If you have yet, then it is worth the trip to www.ShaneMcConkey.org.  This website was created as a memorial to Shane and a way for information to be communicated.  You can find the details for the memorial there and then 40 pages of messages to Sherry and Ayla about Shane and his life.  I knew Shane from around Squaw Valley and always thought he was a nice guy with an amazing ability in skiing for which he had made a career.  What I did not know is how deeply he affected so many people in his all too short life.  Just read a few of the comments and you will know what I mean.  The impact Shane left on those  he worked/played with is one thing but almost as impressive are the many strangers whose lives he touched.   Shane will be missed but his presence will always be felt in Squaw Valley… and from reading these comments, around the world as well.

The community of Squaw Valley cries again for the loss of another local athlete.  Shane McConkey died on Thursday while filming a ski movie in Italy.  A variety of news articles are on the web sharing the story about this tragedy.  Just google Shane McConkey and you’ll have a collection of reading.  Here’s a good one from the New York Times.   Apparently, Shane experienced a technical malfunction after skiing of a cliff causing problems in the air and resulting in a fall to his death. 

My heart feels for his wife Sherry and daughter Ayla who will suffer the most from this loss.  They are locals her in Squaw Valley and will be embraced by this community.  Emails are already flying about how everyone can come together and support Sherry as she comes to terms with the loss of her husband.

Shane McConkey was an icon in the sport of skiing.  He pushed the limits like very few athletes dare to do.  Shane is a huge part of what extreme skiing has become.  He lived life to its fullest and will be greatly missed here in his home town and on his home mountain Squaw Valley.

In light of the current economic times, where everyone is feeling a bit uncertain about the future, it is heart warming to be a part of a community that cares.  I have two examples of the generosity in our community (which includes both full time residents and second home owners).

Tahoe Community Nursery School is a local preschool which my son attends, small, non-profit, not state supported.  The funds to run the school come from tuition, which is fairly affordable, and fund raising.  In January, our major fund raiser fell through leaving the school in dire need to raise money to finish the school year.  The solution was to raffle off a snow mobile and a variety of other prices, for $20 tickets.  In about one month’s time the school, staff, students and families were able to sell enough tickets to raise approximately $25,000.  This will allow us to finish the school year and have a cushion to start the next.  My son sold the winning ticket to a long time Squaw Valley local who lives down the street from us.  Thanks to all who contributed.

The second effort from the community was done by the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation.  They figured in these economic times, if we all come together and give a little, a lot can be accomplished to help the components of the community that may be suffering.  With the help of volunteers they spread the word to “Expect the Call”,  and the community came together last night and gave.  By simply knowing a call was coming, asking for a donation, TTCF collected approximately $85,000 last night alone.  The funds will be spread throughout the community where it is needed most.  Lawrence Realty is proud to be an active part of the Tahoe/Truckee community.