Lundquist

Lundquist and Wilson did everything together, both majors in geography and huge hockey fans, as well as, avid players. They were not only best friends, but also roommates for all four years of their college careers.

“We played Men’s league together, I’m going to miss having him next to me in the car on the way to the rink.” Lundquist said.

Along with hockey, Wilson and Lundquist stayed active in the off-season with intramurals like soccer, broomball and football at Gustavus.

“He was always doing some kind of activity. Then whenever he was at home, if possible, he was always in the water. He was obsessed with jet skiing.”
—Meredith Fahrenz

“He was like my younger brother. We both looked up to each other.” Lundquist said.

Even when Wilson wasn’t on-campus at Gustavus with friend, he continued his love for sports and activities at home and on the lake, if at all possible.

“He was always doing some kind of activity. Then whenever he was at home, if possible, he was always in the water. He was obsessed with jet skiing,” Senior Communications major and friend of Wilson’s, Meredith Fahrenz said.

Wilson was known for his gentle nature, trustworthy friendship and great sense of humor too.

“He always wanted to prank everybody and rile everyone up; he was so adventurous in that way.” Fahrenz said.

Family and friends mourn the unexpected passing of their beloved friend, son and student, as all will truly miss Miles Wilson.