A Tribute to Craig Kelly
As much as the mainstream media likes to pit us against each other, when it comes down to it, skiers and snowboarders are merely siblings in the same clan. On Monday, January 20, our family lost one of it's most cherished members when snowboarding pioneer Craig Kelly lost his life in an avalanche outside Revelstoke, British Columbia. Kelly was respected and revered for his love of the mountains and dedication to his sport. He will be missed by all of us--most of all by those who were closest to him. Below is a letter sent to POWDER by Kelly's friends and business associates at Baldface Lodge.
Tribute to Craig Kelly
As we begin to recover from the loss of our good friend and wise business partner, Craig Kelly, the appropriate words are hard to find.
Since he has lived in Nelson and been a part of the Baldface family, we have grown to know and love this special man. Craig was a genuine friend, loving father, and super-human athlete who was as intelligent and thorough in his approach to life as he was in business and his budding guiding career. His sincerity and positivity shone brightly, and inspired those around him. He was devoted and hard working, and emanated an unmistakable goodness that we were all blessed to know.
Craig's contribution to the sport of snowboarding will go unsurpassed--he was crowned World Champion four times and was the three-time U.S. Open Champion. The mountains are where Craig was the happiest, and he always approached the backcountry with great caution and respect. On Monday, the snow that had given him so much joy and success while he was alive took his life in the Rocky Mountains north of Revelstoke.
We mourn his loss deeply and send our sympathies to his 2-year-old daughter Olivia, the love of his life, Savina, his family, and to the family members of all the avalanche victims.
Jeff & Paula Pensiero, Jim Fraps
Owners, Baldface Lodge
Nelson, BC
Donations in memory of Craig Kelly can be sent to:
Canadian Avalanche Association
P.O. Box 2759, Revelstoke, B.C.,Canada, V0E 2S0
Or: via the web at www.avalanche.ca in the sales and products section.