Windy Winter passed away this morning around 9:45, with family and friends at her side. I drove to Bend, OR yesterday when I heard news that she had pneumonia again. Last night she was weak, but her spirit was still very strong. Over the night she began losing the battle. She was an incredibly loved individual that had an immense impact on this World. If you knew her, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about. Words cannot even scratch the surface of conveying how wonderful of a human being she really was. This is a huge loss to the Water Ski community and, more importantly, this World. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Below is an email I wrote last night, when Windy was still fighting, but couldn't find internet in time to send before this morning. I am sending it anyway..... Most of you in the water ski community know Terry's wife, Windy Winter or know of her and are well aware of her fight with Cancer for the past 10 months. She has survived 7 rounds of chemotherapy and one case of aggressive fungal pneumonia. Now Windy is battling for her life, once again, with another case of pneumonia. She was doing very well for the past month until just a few short days ago when she fell sick and had to return to the hospital. She is fighting hard, but she doesn't need to fight alone. If you can spare a moment, even just a few seconds, to focus your attention to an individual, a spirit in need....it can make a difference. Together people have amazing power, but it isn't often that we all, collectively, have a reason to share in the same thoughts. If everyone of us takes just 10 seconds out of this day, right now, to simply embrace a positive thought or prayer for Windy's sake....that is one entire hour that we collectively have given her. It can and will make an impact....all you have to do is believe. I've known Windy Winter for 8 years now, and in that time I can't say that I've seen a more influential individual. In her 25 years she has touched more lives than most people 3 times her age. She has not only touched lives, but transformed them, as well as the environment around her. She has an amazing appreciation for the outdoors,...a contagious appreciation that everyone around her catches. She has a hunger for life that most people seldom attain, but can never maintain. When she was 16, she bought her first tournament ski boat, an American Skier: with her own money! She has been a national level water skier for over 6 years, and a professional manager (for her husband) for the past 5 years. In that time she has also completed a college degree and nearly finished a Masters degree. For those of you that have never met Windy Winter, I know this all means little to you. For those that have had the pleasure, I know this will impact you for far more than 10 seconds. "A woman is like a tea bag - you never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water" Marcus Brown Here's an address for Terry and the rest of the Family, if you wish to send a caring word or gift: 61218 Mt. Vista Dr. Bend, OR 97701