We are sad to announce that Lance Henri Topper, our son, skiing buddy and best friend, passed away on November 7, 2014, at 2:17 a.m.
Lance was born in Truckee on July 7, 1992. The Creekside Charter School was created for Lance in an effort to support his individuality. He was fortunate to grow up in Ward Valley with the Sherwood chairlift at Alpine Meadows in his backyard. Powder skiing was his passion and he was a fixture at the Sherwood Lift for first chair.
Lance attended Sugar Bowl Academy on Donner Summit and was a junior at the University of Vermont. At UVM Lance was the director of the Wilderness and Natural Studies program for the past two years. He finished his first year on ski patrol at Sugarbush, Vermont, and his goal was to be on patrol at Alpine Meadows.
He fought his battle for life with bravery, optimism and courage. He accepted the path he was on with grace and dignity and never lost his sense of humor.
Although we regret we will not be having new adventures with Lance, we cherish the wonderful times we spent with him and everything we do will be infused with his spirit.
A celebration of life memorial was held for Lance at on Saturday, November 22, at Sugar Bowl Resort in Truckee, CA.
The East Coast memorial for Lance will be a walk through Centennial Woods in Burlington, VT, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 6. Here is a link with directions:
www.uvm.edu/envprog/natural-areas/centennial-woods
There will also be a candlelight vigil at 4:30 p.m. outside of the Living and Learning building in front of the mural.
www.uvm.edu/llcenter/directions.html
Michele and Rick will be at the house in Waitsfield on Friday and Saturday and will have potluck dinners on both days for anyone who wants to stop by. The address to the house is 391 Carroll Road. The road is the one that goes by Big Picture Theater in Waitsfield.
Donations can be made in Lance's name to the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team: Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team, Inc., P.O. Box 7703, Tahoe City, CA 96145. All donations are tax-deductible: nonprofit tax ID# 94-2737988.
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