Shane McConkey; savour the flavor

Shane McConkey, dressed as Saucer Boy

                                                Any freeskier knows the name Shane McConkey.  Comparable to the Travis Pastrana of skiing, Shane was well-known in freestyle skiing and the ski-film industry.  Many of the skis we use today have technology that came from Shane's innovation and pioneering.  In particular, powder skis went from the bottom shelf to the top because of the tweaks that Shane made in the design.

He was also famous for his antics!  He would often make fun of himself with his alter-ego character "Saucer Boy." He made sure that he did not let his ego get in the way of what was important.  He wasn't afraid to make fun of the competition that comes from being a pro skier.  He is a very good example for me to do the same, and not let my pride sour the flavor of life.

I first learned who Shane was when i watched a ski movie that he starred in.  I really admire Shane McConkey for his zest for life, his innovational creativity, and his comedy.  In many of the films I watched, Shane McConkey would impersonate James Bond on skis (this wsa just one of his MANY antics).  He was the kind of person that would make you smile or laugh even if your entire day was going "Kaput!" I admire how he did not let the cares and troubles of the world take the joy and happiness out of his life.  That is not saying that he was irresponsible.  It is saying that he knew how to have a good attitude even in the darkest situations. 

Shane McConkey as 007

Sadly, I never got to meet Shane McConkey.  I actually learned of him AFTER he had already passed away.  During one of Shane's stunts, he had an accident.  He was performing a wingsuited, ski-base jump.  Shane's skis never released after he left the ground, causing him to not be able to deploy his parachute properly.  Shane McConkey died.

    I respect him immensly for the lesson he taught me.  I have learned from Shane McConkey to remember to smile.  Everybody has challenges and rough times in life.  We all have difficulties that are unique to us.  We cannot choose all of the challenges that are thrown to us, but we CAN choose our attitude.  Some of the people I look up to the most are those who find the flavor and fun in a life full of challenges and complications.  I also learned to think outside the box.  It is because of Shane's creativity that I ride the skis I have today.  One thing I also learn from him is gratitude.  When we are ungrateful, we cannot see all of the beautiful blessings that heavenly father has created for us.  By being grateful, we can Savour the Flavor of the good life we all have.  I cannot wait to meet Shane McConkey in the next life.  My heart and sympathies go out to Shane McConkey's familty. 

Thank you, Shane for being such a good example to me, and to skiers across Montana, and the world!  We miss you more than you know.

Skiing has changed for the better because of you, and I have learned so much from your example.  God bless you, Shane McConkey!

Shane McConkey: 1968-2008