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Snowboard Legend Jake Burton Carpenter Dies at 65

It is with a very heavy heart that we share that Burton founder Jake Burton Carpenter passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his family and loved ones as a result of complications from recurring cancer. He was our founder, the soul of snowboarding, the one who gave us the sport we all love so much. #RideonJake

- Burton Snowboards 

Jake Burton Carpenter - the founder of Burton Snowboards and pioneer of the sport - has died at age 65 due to complications from cancer. He passed away Wednesday night in Burlington, Vermont, surrounded by his loved ones. He had been diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2011. In an email to Burton staff a month ago he wrote, “You will not believe this, but my cancer has come back...As much as I dread what is facing me, it’s easier to deal with when you know that you have a family that will carry on. I feel the same way about my company, my friends and our sport."

Carpenter left his job in New York City in 1977 to found Burton Snowboards and would go on to pioneer the design and technology of the snowboard and help create a global community around the sport. He was a champion of snowboarding, and helped lead the charge to the Olympics in 1998. 

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“As a start of our celebration of Jake’s life, I’d encourage everyone to do what Jake would be doing tomorrow, and that’s riding. It’s opening day at Stowe, so consider taking some turns together, in celebration of Jake.” wrote Burton’s co-chief executive John Lacy in an email to staff.

On a personal note...as a New Hampshire native who started snowboarding in the mid 1990's, I want to express my gratitude. Burton and the entire Carpenter family's contribution to the sport and community have forever shaped my passion and path. Snowboarding has provided the most invaluable experiences and people in my life. Thank you Jake. I'll see you on the bootpack. Ride In Peace forever.

About The Author

stash member Tyler Gutierrez

mountains. music. random adventures. from NH.

Words can’t express the impact snowboarding has had on my life. Thanks Jake, I’m forever in your debt. Ride In Peace.

Jake Burton Carpenter is the snowboard legend I learn snowboard from him. He is great legend. R.I.P

https://www.theaterplus.me/

This guy ruined my life! I could have been a lawyer or a doctor, but nah… 33 season dirtbag.
Thanks for everything, Jake. RIP.

Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of the legend. I saw his competitions until a few years back. So sad that such an adventure-loving person had to fight something deadly as recurring cancer. My condolences to his family and friends. rheumatology dr near me

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