Craig Kelly

He seemed an ordinary boy
Until he found the supreme joy
Of snowboarding, made it an art
In which no one can take a part
Without recalling Craig, and how
He was the start of all that's now.

He is recognized by his peers
As one of a few pioneers
Who brought snowboarding up to par;
Esteemed as other snow sports are.
It now is an Olympic game
Bringing other young folks fame.

He attacked his sport with verve and vim.
World accolades belonged to him.
He made the loved sport his life's work.
Craig Kelly was not one to shirk.
He took responsibility
For safety to the nth degree.

It's such a sad ironic touch,
The mountains that he loved so much
Would be the reason for his death.
Their treachery would steal his breath.
Craig well knew the danger there
And went about his work with care.

Craig had his followers and was
Idolized by them, because
He was the master of his game,
Teaching them how to be the same.
Unassuming and understated,
Craig was simply, dedicated.

Dedicated to work and play,
And to his loved ones all the way.
Not many long-lived men can say
When they have met their final day
"My life too short when it was done,
But every year of it was fun."

By Joyce

I wrote this for my son-in-law, Craig Kelly's dad.Craig's story has been in the news as the world renowned snowboarder who lost his life in the avalanche in Canada.