In Memoriam: Clay Beck 1971 - 2008
Pubic Memorial Service
Sunday, July 13th from 11:00 to 2:00
North Tahoe Conference Center, Kings Beach
Clay Beck, who directed the Alpine Meadows Freestyle Team for 11 years, passed away this week. Clay left the Tahoe-Truckee airport for a short flight on July 2nd and never returned. After an intensive search, the wreckage of Clay's RV-6 was located near the Sierraville airport on July 5th. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but it appears that Clay had been attempting to make it to Dearwater Field in Sierraville.
Clay leaves behind quite a legacy in the world of freestyle and freeride skiing. Although many know that Clay has worked with Olympic level athletes like Shannon Bahrke, fewer people are aware of his total impact on the sport. He has sent hundreds of kids into the development pipeline of freestyle and freeride skiing. It's impossible to watch a US Freestyle team competition, the X-Games, or the latest ski movie without saying "Clay coached that skier." Clay's recent retirement from Alpine Meadows Freestyle was going to leave a void in the sport. His passing will leave an even greater mark.
Clay was dedicated to his family. He leaves behind a wife and 2 sons, and an extended tight knit family that is sure to feel the loss.