David Walker, June 2016

Last week our ski community lost a wonderful member, David Walker aka teledavid.  For the 8 years I have known him, he was strong and showed no signs of the illness that eventually took his life.  We skied Fremont Lookout 6 weeks ago and he was as strong as ever.

I first skied with him in Jan 2008 after he and his family moved to the PNW. He was a devoted family man dividing his free time among his family, skiing, sailing, backpacking.  As a long time Cascade skier, I enjoyed introducing him to many familiar places and in recent years exploring new places together. He also volunteered for avalanche education through the Mountaineers.  Many people might remember him through the Foothill avy courses.

He was one of the few full-time tele skiers in the PNW and we'll miss watching his graceful style and his big smiles.  He was a great friend and ski partner and I'll miss him tremendously.  Here are a few photos to share:

Skiing the West slope on Rock Mtn:


Skiing from Cach Col:


Skiing from Whitman Crest:

thanks Kenji for posting this .... I heard the sad news via Facebook and was about to put something on here as well.
David was such a kind and great person .... very genuine. He got involved with the Mountaineers Avalanche program maybe six years ago. I remember him doing his first lecture and thinking whoa we gotta keep this guy .... and we did, he became a certified AIARE instructor and was there for us every year. You will be missed greatly David and thanks for being such a great example of how a person should be .... your friend Jerry

Many condolences for your loss Kenji as well as David's family and other friends. Whenever I saw him there was always a great enthusiasm for being in the hills and gliding on snow. Big loss.

Sorry for your loss, Kenji and everyone else. I remember well meeting David the first time, making awesome tele turn in beautiful powder. Thanks for the post.

. Sad news. Every memory I have of David is of friendliness and stoke. Never skied with him, only met him in classes and at events, but always figured we'd cross paths in the mountains someday...

Thanks for letting us know, Kenji. Our thoughts are with you and with his family.

An incredible shock, Linda and I are deeply saddened  at David's passing.  Such a vital spirit, sharing that great smile and enthusiasm whatever the weather or ski conditions, whether teaching an avy class, coaching beginners or sharing adventure in the mountains with students and friends.  It is hard to look out at the blue sky of this Father's day without thinking of his beautiful wife and daughters and their incomprehensible loss, and of not having the opportunity to again share a class, a run or a day in the mountains.  Dave gave fully, was always totally engaged in the moment, and will continue to inspire.