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Wednesday, 23 Jan 08
After racing around Alta all morning to shoot some amazing photos with Re Wikstrom, I was relaxing at home when Re called me and told me the devastating news: Our fellow friend and skier Billy Poole died while filming in Wolverine Cirque in Big Cottonwood Canyon earlier that day (Jan. 22). Beyond being one of the nicest people I've ever met, Billy was an important icon in many people's lives. His firey red hair was a gauge for his phenomenal skiing ability, not his temperament.
I first met Billy at the Taos freeride comp almost three years ago. He was the first skier I had ever met and hung out with who I had actually seen in a magazine. Instead of being intimidating and "too cool for school" Billy wrote a poem for me on the back of his business card: "Claire, what can I say — Portland is so far away." I have kept it to this day.
Billy never made anyone feel like they were tagging along or not welcome in any sort of way. He was always there to give a hug or a high five, a smile or a great story. If you made it to the SheJumps Ugly Sweater Party on Jan. 4 (see photo), then you would have seen him rambling away as we came up with random ways to give away prizes. He always knew how to party and party well.
Our skiing community (and the world, I might add) are deeply saddened by his loss. I can imagine it will raise a lot of questions in some people's minds about "why we jump." And all I can say to that is it is up to each individual for how much they want to give, but always stay in tune with what is best for you and ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing. Billy is an example of giving a lot — not to say too much. What happened is tragic and it will live on with us but if I know Billy, he'd want us all to just keep on givin'R 100%. And that's what we plan to do.
This one's for you, Billy! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Namaste.
Billy Poole, a true Jumper, will be missed
Comment on this PostAfter racing around Alta all morning to shoot some amazing photos with Re Wikstrom, I was relaxing at home when Re called me and told me the devastating news: Our fellow friend and skier Billy Poole died while filming in Wolverine Cirque in Big Cottonwood Canyon earlier that day (Jan. 22). Beyond being one of the nicest people I've ever met, Billy was an important icon in many people's lives. His firey red hair was a gauge for his phenomenal skiing ability, not his temperament.
I first met Billy at the Taos freeride comp almost three years ago. He was the first skier I had ever met and hung out with who I had actually seen in a magazine. Instead of being intimidating and "too cool for school" Billy wrote a poem for me on the back of his business card: "Claire, what can I say — Portland is so far away." I have kept it to this day.
Billy never made anyone feel like they were tagging along or not welcome in any sort of way. He was always there to give a hug or a high five, a smile or a great story. If you made it to the SheJumps Ugly Sweater Party on Jan. 4 (see photo), then you would have seen him rambling away as we came up with random ways to give away prizes. He always knew how to party and party well.
Our skiing community (and the world, I might add) are deeply saddened by his loss. I can imagine it will raise a lot of questions in some people's minds about "why we jump." And all I can say to that is it is up to each individual for how much they want to give, but always stay in tune with what is best for you and ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing. Billy is an example of giving a lot — not to say too much. What happened is tragic and it will live on with us but if I know Billy, he'd want us all to just keep on givin'R 100%. And that's what we plan to do.
This one's for you, Billy! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Namaste.
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