John Donohue was a beloved coworker, a friend, and a man I looked up to and admired.
This is the speech I gave that night, at the celebration of life, cleaned up, and typed. I also would like to point out, it wasn’t till standing in front of the room that I realized how many people were there.
The man, the myth, the Legend. John Donohue was a mand that memories and tall tales will only scratch the surface of the footprint that he left behind. He found his way into the hearts and lives of many. He became the cornerstone of a town and snow community, known to many as JD. His presence alone could lift and change the feeling of any room he went into. He found not only the positive in a situation but brought out the best in all of us. He welcomed guests with open arms, home-cooked deliciousness, and a well-stocked soda machine.
JD didn’t just set the bar, he wrote the book to snow town etiquette. He may not have done it first but he showed us how to do it right with finesse and style. With everything JD did, it was like watching artwork in the making. From fresh carved powder turns to laying it down on groomers. From first chair to last call. How to be a host, an instructor, and eventually a supervisor. There wasn’t much he set his mind to that he couldn’t accomplish or do well, or at least do with a hangover.
I had the privilege to take many of JD’s clinics, whether they were on snow or off snow. He taught us how to surf the Black River, how to never pay for a drink all season. If the man on the barstool next to you challenges you to flipping bar coasters odds are JD has taught this man well, decline his challenge. How to find untracked powder, days or even a week, after a snowstorm. Referred to as the unofficial Okemo trail map. How to be a true snow god amongst men. Ramen and cheap beer weren’t in his taste pallet. He wasn’t just a master chef, he threw down sushi.
JD didn’t have a palace or kingdom. He had the Funhouse. I can remember tearing up the lawn when BJ brought a golf kart up to race around his makeshift dirt track in the yard. I may have wet myself just a little. There were also many times when there was a mini-park in the front yard, and I remember one time sliding a refrigerator on snow blades. A few victims may have jumped off balconies over the years. Cards were played and kegs were drunk. Does anyone really know how many beds are in that house and what really lies behind the American flag?
For me personally, my most fond memory of JD was the time he took me to visit his brother Carlos on the Warped Tour with him for two days. It was the most epic 48 hours of my life. For this punk rocker, it was like going to summer camp as a kid all over again. I dreamed of going backstage as a teenager and here I was with my heroes. JD grilling kosher meats from a deli in New Jersey he specifically went out of his way to go to. I played poker with the lead guitarist from Bad Religion. JD played cello with Alkaline Trio. Carlos made real mojitos while the guitarist from Pepper DJed a dance party. I got stuck in downtown Camden after my backstage pass was ripped off in a mosh pit. And I learned there is a reason why veteran warpers have mopeds or scooters.
As I listened to everyone in this room, it is clear that JD made his way into all of our hearts. With stories and memories, it will be hard for the legend of JD to die. It is said that in Japanese culture it is forbidden to ski or ride in the trees of most ski resorts because the spirits rest in the trees. I find it hard to believe that JD won’t be with us as we make our turns in many of the secret stashes he was in before us. A man who could never be replaced, a true pillar to the community. I wish Uli, Clara, and the rest of the Donohue family only the best. For anyone who had the honor and privilege of meeting John Donohue, you were truly fortunate and blessed. JD you will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Image: John kitesurfing at the Outer Banks in North Carolina - around 2010.