Niko Henry Chernyshov passed away on March 23, 2026, after a two-year battle with metastatic brain cancer. Niko was born on October 30, 2009, in Burlington, Vt., to Alex and Heather and was a devoted big brother to his little sister, Ella.
Niko was proud to walk across the stage at Edmunds Middle School’s eighth-grade graduation in 2024, days after his first (of six) brain surgeries and multiple rounds of chemo and radiation. Niko loved school as a sophomore at Burlington High School, strong-willed to go until he physically couldn’t be present. He was clever and witty, with a sense of humor beyond his years; it was easy to engage in conversations with Niko over a vast range of topics. He could sputter the stats of nearly every football player in the NFL, with focus on cheering for the Minnesota Vikings. He will be remembered for his fantastic sense of humor and his absolute directness, which continued right up until the end.
He was coachable. At age 5, Lego mini figures filled his pockets while running the length of the soccer field. He tried lacrosse and was put in every position with an open mind. A middle-school three-season cross-country runner, he stopped to “water the trees” and later joined the baseball team, proudly earning the position of “left bench.” His main passion was winter sports, becoming a committed skier since 2012 at Bolton with his family and friends. Bolton chairlift rides taught him many life lessons, from factoring prime numbers to “the talk” (the birds and the bees).
He loved hanging out with his “Posse” around a campfire, listening intently and responding with sarcasm. He was a true friend, which developed from his obsession with Toy Story. Niko had a gentleness and a wisdom to his spirit that you don’t often see in someone his age. There was something special about him that you didn’t need to know him long to see. He was kind, patient and sincere. People were drawn to him.
His chocolate chip cookie recipe is one of the best! Multiple years, session four Camp Billings pie-eating contest winner and Camp Ta-Kum-Ta chicken wing chow down were a testament to his love of fun food! Make-A-Wish adapted and organized the “Taste of Vermont” food tour. Cabot cheese, August First olive loaf and Shy Guy gelato were staples, along with weekly family dinners to Pizza 44; he has “Respect My Authoritah” (Triple B Buffalo Chicken Pizza-Buffalo*Bacon*Brussels Sprouts) in his name!
He was steadfast to complete his first hike around Niquette Bay State Park at 18 months and completed a wet three-day father-son hike along the Long Trail in 2023. A hike along Snake Mountain led him to Scouting, and he returned, tenacious to hike it again, this October, with walking poles and guided assistance due to lack of vision and balance. He was determined to hike full circle before his board of review to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. His Eagle Project was personal: collecting new Lego sets for pediatric patients at the University of Vermont Golisano Children’s Hospital. Niko was extremely empathetic to those around him. Always a Lego enthusiast, he found putting together sets therapeutic while going through his own treatment, and he wanted all children in the hospital to have that same experience. Expecting a donation of only 70 Lego sets, Niko ultimately collected and delivered over 800. The project was recently awarded Eagle Project of the Year by the National Eagle Scout Association of the Green Mountain Council.
Niko loved the outdoors, lupins, lakeside sunsets and traveling with goals of visiting every national park. He made it to six. Acadia was his first, at 8 months old, and his last was Biscayne National Park, while on a Sea Base High Adventure trip with Scouts in 2023. Boat rides thrilled him. While snorkeling in Mexico this January, he reached the dock and said, “I feel so alive because I’ve never been more scared in my life!”
Niko was predeceased by his grandparents, Vladimir and Luisa Chernyshov. He is survived by his parents, Alex and Heather; his sister, Ella; his Grandma Diane Vonasek; his Grandpa Stan Vonasek and his wife, Laurie; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Beside him throughout these past two years of treatment was Peanut, the family rescue dog.
Niko’s family would like to thank his care teams at the University of Vermont Golisano Children’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Sloan Kettering. We were hosted by the Ronald McDonald House in New York City for six weeks and for multiple care visits at the Boston House. The family will also never forget the extraordinary kindness of family, friends and neighbors who rallied around them. Their help traveling from afar to run errands, walk Peanut and provide amazing meals made Niko’s illness so much more bearable.
Please honor Niko’s impactful life with a walk by the lake, campfire s’mores, a great ski run or by having a laugh with friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Niko’s legacy Lego “Brick by Brick” project (give.uvmhealth.org/events/681/donate), Scout Troop 611/6110 (tinyurl.com/fornikoc) or Camp Ta-Kum-Ta.
A celebration of his life is being planned for May 9, 2026, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., at Bolton Valley Timberline Lodge. Please wear Minnesota Vikings gear or Vermont flannel formal, sharing stories with “anyone that gives a sh_t.” (Niko!)