Hardest Post to Write
This post won’t be well written. It won’t be edited much. It’s a pouring out of emotions and thoughts over the last couple weeks. Time has gone by in a bit of a blur. Many in Jackson and I have sat in a foggy daze wondering how to cope with the recent loss and how to move forward.
On February 13th a Jackson legend, a friend to many, and probably the nicest guy in town fell to his death while skiing in Grand Teton National Park. Rad Spencer - someone who I was lucky enough to call a friend and who touched many people in this valley - was gone.
I sincerely feel torn writing about this. Rad contacted me, however, 3 weeks before the accident and commented how much he enjoyed reading this blog. We even planned to ski tour together once I got back from Hawaii, which would have likely been last week. As I wipe tears from my keyboard, I am filled with regret and frustration I didn’t prioritize that trip with him sooner. I made this blog to document this year, and Rad I hoped would be a part of it. He is, but not in the way I wanted or expected. With each upcoming ski tour I’ll think of this amazing guy. His spirit and endless enthusiasm will accompany me and others on every adventure going forth.
Rad on the summit of Middle Teton
Rad - I met you two years ago on a ski mission up Middle Teton thanks to our mutual friend Tanner Wenzel. We connected immediately. Everyone I’ve mourned with said the same - it only took a day of knowing you and we were hooked. Your positive attitude, infectious smile, and endless stoke attracted us.
I remember that day so vividly.
You asked questions about the bear I harvested the day before. You hollered in excitement and encouragement on the bootpack. You shared our communal awe of the mountains even having been on many before. And you joined Tanner, Shane, and I in the most joyous celebration of how lucky we were to get the amazing weather, conditions, and powder nature gifted us with that day. You also made the all time funniest comment I’ve heard in the Tetons to those Exum guides. I will remember and laugh about that forever.
In less than a day we were tight friends. Following Middle Teton you shared endless knowledge about real estate investments and how to survive in Jackson. I learned so much. We would catch up randomly as we saw each other around town. You paused your day multiple times to talk with me on the street. We would connect over Instagram and share recent adventures accomplished and future ones in the making.
Honestly Rad, you embodied the best of Jackson. You were a sender who also knew how to make it in Jackson and be an adult. The best word I could describe you with is “balanced” - able to ski and do what you loved while also building the most successful career for a man your age. I aspired to your level of balance. You taught me a lot. You’ll be sincerely missed in this valley but never forgotten. I feel so blessed to have known you and can’t thank you enough for being a part of my life.
I describe many exciting moments in the outdoors as “rad”, and now I’ll think of you each time I do. I know you appreciated those moments and with the biggest smile on your face you’d call them “rad” too. I miss you buddy.
Through the mourning and grieving I have witnessed just how many people you inspired in Jackson and beyond. We often joke how small of a community Jackson is, yet it’s still 10,000+ people and we meet new faces regularly. Rad - you somehow involved yourself in every corner of this valley and made an impact on almost every friend group. With your infectious personality this shouldn’t surprise anyone.
In fact, just the other day Andrew and I hitched a ride up the pass after skiing coal creek. Turns out the guy who picked us up is a good friend of yours and will be the one mounting your skis at the top of JHMR’s Tram this week. You’ll remain a part of this valley forever. Thank you Rad for everything you brought to our community.
From Cory and Ross, to Bryson, Bill, and now Rad - beautiful lives get cut short. But there’s a pattern - those cut short seem to be the ones that lived to the fullest and pulled the most from life. Let these lives be a reminder to chase your dreams and make each day count. Tell your friends you love them. Then tell them again. Don’t bail on a chance to share every moment with those you cherish. And appreciate every damn day. I love you guys and miss you all.
I adventure a lot alone. While those trips are meaningful, the ones I remember most are those shared with close friends. Friends and family are everything in life. I’ll never regret a day out with friends. I’ll only regret not planning more of them. I am so sorry Rad we never skied Owen and Moran like we talked about. Fuck me… I’ll kick myself forever for that.
Each time I’ve lost someone close in life, particularly those near my age, I am reminded how much friends and family mean to me. We are a social species and close connections make life meaningful. I set a lot of personal goals that I aspire to complete. But to be honest I get the most fulfillment and joy from simply doing anything with those I love.
The last couple weeks have been a time to cherish friendships as much as possible. With an eclectic set of adventures, it’s been a time to cry and spend time with everyone. I appreciate all of you being in my life. Thank you. It’s been an emotional time. But in-between the tears it’s also been a beautiful time filled with shared stoke and love.
It’s been awhile since my last post. I don’t have a video for this month. I’ve been sad and busy spending every second with friends because it’s what makes me truly happy. In no particular order - here are the last few weeks.
Memorial ski trips for Rad provided a chance to mourn with friends and remember a beautiful life well lived. I turned 27. That was pretty cool. I can’t thank you guys enough for making that day so special. I partied with old friends and partied with new friends. Celebrations involved airborne cupcakes, bonfires, beer, and more skiing.
We ice fished, ski toured, hiked serval Glory’s, and had multiple rowdy resort days. I placed 2nd at Story Slam, got trashed at a Moose hockey game, and ate spaghetti in the middle of a tight chute named Spaghetti Couloir.
I pounded more ULLR than I care to remember, ate more Thai food at Thai Me Up than my stomach could take, and sang karaoke to more rap music than my lungs should allow. All the time surrounded by you guys. I love my life because you guys are in it.
I’ll get back to more cohesive updates in March. A lot of Denali prepping, ski touring, rock/ice climbing, and story slams to come this month. For right now just remember this..