There are remarkably few people on this earth who are decent, honest, hardworking, kind, willing to give of themselves, who you respect as a friend or a supervisor, who take the time to learn, and have the courage to listen. John was all of these. All of our communities will be less without him. If there is anything I take from his death it is the challenge to live our lives as well as John lived his. To help as many people, with wisdom, kindness, or just a smile.
Lisa asked me to post this excerpt from a letter I wrote to her. It's one of those moments that we are all experiencing. I'm thankful for memories so that John can be with me forever. ...Although I wanted to crawl into a dark hole and stay there, I was obligated to show up as a weekly volunteer for ski school. The last thing I wanted to do was smile at strangers yesterday. But being on the slopes was, as it turns out, the best thing that I could have done.
Golden Peak Ski School was swarming with people getting ready for the first day of Presidents’ holiday weekend. I looked out across the School Meeting places at the waves of blue uniforms with all of the instructors waiting to meet their clients for the day. I really got the message then, that John was a big part of that moment. I’ll bet half of all those teachers had a heavy heart just like the one I was experiencing because they had just heard the news about John. They had no other choice than to continue on with their lives.
John too, would have “continued on” had the tables been turned and someone else been the victim of an unfortunate accident. He would have been as professional as ever, done his job, and maybe even skied a run with his friend in mind. So that’s what I did.
I opened my eyes to the fresh new snow, looked across the beautiful mountains and skied John’s favorite runs through the tears in my eyes - Prima/Pronto/Logshute.
I'll never forget my 2nd day on a snowboard. John was giving us a steering exercise or something, but I was going for deep trenches with the hard binding setup. I was in the moment of this beautiful high speed arc, and all of a sudden John was in my trajectory. THE BIG BANG. He lay there for a few minutes laughing while I apologized profusely. He said with his dry chuckle, "well at least you're progressing with the edging skill!"
John's essence lives on. I've been having visions of his special humor and way of looking at things: in the locker room, in computer class, over to East Vail for dinner... it was fun talking with him because he always could put a new and refreshing spin on the topic.
Thanks John for sharing your gifts! I know you're getting this message. Can you re-incarnate in an animal so you can give Lisa a smile every day with your essence?
What can I say but John was “the man” a great bloke always able to help a mate.
My first two years as a Vail Ski instructor were John's last two as a supervisor. My first recollection of John was during orientation. What a week that turned out to be. I remember fondly that there was 20" of fresh powder and we were to be shown where to teach beginners. Needless to say, there wasn't much beginner terrain that we could ski on that day. So John pointed to chair 12 and showed us where the beginner terrain was. We ended up skiing a lot of the bowls that day. How awesome!
John Lancaster was a man who led by example and left smiles in his wake every day that we knew him (through Vail's ski school). John played a huge role in one of the most memorable days I've had as a snowboard instructor. He was the only ski supervisor brave enough to take a dozen snowboard instructors out on skis for the day. Most of us had not skied in years! And had the snowplows to prove it. By the end of the day we were skiing Game Creek Bowl and it has been on rare occasions have I laughed that much in one day. He will always be an integral part of a day that stands out as one of the best among so many great days in Vail.
It is amazing to be re-introduced to this man, John Lancaster, through the eyes of all that have been touched by him. Where do I even begin to describe what his friendship means to me. I think back to all the long conversations we shared in the locker room at Gold Peak Ski School...and all the countless hours we spent on the snow together training and practicing...
I know I am a better person for having known and experienced life with him...through him.
But I have to laugh every time I think about the "Lancaster vs. Spicy Foods" culinary battle from back in the days in Vail...
May Palace, a local Chinese restaurant, was known for its VoDoo drinks made with no less than 3 different types of alcohol and so much fruit juice that it would make your eyes spin. (that may have been from the alcohol but who really knows!!)
One night, after a few VoDoos, we had some food...Johnny L made the comment that his meal was a little "warm"...but he continued to eat. He stopped occasionally...re-hydrated with a little VoDoo and continued on...we kept asking him if he was okay but he reassured us his meal was not too hot...he liked it that way...he smiled his smiled and grabbed his VoDoo....
It was not long after this that he was a dripping mess...sweat coming from everywhere...his forehead, face, neck and pits...he was soaked...I think even his eyelids were sweating...but he simply dabbed his forehead, kept eating, sipped his VoDoos...And all we could do was laugh... we laughed...oh how we laughed.
John was a fine man and a gentleman. I wish I was more like him.
