We are so very, very sad to share the devastating news that Burton Founder Jake Burton Carpenter passed away last night.
The team at Burton let us know about his passing, and shared an email that Co-CEO John Lacy sent to the Burton staff this morning.
Our heart goes out to the entire Burton team around the world and to Donna and the Carpenter family.
Email from Burton President John Lacy to Burton Staff about Jake’s Passing
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news that Jake 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.”
“This all happened very suddenly, and it’s a tremendous loss for his family, his friends and all of you. We will share more details about plans to celebrate Jake’s life soon.”
“Today, please take the time and space you need to process this very sad news. If you need to go home and be with loved ones or prefer to stay today, please do what is best for you. At noon today, we will be holding a gathering in the lobby/store for those who benefit from grieving with others; it will be a time to share stories, and celebrate an incredibly full life.”
“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.”
“There will be a follow up communication regarding additional resources on site to help any, and everyone, work through this incredibly difficult time. Let’s send all of our love and positive energy to Donna, George, Taylor, Timi and the extended family.”
“Ride on Jake.”
“JL”
Email from Jake Carpenter to Burton Staff about Cancer Battle
Earlier this month, Jake, 65, told Burton employees that the cancer he battled in 2011 had returned.
“You will not believe this, but my cancer has come back,” he wrote to the Burton staff in an email that Burton shared with SES. “It’s the same tumor as the first time around. We just never got rid of it all. A bit of it hung out in my lymph nodes and got back into business.”
“The odds are in my favor, but it is going to be a struggle for sure. 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. I will be back, but regardless, everything is in good hands, which is an amazing feeling when entering this zone of uncertainty.”
“Jake”
