LAKEPORT — Byron Whipple would have been 55 years old on Oct. 8.
On Oct. 9, more than 700 people celebrated his colorful life and said goodbye to a man who is most frequently described as, “an inspiration.”
Family, friends, community members, coworkers and members of the U.S. Waterskiing Team wrote messages on balloons and released them into the sky.
More than 200 photos and numerous trophies adorned TNT Restaurant in Lakeport.
One person after another spoke about Byron. People from all over the community and all over the world, honored him.
His ashes were spread on Clear Lake, in Australia, Hawaii and Nevada. The remainder of his ashes will be spread at the world”s ski racing championships this year.
Byron died Sept. 4 following a tragic boat crash by the Lucky Four Resort in Lakeport. Lake County Sheriff Office dispatch received the call at 7:54 p.m. After dropping friends off, Byron called his brother Casey to pick him up and never arrived at the meeting point.
Byron was an avid supporter of the community. He did not allow his disabilities to keep him down. Byron was injured more than 25 years ago during a waterskiing race on Clear Lake, which eventually rendered him an “incomplete quadriplegic,” according to Casey.
Byron owned City Center Realty in Lakeport. The Whipple family has lived in Lake County for more than 45 years. Byron is a Clear Lake High School graduate. He was class president, played football, baseball and ran track.
Byron achieved champion status in waterskiing with both the Nor Cal Boat and Ski Club and the Southern California Boat and Ski Club. He was a waterskier for the U.S. Ski team at the World Championships in Italy. Even though he could no longer ski, Byron spent every moment of leisure on the lake.
Byron supported Westshore Vikings Youth Football every year and gave scholarships to youth who couldn”t afford the program.
Byron”s favorite band, The Lost Boys played for the celebration of life. “He would do anything for anybody in the community.”
Wrist bands were sold at the event to raise funds for a lamp post in Lakeport dedicated to Byron. The family hopes to have the lamp post on First Street near TNT”s, because it was Byron”s favorite hang-out. Those wishing to donate to the fund can do so by visiting Umpqua Bank and making a donation to the Byron Whipple lamp post fund or call 349-1957.
Pick up Thursday”s Record-Bee newspaper to view a thank you from the Whipple family.
