Craig P.

It's been my experience throughout my schooling years that I tend to enjoy the subjects most which are taught by passionate, committed, awesome teachers. The teacher makes the difference! I met Craig this past fall along with Tyson, Rick, Dave, etc. at a UMA avy course. It didn't take long to become aware of the superior knowledge of our instructors and the overall "stokeness" surrounding us that weekend!

Throughout the weekend Craig's care and concern for the group's safety was evident. What I appreciated about him most was that he allowed the space for disagreements to be voiced, suggestions from all group members to be heard and his passion for the mountains was tangible. I loved the fact that Craig knew how to respectfully push the limit. He wasn't just out there to tell us how dangerous life can be but rather he respected risk and embraced it. I could tell right away that he was a guy that asked a lot of the same questions about life that I do. Most of our group that day was made up of Alaskan locals (or people with great Alaska memories) which I can remember Craig grinning about. 

Following the weekend I texted back and forth with Craig in order to pick his brain and secretly I wanted a buddy who was out living large to ski with!

Same Blizzard Katy J mentioned earlier. I too was a student of Craig's that day.  

Craig.... You are an inspiration to me man! Your love for life, your family and the world was contagious. You taught me to carefully and methodically respect mother nature. To forget the rat-race and follow what really matters. You taught me how sick the new prototype 2014 Carbon BD megawatts are gonna be (thanks to your suggestions to stiffen the tip up) and how to better balance risk and reward. You taught me that it is healthy to forget all the BS about snow safety once we've made up our minds to charge a sick line. You taught my wife Katie and I how to co-exist in the backcountry. To become one and grow closer together as a result of exploring the Wasatch. You, my friend, taught me a lot. Sometimes I wonder why my texts earlier this season didn't sound like this note to you. Why did I need to wait until you are gone to tell you all this?? I trust you're reading this and are looking down from above with a grin and nodding your head. Love you dude and look forward to seeing you again in the backcountry!!

Justin Libby- SLC