I have been trying to find words since the news last week Thursday. I feel such a devastating sense of loss for Sherry and Ayla, loss for a husband and father, the loss of a humble understated icon who was their cornerstone. My heart and mind keeps wondering to their home in Squaw just outside of Truckee, and will continue to do so.
(Shane and Sherry on a ride we did above Truckee)
I had the privilege of meeting Shane a few times. I recall him taking interest at my Xterra lifestyle, trying to make sense of what I get a kick from before dinner at theirs one evening. Eventually I was enquiring of him… He reluctantly went to grab his MacBook and showed me the “Seven Sunny Days” clip below. I was blown. Such a humble spirit, with a controlled passion of endless capacity.
Similarly I met up with Shane and Sherry at Waterford Wine Estate here in Stellenbosch in January. Shane was sitting like any other tourist, mellowed out. Only he had his camera on the table, with footage of a 40second not-so-mellow wingsuit flight off the Pniel mountains of a few hours earlier. What an inspiration for living life.
(Sherry and Ayla)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_McConkey
facebook.com/group.php?gid=59230649619
Shane has left such a powerful legacy. Seen in all the comments and responses from around the globe. So too with me. At 40 Shane had more lust for life than I could dream for.
Shane: your sense of humour, your passion and enthusiasm for life, your desire to travel and push limits, your love for wife and daughter, will stay with me the rest of my days. Rest in peace.
