It was the question asked by everyone who assembled on Saturday, October 1 to honor Adam “Radam” Merriman. How did the story of a former professional snowboarder – who was so admired, talented, popular, and loved – end like this?
As word spread about Merriman’s death on September 14, the question was “How did this happen?” Two weeks later, when people arrived at his memorial, the same question was asked but in a different context: “How did this happen? How are all these people, who came together from ten different states (and all over Colorado), in one room?”
Over 200 people made their way to the Colorado Snowsports Museum on October 1 – arguably the largest gathering of 80s and 90s Colorado snowboard innovators ever – to pay their respects to Merriman who passed away due to an accidental crash on an electric skateboard. Known as a snowboard pioneer, husband, father, and friend, Merriman impacted the lives of so many and on Saturday it showed.
Armed with stories and swag – some for Merriman, some for previous fallen friends like Jason “J2” Rasmus and Josh Malay – hundreds of people were crying, reminiscing, and exchanging custom memorial t-shirts and hats as they recalled decades of friendships and stories. It was a lot of tears, a lot of memories, and a lot of people who haven’t laid eyes on each other in too many years. 
Longtime Vail rider Rob Bak demonstrated his bravery and poise as he emceed the ceremony and reminded everyone that the day was meant to be a celebration of Merriman’s life. A few members of Merriman’s family spoke as well – each one showcasing courage that only comes from those willing to take a breath and dig deep. To highlight how special and important he was to the community, an exhibit was created and erected at the museum within two weeks of his passing.
For anyone who has erroneously judged a snowboarder (or the snowboard culture in general), they have never attended a memorial that honors a fallen comrade. The heart and organization that went into this event was next level: the comprehensive exhibit at the Snowsports Museum, Vendetta’s closing the entire bottom floor of the restaurant for the private event, a silent auction of donated items with the proceeds going to Merriman’s wife Jamie and son Aaron, t-shirts and hats honoring Merriman, photo montages, and the list goes on and on. I’ve never seen anything like it.
During the reception at Vendetta’s, more people spoke – including Listle Isaacs who met Merriman at age 14 when they were growing up in Boulder. Throughout the evening there were stories abound – some not suitable for print but mostly joyful tales of logging, riding the halfpipe, and photo shoot trips. As someone was who has been around this scene for 18 years, the camaraderie was not surprising, but it was monumental. For those who have been part of this scene for twice as long as I have, it was a reunion that they, understandably, couldn’t fully wrap their heads around. It was a gathering of the best people for the worst reason.
Prior to the memorial, my friend who is a psychologist mentioned to me that situations like this don’t have to be one thing. She said they can be sad and tragic but also celebratory. She was right. This gathering was so many things and tragically celebratory is definitely accurate.
It is highly unlikely that this group of people – this group of pioneers – will ever be in the same room again. Everyone was happy to see each other but so heartbroken that they didn’t know what to say. The only thing they knew to do was drop everything and show up.
Donate to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jamie-and-aaron-merriman
Very cool that it wasn’t an event totally consumed by mourning, but truly a celebration of life and friendship. That’s probably his most special legacy – the ability to bring people together to enjoy their common experiences.
Thank you for reading and for being my forever second set of eyes!
Thank you Laura!!!!!! xo
Thank you for reading!
Spot on Laura. Thank you.
Devra – thank you for reading and for the kind words!
Thanks for sharing!
I’m a bit sad I couldn’t be there, and yet so grateful for all those who did get to attend and reconnect
I’m equally grateful I got the chance to know Adam
He is surely missed
Question… Can I still get a shirt?
Thanks for reading! No idea about the shirts.
Well written Laura!
Hi Kim – thank you for reading! I appreciate the positive feedback!
Very great article .. Adam and I were very close from when my mom used to drive a smooth timber for pass-through love you too even a few weeks ago when we were hanging out discussing our boys future hockey plans.. we hung out all the time in my heart and continue hanging out forever… RIP MY VERY GREAT FRIEND..
Thanks for taking the time to read and share your memories.
Thank you Laura❄️❣️
Thank you for reading!
This is Adam Merriman’s little sister Danielle. Thank you for your kind words and for writing this article. Adam would have appreciated it. I will keep it and read it all the time. Thank you to everyone for honoring my hero.
Wow this means so much. Thank you Danielle!
well done!❤️
Thanks Kady!
A beautifully written tribute to our friend. Thank you.
Thank you Carrie!
I just read this outloud to my Mom who’s visiting me on Maui. I had to stop as the tears welled up in my eyes. The week before Cody D and I were messaging about it, if we could go. He said if we didn’t go we would all regret it later. I haven’t seen Cody and many others in over 25 years. It was time well spent, better than any trade show and the raw emotion and love for Adam was abundant. Time will never heal the pain for Adam’s parents, Jaime and his son Aaron. My heart goes out to them. Mahalo for writing, you nailed it perfectly.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I so appreciate the kind words!
Incredible Gathering. Saw people I had not seen in 20-25 ish years. He brought a RAD crowd.SO amazing to see the support for his family:)
Incredible is definitely the word. Thanks for reading!
Unfortunately with back issues I could not make it. That I remember Adam from back in the days… We all would party together we would all get up and go ride together we lived to be on the snow. We were all so passionate about that… And that’s what I remember most about him is how passionate he was about snowboarding.
Love that – thank you for reading!