On A Sad Note - We Lost A Good Friend and Paddler Sunday

AJ · Post by AJ » Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:05 pm

I write this post with a heavy heart. We lost one of our Colorado crew members this past weekend, Mr. John Graye from Aspen, Colorado.

I am sure many of you knew John, as he was a great paddler, boat designer, and enjoyed racing at the Nationals.

We did quite a bit of video this past season and one my favorite clips is John running a bigger drop on Foxton/South Platte with a smile from ear to ear.

He was a friend and a paddling mentor to me. Darn, we will miss him.

AJ

cbcboat · Post by **cbcboat** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:30 pm

What/ How did it happen? One of his longtime friends lives here in MT and we paddle together occasionaly. Thats very sad.
B

AJ · Post by AJ » Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:26 pm

It is my understanding he had a heart attack, while peacefully sleeping in his chair. Here are a couple pics of John from this past season.

John makin some coffee at camp on the Poudre River

John Ripping up 11 Mile in his Solito

milkman · Post by **milkman** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:45 pm

Wow, this is a real shock. Ever since I bought one of the first Solitos, John and I have been in communication comparing experiences and talking about the boat's design features and its handling characteristics. He had contacted me recently about coming out to the Pacific Northwest and paddling with me in May. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Kanukid · Post by **Kanukid** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:50 pm

Yes, I too reply with a heavy heart and tears as free as the rivers we shared. As a member of the CO crew I truly am appreciative for the friendship John and I shared on and off the river! John was a great mentor and friend! May our thoughts and prayers be with John and his family!

We'll SYOTR again John !!!!

John looking after the crew

John @ home - Slaughterhouse Falls on the Roaring Fork

John on the Arkansas River @ Pine Creek

kslund · Post by **kslund** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:18 pm

Shocked and saddened by this news today. You're paddling knowledge, friendship, and sense of humor will be greatly missed. RIP John.

A few of my favorite pics of John:

Running "Triple Drop" on the poudre:

Calmly ferrying above a big hole:

JulieKeller.com · Post by **JulieKeller.com** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:47 pm

I'll always have fond memories of paddling and skiing with John.

[img]http://juliekeller.com/images/adventures/ad156.jpg[/img]

Dooleyoc-1 · Post by **Dooleyoc-1** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:52 pm

I'm sad to hear that news. John was a really nice guy. I had fun paddling his home river, The Roaring Fork, with him in 2006.

Craig Smerda · Post by **Craig Smerda** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:35 pm

bummer. Has anyone let the OCSlalom crowd know yet?

You will be missed John...

Post by **sbroam** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:38 pm

I just realized I met him at Nationals... Condolences to his friends and family...

Eli · Post by **Eli** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:02 pm

My condolences to friends and family. John, was always enjoyable to be around: quiet, easy going and fun. I will miss paddling with him.

Bill Rivers · Post by **Bill Rivers** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:19 pm

I was just getting to know John and really enjoyed his company this past summer. He will be sorely missed. Enthusiastic, witty and a good craftsman.[/img]

abbeysroadhome · Post by **abbeysroadhome** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:53 pm

That sucks! Really sorry to hear that.

philcanoe · Post by **philcanoe** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 11:41 pm

DAM....

Really, really nice man... greatest attitude... always had something good to say.. always. An accomplished surfer he ended up in Aspen from Hawaii, where he had shaped surfboards. Thats how he got into building canoes. We traded know how, passed around secrets, talked about the old days, surfing, sailboats, and canoes. Always liked getting another emal from John. He will be missed, we'd all be a little better if we were a little more like him!!!!

These are a couple pics he sent of test driving a new design and another of one in the shop.

drewcanoe · Post by **drewcanoe** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:24 am

We were saddened by the news of John's passing. I will fondly remember our river side discussions of boat design, river paddled and his passion for the paddling. Carole remarked about how he had always made her feel welcome at the slalom events they had attended together.

We will miss his smile and enthusiasm.

Andrew and Carole

C-Forum

On A Sad Note - We Lost A Good Friend and Paddler Sunday

On A Sad Note - We Lost A Good Friend and Paddler Sunday

RIP John

Devestating news...

Hard to believe John won't be with us again.

John's passing