The Legend of Tony Diem: A Life Lived at Full Speed
On the morning of March 29th, Tony Diem skated off this mortal rink due to heart complications—an ironic turn of events for a man whose heart was bigger and stronger than most. His departure leaves an unfillable void in the lives of his soulmate and adventure co-pilot, Keiz Larson, his countless friends, and all the dogs he crossed paths with and inevitably loved.
Tony didn’t just exist—he lived. Loudly. Boldly. At a speed most couldn’t keep up with (literally, if you ever tried to keep pace with him on a bike, skates, or a random trail he convinced you to hike). He was the friend who would wake you up on a Saturday morning with an irresistible scheme—hike in the Hills, bike the canyon, or find a frozen pond just begging for a game of pickup hockey.
Raised in a cuisine-centered household by his parents, Delfina and Wolfgang, Tony developed a love for Mexican food at a young age. He could whip up a unique, delicious feast (no recipe and never to be repeated) that brought people together, making sure no one left the table hungry-or without a story to tell. His meals, much like his personality, were bold, full of flavor, and best enjoyed in good company.
The other wonderful trait he inherited from his parents was his love for travel and adventure. Tony was always on the move, exploring new places, seeking out hidden trails or ghost towns, and finding the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Whether it was running plankton tests on an Antarctic ship, a spontaneous camping trip in the Big Horn Mountain Range, a Slovenian cycling adventure, or the most recent canoe excursion down the Green River, he was happiest when he was discovering something new with Keiz. His enthusiasm for exploring wasn’t just about places-it was about experiences, people, and the stories that came with them.
Among those lucky enough to share in Tony’s adventures, Lauren and JJ held a special place in his heart. Their bond spanned from hockey, biking, and skiing to deep, unwavering trust. While he tried not to give too much advice, he shared some of life’s greatest and hardest moments…they were more than friends – they were family.
First impressions? Tony wasn’t concerned with them. He was opinionated, unapologetic, and wildly enthusiastic about the things he loved. But if you stuck around long enough, you’d realize that beneath the rapid-fire words and big energy was the most loyal, generous, and empathetic person you’d ever meet. Once you were in his circle, you were in for life—and he would do anything for you.
Tony didn’t outgrow playfulness like most adults. He built it. A working gondola that zipped across the living room? Check. A model train that chugged through the house at Christmas? Check. A Lego man for a toilet paper holder? Of course. A life-size bubble making contraption and puppet theater for the grandkids? Naturally. If you could dream it, Tony could build it—usually with wood, leather, and an impressive lack of concern over measurements but it always worked out.
Tony was a master craftsman, a problem-solver extraordinaire, and a teammate in every sense of the word. Whether operating Deadwood Bicycles, working at SRAM in Spearfish or just in life, he had an unmatched ability to instill confidence in others. He believed in people, even when they didn’t believe in themselves.
Above all, Tony was the best partner Keiz could have asked for. He had an uncanny ability to be one step ahead of her needs—a cup of tea before she even knew she wanted one, appetizers for her book club when she was running late, breakfast every single morning. He was her soulmate, her counterbalance, and her greatest adventure.
To honor Tony’s spirit of generosity, memorial gifts can be made to the Twin Cities Animal Shelter, Ski for Light in Lead SD, or World Bicycle Relief—because Tony would want more adventure and more dogs out in the world, living as fully as he did.
Tony, your ride may have ended, but your legend lives on.
Friends are invited to gather and share memories of Tony at The Hill City Hockey Pond on Sunday, April 6th at 9:30am, followed by craft beers and food at Lost Cabin Brewery in Rapid City at 11:00am.