John was a real stand up guy...what you see is what you get...he voiced what he thought no matter what others thought and did not give "politically correct " a second thought.
hg
Great is the man that devotes his life to his family and his passions. John certainly qualifies.
We knew John as an incredible skier, teacher and person. John showed us to never rest with what we know, but to try something new and different to always improve. We are sure John reached the pinnacle of skiing and flying and all things he loved so dearly.
Lisa, our hearts are with you. We like to think someone so young and fabulous as John had accomplished all he could in this life time and has gone on to a higher calling. See you on the other side John!
Andy and Connie Erickson
John and I spent many years working together at the Golden Peak Ski School in Vail. John's continual dedication to his own and other's improvement was an inspiration to all. John was a straight shooter who gave everyone a chance. He had no hidden agendas. John touched many people's lives and did it with genuine enthusiasm. He was a fine man. Thank you, John, for all the gifts you gave so many of us.
As a newcomer to the valley back in '92, I remember John’s ready smile and willingness to help, whether it was to make us better skiers or gain the respect we sought as professionals in our chosen work. He was our comrade.
What a gem. John was such an incredible guy on and off the ski slopes. He will be remembered for his incredible intelligence, sense of humor and tenacity for life. I am so thankful for having had the opportunity to have met and been a small part of John's life.
Paul has so many great memories of John at ski school. Theresa and Paul Smith
We've known John for a long time here in Vail. Betty Lou enjoyed John as a customer at the Golden Peak Bar in the early '80s (was he under-age then?) Gregor was a fellow ski school supervisor and synchro skier. We both fondly remember John as a warm, intense, and kind person. He was his own man.
I worked with John for several years at Vail's Golden Peak and had many days of great skiing with him both as my supervisor and as a free ski partner. He was truly dedicated and was always there for a quick on the spot "clinic" if there was no work to be had- great guy who will be surely missed by many who new him.
I knew John teaching skiing at GP in Vail. Reading all the posts and memories of other ski school family members, brings back fun memories, smiling faces, laughter and good turns. Hello to you all that I have not seen in years and Thank you John for being a part of my extended family.
For a couple of years John got up extra early every Tuesday morning to set a short slalom course besides Chair 12 at Golden Peak for some of his ski instructors so that we could run about 100 gates before work. We were the same crew most mornings Natascha from Russia, Erich Windish from Germany, Horst from Austria and I. John took of his time to coach us to ski breakaway gates and do cross over. We learnt a lot and we had great fun. Johns knowledge and enthusiasm made us better skiers and better instructors those mornings. When John left to become a pilot the new supervisors did not bother to continue these clinics. We still talk about how much John extra effort meant to us. John really made a difference in my skiing by those early mornings at Golden Peak. Thank you John for making me a bit better skier. I miss you.
Malin
I worked with John at Golden Peak. He was a very talented and respected man.
No one could ask for more.
John was a perfect supervisor and skier.
Markus Zimmermann, Ski Instructor from Switzerland
I met John while I was teaching skiing at Gold Peak in Vail years ago and although we were never close friends he had affected my life with his individuality and marked sense of humor more than he'll ever know. I am grateful to have known him and feel energized by his pursuit of his passion and zest for life! Quality people like John not only make a difference while they are on this earth but also in their passing.
I worked with John on Vail Mountain for many winters, and a few summers at Single Track Sports as well, His unique insights and brutally honest takes on life will be sorely missed. You were a true friend, and will not be forgotten. Godspeed to you John.
Kurt
As I think back now, John embodied the best of what ski school was to me in the '90s: camaraderie, fun and a shared passion for winter sports tempered by the knowledge that it was, in fact, just ski school - not "rocket surgery."
While I have not seen him in years, I will miss John's presence in the world.
I have missed seeing John and Lisa around the valley since they went out on new ventures some years ago. But it was nice to know they were following new dreams somewhere beyond here. This world so needs John's forthrightness and bravery and kindred spirits like John and Lisa who were lucky enough to have found
each other.
Many years have passed since I worked at Golden Peak but I still remember John's smile and positive attitude.
John was a superb clinic leader (ski instructing), always enthusiastic, inspiring and enlightening. I always learned something in his clinics. I enjoyed sharing conversations with him on the bus from East Vail into the village, those winter mornings we went in to teach skiing.
My thoughts are flying with you John. Now you do not have to stop for fuel.
