December 2, 2008
John Massingberd
…Steve Miller Band, ‘Fly Like an Eagle’ 1977
Okay, you can call me superstitious but last night I found myself suddenly awake. My old Lab, Soda, was barking from his bed in the basement, it was 4:00am and something was not right. I heard my wife make her way downstairs and the dogs whimpering subsided. Oddly enough, he has never done that before. I can’t get back to sleep, something is wrong…
My morning routine here at the office started off like most days. Boot the computer, grab a cup of Joe and check the ‘to-do’ list. As I reach for a pen I notice the red light of my voice-mail message alert is glowing. As I listened to the words my heart began to sink before the bad news was even delivered.
The snowmobiling community lost a truly great supporter last night and I lost an old friend. Many of you have seen the television show ‘Snowtrax TV’ and will remember big John Massingberd, the executive producer and for many years, the show’s amiable host. John, thank you for your gifts you will be missed by many (including your old pal Soda, he always lit up whenever he saw you…)
Here is John’s bio in his own words:
Full Name:
John Massingberd
Your Role on the Show:
Host/Executive Producer/Truck Driver
How did you connect with Snow Trax?:
Been here since the beginning! Too stupid to get a real job!
# of Years in the saddle:
First ride was in 1968 on a Ski-Doo Olympique! My best friend and I proceeded to run over all the neighbors gardens! Suffice to say we were in deep $hit that night!
Favorite Sled Last Year and Why:
While I rode a SabreCat 700 EXT most of last season, Our Yamaha Venture 120 was an absolute standout. This sled surprised everyone on the crew Great engine, terrific suspension, a very well rounded package! Plus it was our Snowtrax Real World Sled of the Year for 2005!
What are you looking forward to this year? (Destination/Sled):
Everything! I love everything we do in this show, even truck driving, cant wait to get on the road again!
Most breathtaking destination so far:
I like them all! Every place we go offers something different, which for me is the appeal of snowmobiling
Where is your ultimate destination of choice?:
I would still like to ride in the shadow of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota!
What you LOVE about snowmobiling:
Friends! It’s all about the people you meet, and the friendships you forge! There are no better people than Snowmobilers!
What you would CHANGE about snowmobiling:
We need to get more young people involved in the sport! This is a lifestyle where you can ride ’till the day you die!
… ride on John
cr
This was very sad news to hear chris,I really enjoyed his test of the new sleds on every show.He gave a honest opinion of the new iron and gave us a good reason to stay inside on a snow-filled winters day for a half-hour before turning the key or pulling the cord on our favourite sport.
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:45 pmMy condolences to the crew on the show for the loss. We continue to watch from ‘up north’ and appreciate the past and present work each of you do for the snowmobile community.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:21 pmTime Keeps On Slipping Slipping…
So sad..
Enjoyed all his shows.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:50 pmToo bad. I liked watching John on the show. The younger guy is good as well. I hate hearing about guys not much older than myself passing away. Especially when I feel like a young guy nearing 50. Snowmobiling helps keep one feeling younger as your in pretty good shape after a season of regular sledding.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:04 pmSad news. My condolences to his friends and family.
Love the show.
December 4th, 2008 at 8:17 amJohn departs in his 54th year, losing a brief but courageous battle with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease”.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the ALS Society of Ontario or your local Snowmobile Club.
More details can be found here:
December 4th, 2008 at 8:36 amhttp://www.snowtraxtv.com/index.php?p=news&story=62