G, Here’s the letter I tried to write while you were still with us but wasn’t ready to finish. Deep down, I think I’ve known for a while that your passing was inevitable, but I really did not want to believe it. You try to mentally prepare yourself for the worst case scenario, but nothing can actually prepare you for a moment like this.
Part of me is in disbelief with how fast the last several years have gone. In a way, we didn’t know each other for very long, but we sure packed a lot of amazing memories into that time span. While our friendship started earlier, I want to skip to a life-changing moment: our insanely random meetup in Japan. On the trip, in what was probably just an off-the-cuff comment, you said I should move to the Pass. A couple of weeks later, I was going through an extremely challenging time in my life, and that thought was still resonating, so I went for it. While we didn’t know each other very well yet, you and Kirsten were there for me when I needed friends the most, and I will always be deeply appreciative of that.
The years that have followed have been some of the best of my life. While your passing has been absolutely devastating, as I think back, I feel so extremely blessed to have spent as much time with you as I did. From epic ski tours to hanging in the hot pool and listening to great music, you’ve been a mentor to me in so many ways. I promise to always do my best to keep your energetic spirit as a guide for many future endeavors. No hangout will be without good tunes, no adventure will be without stoke, and no friend will be without endless support.
Kirsten, you are such a strong and amazing person. From watching you excel on the racecourse, to starting a store, and creating a beautiful baby girl, I don’t know how you do it, but I’ll always be there for you and Felsen.
Finally, to the Snoqualmie Pass community, we owe it to Garret to continue to build upon what he (and Kirsten) have worked to create. Take photos and videos often—it may seem silly at the time, but the memories last forever.
Love you forever.
Fun fact: First photo was the first time we toured together.
Winter is finally turning on again this week on the west coast. Expect powder delays on pole orders. ❄️❄️❄️
🎥 by @jeff.jacka on his 856fps slow-mo camera
G,
There was quite a while when I kept looking back at the last thing I texted you, feeling like I messed up—that I should’ve said something deeper and more meaningful. I have no idea if you ever got to read what I wrote, but I told you I got a new speaker. Music has always brought me joy, and I’m so glad we got to connect through it. Hard to believe it’s been a year already, but that speaker is bringing the vibes to a classic hangout you would’ve loved.
