Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009) Entertainment legend and PQFI Inspiration
It with great sadness, that we mourn the passing of Mr. Michael Jackson. The “Moonwalker” was a legend in the entertainment industry. His music, voice and energy will live on forever. Largely unknown and underutilized by the ski community, he became a singular focal point of motivation and inspiration for the Mont-Tremblant, Quebec-based PQFI. Michael’s affiliation with the PQFI had humble beginnings in 2002 in Stamford, CT. It was at the residence of Captain James Valentino where the now-sacred tome, “Moonwalker”, was discovered and brought to life by this tight-knit band of skiers. Captain Tom Albano had stumbled across a copy of this autobiography in a hallway of Mr. Valentino’s apartment building. It was in a box, amongst other books destined for the trash, when Mr. Albano decided to pick it up and peruse its contents. Flipping the pages quickly revealed a treasure chest of motivational quotes, inspiring words and the boundless energy that would go on to characterize the PQFI.
From that moment, future trips were energized and focused through spirited readings from this hallowed text. Through the words of Mr. Jackson, we learned a great deal about ourselves, our team and our lives. He taught us about friendship and love. I’ll never forget standing in a freezing Dunkin Donuts parking lot, reading words of hope and joy as we embarked on another exciting journey north.
Like his words, Michael’s music also served as an invigorating soundtrack to our lives, with the team often humming his melodies or singing his choruses on chair lifts across the globe. Further, the title of one of his songs was used in the context of one of the greatest stories ever told on a PQFI trip, that of the “Smooth Criminal”. Lieutenant Commander Keith Baker’s hilarious story of his college exploits was punctuated by coining that phrase which would soon become a nickname for this energetic young man.
All of us at the PQFI, the aforementioned officers and Captain Pete, would like to express our sadness at his passing.
We shall forever remember his words and his inspiration.
Michael, you gave us your voice, and we give you our love.
May you dance in heaven and shine your light upon us forever.
Thank you,
The PQFI
