snowmystr's Blog

Standing in the start in my first race clinic, Mt. Bachelor Oregon. Dual courses actually. In the course across from me an "OLD" guy. The year 1970. The "old" guy was giving our ski team a clinic on ski racing. His instructions have been lost in the 38 years since then. But, what I remember was a man who made an impact. Someone who lived his passion. The man was Jack Meissner. At the time, Director of Skiing at Mt. B.

Fast forward four years. I meet this guy, made of granite, but soft spoken. Fresh off the World Cup Biathalon circuit. We would become teammate on the Central Oregon Community College ski team. His name, Ernie Meissner. Son of Jack. As the years passed Ernie and I would become brothers of a sort. Like Father, Like Son. Soft spoken but a means of connecting with an athlete. Ernie went on to coach 12 national championship ski teams at the College of Idaho and Rocky Mountain College.

Sliding back a few decades...maybe more than a few. At the age of 28 Jack Meissner skied from Mt. Hood to Crater Lake in the middle of winter. Alone. Why? Because he could. One day when Jack was in his 60's I hiked Diamond Peak with Jack. He busted my butt all the way up the mountain. Hmmmm, he was my age when I first met him. "Old" isn't even a number.

What does it mean to leave a legacy? Developing the first nordic ski instructor training regime with a couple of your friends? Having a couple of your kids race on the US ski team? Maybe just being a guy who can build a house with his own hands, from trees felled on-site.

For me the legacy is all the stories, memories, successes, and friendships left by someone who lived his passion.

A week ago Saturday this fine man, Jack Meissner, 88 years old, went to sleep in his cabin in the woods, deep in the Cascades where he was a trapper, instructor, ski school director, Dad, Mentor. He didn't wake up.

Not a bad way to go. Live your passions, leave people knowing they were touched by a quality human.

This Saturday people will gather from across the country to share their stories of Jack Meissner. His kids, Jane, Julie, and Ernie will be there. Join us at Willamette Pass Resort at 1pm to celebrate the life of Jack Meissner. The event will be casual, like the man we will celebrate. Potluck.

Join us if you can.

Snowmystr