Page 61 - THE ENDLESS WAVE | Skateboarding, Death & Spirituality

THE ENDLESS WAVE | PART ONE
The List
Thus far, I’ve probably attended well over 500 funerals in my three years working at the funeral home. The truth is, it’s all become a bit of a blur. There are days when I work at three funerals. I don’t want to sound cal- lous or indifferent, but I must acknowledge my feelings. The fact is that work- ing in the deathcare field is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever worked. Yes, I know it’s a business, but an emotional component far exceeds anything you read about or see in films. Sometimes I can become emotional at a funeral, but it is quite rare. The fact is I am there to support family and friends in a very pain- ful experience. This is where I find my humanity — in the service of others.
I decided to compile a list of people I have met through skateboarding who have passed away. Most of these people I either worked with professionally (as a publisher or writer) or spent some time with. All were skateboarders and left a huge mark on the sport. Some were friends, some could be challenging to hang with, and all were unforgettable.
Gregg Carroll — Co-star of SkaterDater film (60)
Fausto Vitello — founder of Thrasher (age 59)
Warren Bolster -editor of SkateBoarder Magazine (age 59) Ty Page — skate legend (age 59)
Wee Willi Winkels — skate inventor (age 56)
Don “Waldo” Autry — skate legend (age 55)
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