The Flyin Ryan Hawks Legacy

After freeskier Ryan Hawks died while competing at the Kirkwood stop of the Freeskiing World Tour last winter, his father, Peter, made a discovery on his son’s computer: a set of “core principles” written by Ryan. They included “never stop exploring life,” “look out for others,” “look out for myself,” “live simply,” “be self-sufficient,” “don’t be afraid to ask for help,” “work hard,” and “be the best friend I can be.”

“They were really simple and he lived them well,” Peter says.

To keep Ryan’s principles alive, the Hawks family set up the Flyin Ryan Hawks Foundation, which has three objectives. One, give scholarships to skiers who “demonstrate Ryan’s core values and whose passion is hampered by financial constraint.” Two, run an ambassador program that’s open to anyone who espouses Ryan’s values. And three, host Flyin Ryan Days, when kids can ski with celebrity coaches at resorts around the country.

“We’re not trying to put him on a pedestal,” Peter says. “But there were so many people who were impacted by him.”

To get involved, visit flyinryanhawks.org.