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It's tough to lose an amazing guy like John. God must have needed a good helicopter pilot to get him where he needed to go. I won't forget you John.
I have known John since my earlier ski school days since 1981. Never saw him without a smile on his face and a man that was always looked up to. He will be remembered for a long, long time.
John always made wherever he was a better place. He was one of the first trainers I had in the valley, and certainly one of the best!
From the ski slopes to the shop area of Single Track Sports, we had some pretty good times. Thanks for all your unique insights on the way the world works.
I was in the hiring clinic for the Vail Ski School with John back in 1977. We grew up through the Vail Ski School together, learning from many of the most inspirational people in the business. Nobody worked harder than John! I was always so impressed as years later, he became the inspirational mentor to new instructors coming up the ranks. He was always a personal friend and I am sad to lose him.
I got to know John during in our Vail Ski School days. He demonstrated a true passion for the sport of skiing, especially during the tenure of our Ski School Demo Team years.
Franz A.K.A. Fuxi
I didn't know John really at all, only in passing, but he seemed to be just a really neat man, a man with determination and purpose... He was a proud fellow with a good smile. He was always friendly and said hi and I partook in a training event with him and he was just cool... I mean really just cool, a cool guy. I never really knew him but I always sort of sensed that he was a good man.
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John was one of the first people I met through the ski school. He was there when I was hired. He was always there. He was so full of life and present. I was really sad when he left the Vail ski school because I knew that he would be somewhere else and I wouldn't be able to see him every day. I have always thought about him at random times. He is someone that I will always randomly think about because his spirit and joy for life was contagious and people like John live forever because of their contagiousness.
John was such an influence to me when I first joined the crowd at Golden Peak back in 1999. He was friendly, helpful, positive, and good at what he did. I am grateful to have known him.
John was such an amazing human being! So very fun to be around. With a great sense of humor to boot! Thank you John for all the great laughter & memories I will always have and carry with me very close to my heart! You will truly be missed...God Speed my friend.
John inspired all of us ,whether it was on or off the ski slopes. He was honest and true, I will miss him.
I knew John as a ski instructor, trainer and East Vail Neighbor. He was passionate about skiing, living in the mountains, self-improvement, helping others--I imagine he took this same passion to flying and to his life with Lisa. Good for you John, for being the best you could be, and taking enjoyment in the process, as both teacher and student.
John was a tremendous influence on so many...for me it was during my first teaching years at Gold Peak...he was a great trainer/skier/person.
John was one of the best friends I have ever had. We shared adventures going through PSIA advanced educator trials as well as supervising and working in a bike shop together. He and I spent hours on the road together going to lead clinics- we even spent some quality time jumping off of roofs in Steamboat into 6' of powder. I will never forget how hard he worked at improving himself or how he paid attention to detail. John strived to be the best at everything he did. He loved to teach and was great at it. John, I will miss you.
It's been many years since I've seen John and Lisa in Vail. Although time has stood still in the last few days with many fond memories of John. It seems like it was only yesterday I was joining him on a run through the Back Bowls or a groomer down the front side. His dry sense of humor and quick whit will be missed. Make a few turns up there in the sky for us!!
John always gave 150% in all he did and did it with a smile. He truly lived life to its fullest. He will be greatly missed. With deepest sympathy.
Many years working and skiing with John at Vail- never anything but complete commitment to improving himself and his work.
John's spirit for excellence will live on in the Vail valley.
I always enjoyed any work time that was spent with John. He made things fun.
As a part time ski instructor who returns a couple of times during the season, you really look forward to seeing those familiar, kind faces of those you have you have taught skiing with over the years- John was one of those people. He was always that person to ask me how my other dream was coming along, and seemed genuinely interested. He was great at everything he did, and I know it's hard to leave one passion for the other. I will think of you when I look to the
sky John...
John's quiet humility and dry, clever wit left the deepest impression on me. What a pleasure it was to spend time with him. His humor was so sharp that on more than one occasion I found myself getting the joke well after I had walked away!
Thank you John for many great conversations!
I had the pleasure of working with John through ski school. I remember the day he told me he was leaving ski school to pursue his dream of flying, I was so excited to see him pursue his next chapter in life. You will be greatly missed by so many in two such different worlds.
Living in a seasonal small town you meet people off and on as they disappear and reappear with the seasons. When you met John even, in passing, you wanted to linger and chat. What you'd term a good bloke who had a great combination of intellect, interest, integrity and courage that made interrupting your day [if not his] worthwhile.
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