Tobias Lee Sickbird Video 6mgs

Tobias Lee, 25, of Truckee, was killed by an avalanche in the Mt. Baker,
Wash. back-country on Tuesday morning, April 18th. Lee had lived in Truckee
under a year, and had quickly amassed a number of close friends due to his
friendly and welcoming demeanor. He had recently committed to laying roots
here as he finished a degree in Cartography from UNR. Tobias was visiting
his older brother Elijah Lee in Glacier, Washington at the time of the
accident. The two were skiing with a friend named Tom, in a steep chuted
area called Stoneman when Elijah saw a massive slide take out his younger
brother, though all he could see was a large cloud of white dust, coinciding
with a roaring rumble. When it cleared, Tobias’s body had been carried over
1,000 vertical feet and over two faces of snow, rocks and trees. He died
from injuries sustained from these objects. No other people were involved.

The Lee brothers, originally from Juneau, Alaska, were great friends and ski
partners. Tobias looked up to his older brother, and had learned a great
deal of his ski ability and back-country knowledge from the veteran skier.
Both brothers competed on the IFSA World Tour of Big Mountain skiing, and
are highly respected for their cool calculations and smooth, aggressive
styles. Tobias was recently awarded the “Sickbird” belt buckle after an
exciting performance at Kirkwood’s North American Freeskiing Championships
at the beginning of this month. This had been a great goal of his for
years, and friends had heard him say that if he won this prestigious
accolade, he would never need to ski again. Confident in his ability, and
humble to no end, Tobias wore his silver buckle with pride –as he should
have-- always leaving just enough of the silver shining in plain view. It
was another sign of many positive things he had going for him.

He will certainly be remembered as an amazing skier, but even more so as an
incredible person. Those that knew him for even only a moment will
undoubtedly remember the ear-to-ear grin he constantly displayed, his
chiseled cheekbones inviting conversation. He made friends easily, as he
had a firm sense of his own desires and understanding of self. He allowed
deep discovery into his self to all, but left just enough corners concealed.
He lived simply-- with a clear path to achieving his goals, and no need
for excess, he was able to enjoy each day.

He loved being around his friends, and being in the outdoors. He went to
great lengths to ensure himself of these pleasures. Those that knew him are
fond of the way he concerned himself with the happiness and safety of
others. His genuine niceness made those near him feel fully at ease, and
overcome petty worries. He had a gift for creating such supportive and
comfortable environments, and also for creating something out of nothing.

His full-throttle penchant for living allowed him to live more fully than
many do with far more years. He had a carefree aura about him, which
allowed him to be doing what he wanted to be doing in the place he most
wanted to be at every moment. He devoted himself to the sport of skiing,
and had lived in every ski town he’d wanted to, moving from Utah to Colorado
to California. His style and passion for living showed that one doesn’t
need money or fame to live the high life. For Toby, it was the only way.

He leaves behind a long path of saddened friends and family who are stunned
by this magnificent skier and wonderful person’s early departure. We may
have all taken a hit with this tragedy, but we are all stronger from the
opportunity to have known you at all. Tobias, we will always remember your
beauty.