Although Craig Kelly had an enormous influence on snowboarding in the Northwest, there were certainly individuals who had an enormous influence on his life and career. Today, all in the NW snowboard community are mourning the loss of Bob Barci, who, by nearly any account was one of the pivotal folk in helping the NW gain prominence in snowboarding's now global culture.

Opening the Bikefactory in Bellevue, WA in the late ‘70's Bob took a risk on BMX and skateboarding at a time when the two sports were definitely not videogame material. Soon, he extended this passion and stoke, both on retail and a personal level, to snowboarding, providing boards to the few interested parties years before any other area retailers. At a time when lift access was not even in the cards and Mike Ranquet was likely a grade-schooler, Bob was tromping the hills of Highway 2 and Steven's Pass with the earliest version Flite and Sims boards, sleeping in decrepit Forest Service A-frames and blazing a trail for an entire generation. Years later, Carter Turk, Jeff Fulton, Eric Janko, Dan Donnelly, and of course, Craig Elmer Kelly, were drawn to the man as their own learning curves brought them to a point where they wanted to run their skills against others. The Bikefactory team began.

In 1985, Bob went to Mt. Baker's Duncan Howat and asked about the possibility of running a race for these guys. For the first several years of this event, Bob was the timer, organizer and final judge for the course. 22 years later, the Legendary Banked Slalom remains the best event in the world. A few years after starting the LBS, as the event became big enough to limit the field, Bob reached out once again, helping to create the NW Series. This completely open series with reasonable entry fees allowed for any kid to step up and ride in any of the events from Baker to Snoqualmie to Mission to Hood and even 49 Degrees North. For folks like Peter Line, Jamie Lynn, Dave Lee, Joey McGuire and others, this was their first opportunity to compete and meet kids from other resorts.

Bob Barci was our first subscriber here at frequency TSJ, sending a check the day he saw it. He never let his sub lapse and he never missed an issue.

This past February, weathered by his long and strong battle with stomach cancer, Bob still managed to make it to the Banked Slalom, as he had for most of the last two decades. Being the previous year's recipient, it was his turn to give away the Craig Kelly Award (for NW individuals who have made a significant contribution to snowboarding). Although he held the mic about a foot away from his mouth and most of the couple hundred people in attendance didn't hear a word he said, his thoughts were inspired and moving. Most had no idea he was dying as he held the granite and hardwood CK thunderbird trophy. As I stood next to him I listened intently, here's as a best a paraphrase of this speech I can offer:

"Craig was a good friend of mine. He was more than just a team rider, or another bro, he was an inspiration. Being around him was an incredible energy and watching him made us all believe anything was possible with snowboarding. And when I look at this trophy, I have to say it is in keeping with Craig's spirit. The eagle, with its watchful eyes and broad wings, sees much and goes far. The totem below the Thunderbird head represents a base of friendships and close-knit ties which provide support. And when I noticed the pegs holding the wings to the body got knocked a little loose, I realized that the trophy, like Craig himself, reminds us that life is delicate. We are not here forever, and Craig's life reminds us to make the most of the time we have."

Bob went on to introduce the Cummins family as the 2007 CK Award recipients, calling Mike, Matt, Temple, Joe and Cheryl, Barrett and Cannon up to the stage appropriately.

Every region in snowboarding's world, from Tasmania to Tyrol Basin, has a Bob Barci the guy who organized, preached, believed, and grew a culture for thirty years. Bob Barci passed away at his home in Fall City last night, surrounded by his family. For myself, although this is a sad day, I am reminded of why we do what we do around here.

Thanks, Bob,

Jeff Galbraith

Photo from frequency TSJ 3.3: 1983, Sauk Mt., WA. Photog: Kevin Ward.