What Will We Leave Behind?

Ever wondered how you might be remembered after you're gone? It probably depends upon your actions when alive and/or the actions of those left behind. Jane Mitchell, partner of 17 years to Jonathan Disher (who I mentioned in one of my reports earlier this year), sent me the following with the hope that some real good for the living might come from his memory.

Jonathan was one of the longest survivors of melanoma in Australia, having lived and battled with it for nearly 20 years. But to know or meet him he was always full of life, very cheeky and pushed life to the extreme with his ski patrolling being a national examiner and demonstrator and his endless sailing successes on both yachts and hobie cats.

Yes he was one of the White Knights of Valentines day who helped save the Japanese skiers caught in the avalanche on 14th Feb 2007. Amazing to know that the following year he had to have his tibia removed because of melanoma and it was replaced by a titanium one. He was told he would never ski again. Six months later we ran our first lodge in Niseko and he had a one more Japanese winter to enjoy before things started to get really bad.

The last 3 years he was constantly ill. He died on 22nd December with me at our beautiful home which we both built on the Alpine Way surrounded by wildlife and the lovely garden he created. At the crematorium in Canberra on Christmas Eve we had 20 Patrollers come and pay their respects and many friends.

During the last 3 years he had many bags of blood because of the blood condition that he also developed. I requested that people consider being a blood donor as one in three people will need blood in their lives but only one in twenty give it.

The mobile van is in Cooma May 21,22,23. I intend to be there.
Kind regards,
Jane Mitchell

As the recipient of 6 pints of blood one sunny November morning, I am truly aware of how donated blood can keep someone alive. So, in memory of Jonathan, for Jane, for Thredbo Ski Patrol, or simply for those unknown who will need blood in the future, you may consider being a blood donor.

Groomed slopes under a blue sky

The steep section of High Noon

Heavy frost on Lower Sundance

Frosty patch under Merrits Chair

Jonathan Disher - enjoying the sensation of straight skis

Meanwhile after several warm sunny (even balmy) days and some very frosty nights, the wet season has now set in together with strong winds, even stronger in the Victorian Alps.
Check the graphs

Winter is not far away :-)