Splitboarders gathered for Revelstoke’s fifth annual Canuck Splitfest Jan. 9–11 at Rogers Pass and the basecamp at the Coast Hillcrest Hotel.
In addition to the usual schedule of touring at Rogers Pass, participants also gathered to in memory of the event’s founder Wade Galloway, who died in an avalanche incident in early 2014.
Friend Troy Misseghers memorialized Galloway in a slide show presentation to the gathering of a couple hundred splitboarders.
Misseghers described a friend who took life by the horns, enjoyed adventure and also found ample time to give back to friends, family and the community.
In addition to a passion for backcountry splitboarding, Galloway shared a love of aviation and cars with his family, and served as a city councillor in his hometown of Lethbridge.
“He just loved getting on top of the mountain … and watching the views,” Misseghers said. “We shared blood, sweat, tears, lots of Pepsis and gummy bears out on the slopes.”
Galloway wore his passion for the sport on his sleeve, and was known for his vocal, joy-filled “hooting and hollering” descents.
Misseghers’ speech and slide show presentation drew a warm applause from the audience.
Misseghers remembered a man who paired his passion for life with deep “loyalty, respect, gratitude and humility.”
Attendees at the event also raised funds in memory of Galloway through a silent auction and raffle.