Park City, UT- Phyllis Erck, mother of late Billy Poole, has established a memorial fund at The Park City Foundation to introduce children to the natural beauty of the mountains. Billy Poole, killed in a skiing accident in January 2008, was a big mountain skier who passionately pursued his love of the sport. In his memory, Erck hopes to expose other children to the beauty and exhilaration of mountain sports.
Poole, who began skiing at age three, lived in Missoula, MT and throughout the Northeast as a child. He began extreme skiing in the final semester of his senior year at Montana State. In the past few years, his ski career took off with sponsorships, appearances in widely circulated ski magazines, and participation in ski films. It was while filming a Warren Miller movie in Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon that Poole misjudged a landing and sustained injuries that led to his death. He is remembered by colleagues in the industry as talented, smart, and decent: “Billy had really grown into his role as a very talented athlete, but more so he distinguished himself by his character. He was thoughtful, hardworking, prompt. He treated his job professionally,”
The memorial fund, established at The Park City Foundation, exists to honor the life and memory of Billy. According to the website, www.billypooleskifoundation.org, the fund will introduce youth to skiing and outdoor programs. “Billy Poole was inspired by skiing and the mountains, but more importantly, Billy served as an inspiration to others by following his passion, staying true to his dreams, and ripping the mountain the way only someone who lives to ski can.” Commenting about a memorial to be held in August Erck states: “Billy lived every moment of his life to its fullest and with passion and without regrets. This will be a celebration of all the positive energy he spread in this world and the happiness he brought to so many people.” Like the memorial, the fund celebrates and spreads Billy’s passion for life and love of mountain sports.
To learn more about Billy Poole’s life and memory or to contribute to the Billy Poole Memorial Fund, visit the website: www.billypooleskifoundation.org. For additional information about memorial fund and other philanthropic services, contact The Park City Foundation: www.theparkcityfoundation.org, 435-214-2146.
