Tony Hawk Pays Tribute To Late Snowboard Pioneer Jake Burton After He Passed At 65
Tony Hawk shared an emotional tribute to the Snowboard pioneer, Jake Burton after he passed away on November 20 from complications from cancer at the age of 65.
Hawk posted a few photos and a video to his Instagram that showed the fond memories the skateboarding great shared with one of Snowboarding's founding fathers. He recalled a time when a rowdy crew and he joined Burton for an "epic" powder day.
"Goodbye Jake Burton, thank you for paving the way for us to skate / surf on the snow. It was an honor and a privilege to share an epic powder day with you and this heavy crew 10+ years ago."
Tony Broke The News To Many Extreme Sports Fans
Hawk dedicated his post to the pioneer less than 24 hours after he passed away and Tony's tribute was the first place many fans learned about the sad news.
His page was flooded with condolences and many of his followers writing, "RIP."One fan commented, "...At least we know he’s now having a blast in this freshly fallen snow up there in the clouds. Sincere Kudos to Mr Burton for giving us wings to fly on the mountainZ.❄️📢👽" while another said, "Gone too soon. Rest in peace Jake Burton."
A Legend Has Passed
Jake passed away from complications from his second bout of cancer. The founder of Burton Snowboards had just revealed to his employees that his disease came back.
News Outlet, WWD reported that an email was sent out to company employees on Thursday. Burton’s co-chief executive officer, John Lacy sent them this statement:
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news that Jake passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his family and loved ones as a result of complications from recurring cancer. He was our founder, the soul of snowboarding, the one who gave us the sport we all love so much."
“This all happened very sudden, and it’s a tremendous loss for his family, his friends and all of you. We will share more details about plans to celebrate Jake’s life soon. Today, please take the time and space you need to process this very sad news. If you need to go home and be with loved ones or prefer to stay today, please do what is best for you. At noon today, we will be holding a gathering in the lobby/store for those who benefit from grieving with others; it will be a time to share stories, and celebrate an incredibly full life."
The company put up a similar message to their Instagram but the made sure to include "#RideonJake"
Hit The Slopes In His Honor
Executive John Lacy continued his message to Burton employees and suggested that the crew honor their founder by strapping on their snowboards.
“As a start of our celebration of Jake’s life, I’d encourage everyone to do what Jake would be doing tomorrow, and that’s riding. It’s opening day at Stowe, so consider taking some turns together, in celebration of Jake,” Lacy's statement said.
Rest in Peace to Jake Burton Carpenter, you will be missed.
