For anyone that didn't know him:
I started going to Western Washington University when I was 18, the same time Teddy began his enrollment. Me from Alaska, and Teddy from Michigan, neither of us had any friends. We met the day we moved into the dorms and instantly became friends, sharing common interests in all aspects of life including skiing. Whether it was going to Mt. Baker, driving to all of the ski shops in Bellingham looking for the newest ski movie or magazine release, going to the diving boards, driving around for hours looking for urban rails, going to a party, or just hanging out, we did it together. He quickly became my best friend. Teddy’s kindness, generosity, personality, and Michigan accent lit up any room he was in. He was also one of the most intelligent people I have ever met, and knew something about everything. He especially knew about electronics and computers, which earned him the nickname “Bobby Digital”. If I had questions about anything, he was the first person I would turn to.
What some people do not know about Teddy is that he was born with a malfunctioning heart. He had many operations throughout his life, and with those operations came doctor’s precautions. He was not supposed to drink beer or ski, two things he had a passion for. However, this did not stop Teddy from skiing out of bounds at Baker, or brewing up a mean batch of stout. He lived his life the way he wanted to, and didn’t let anything stop him.
Teddy was always willing to lend a helping hand, and go out of his way to be nice to someone. Numerous times we would want to stay out late skiing, and no matter what time his class was the next day, or how much studying he had to do, he would come out and film. I remember one time, I was coming home from a ski trip, and I flew into SeaTac, and I had no ride and it was too late for a shuttle. Teddy drove down in the middle of the night and picked me up. If I had something to sell on Ebay, he would put it up on his account. If any of us needed to vent about a friend, a bad teacher, or a girl, he would be the man to go to.
Throughout the few short years I knew Teddy, I have made some of best experiences of my life. He was always there, whether it was for a tear or for a laugh. One time, on the way back from a rail jam in Portland, he was driving me, Danny, Ali, and Emma in his Jeep. We had all drank about 3 Wireds a piece, and we were bouncing off the walls. Naturally, we decided to make the rule that if you wanted to talk to someone, or hand something to another passenger in the car, you had to do so outside of the vehicle. Despite being the driver, Teddy partook in the activity, and not only did he not break the rule, he began punching us when we did not follow the rule.
Much of my success in the ski industry is due to Teddy. Teddy single handedly shot, and edited my first sponsor me video, which got me my first sponsors. He also was responsible for the majority of my footage in my segment of Breathe and Stop by Theory-3 Media, which is what first got my name out. No matter how much I thanked him, I could never express the amount of gratitude I bestowed in Teddy.
Teddy was extremely respected and looked up to by all of his friends, coworkers, and peers. He modeled and exemplified a work ethic, kindness, sense of humor, and a life that was envied by everyone. A combination like that is very rare in people nowadays, and being Teddy’s friend was an honor, and a privilege. Teddy may no longer be here, but as a splash in the water, his benevolence has had an impact on many people’s lives, and has rippled out far beyond his immediate group of friends, and he will never be forgotten. There is no word in the English language that describes Teddy Knape with justice. Teddy will always be with me, and in my heart. When I have kids, and they are struggling in school, or complaining about something trivial, etc., I will sit them down, and I will tell them of my friend Teddy Knape, the greatest person I have ever known. I love you and miss you dearly Teddy.
-Zach Davison
