Rad and I ran in the same large friend circle of people our age here in Jackson. We had met before but it seemed as though we were never at the same functions at the same time. I knew from my friends what an amazing person he was, so when he posted in our GroupMe that he was looking for someone to hire, I knew I had to reach out to him.
After interviewing, I knew right away how special Dave, Shawn and Rad's relationship was and I knew I wanted to work for them. From day one on the job my life had changed. Rad took me under his wing and we became instant friends. My first day on the job ended up being the day they had scheduled their Christmas Dinner. Rad told me he was leaving work early to buy flowers for all of the girls. I showed up to the restaurant and sat down with Dave, then surely enough in walked Rad with 3 bouquets of flowers.
After a few drinks Rad started to get emotional about the wonderful year they had. He gave a toast to our table and just when you thought it was over he would start up again. What felt like 15 minutes later and a few tears shed, he was done with his speech haha! But that was not the end, Rad wanted everyone at the table to give a toast as well. This is when sheer panic set in because it was my first day working with them and I did not know what to say! We went around the table and all gave our toasts. There were tears shed by everyone. They were a special group and had a special bond. Rad had so much love to give and although it was a short few months of working together, I feel truly lucky to have felt that every single day.
He was such an amazing person to look up to at work and outside of work. I signed up for my first Avalanche Safety Course and went into Rad's office to tell him that I was nervous. I told him I had never even skinned before and was nervous to go into the Park. Rad said he would take me to Snow King after work to show me how to use my touring skis. Rad was always there to help and genuinely wanted to be there for me and all of the Jackson community. He has made such an impact on so many people's lives. He will be missed more than words can describe.