Jack Marcial, 74
Jack Marcial, aka “Rad Jack,” “Radness,” “Black Jack,” or “Mad Man Marcial,” passed away on Oct. 18, 2018. He was a true character, loved by many.
Jack was born May 29, 1944, during World War II in Peterbourough, England, to parents Jacques “Torrido” Marcial and Sheila Catmull. He moved to New York City shortly after the war ended, then lived for a short time in Philadelphia before settling in the Oneida Lake area of upstate New York. Jack graduated from Phoenix High School before attending Syracuse University.
While in Syracuse he enjoyed a rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle as a DJ, lead singer in a band, and helped build the stage at Woodstock. He then spent a year living in Woodgate, New York, where he learned to cross-country ski.
In the early 1970s Jack moved to Manitou Springs, Colorado, to expand his love of skiing and climbing. He then discovered Crested Butte, and moved there in his bus. While in Crested Butte, he worked for the Nordic Adventure program and became one of the telemark ski pioneers. He was also a certified backcountry ski guide, helicopter ski guide and ski patrolman. During the summers he worked with the Crested Butte Hot Shot crew and volunteered with the Crested Butte Search and Rescue program.
Due to his connection to the telemark ski movement, Jack was in many ski magazines, Sports Illustrated, a Warren Miller movie, television clips, as well as referenced in the New England Ski Museum. Sports Illustrated coined Jack as “the originator of the ski-to-die technique” for his fearless backcountry skiing (April 1982).
In 1987 Jack moved with his family to Whitefish, and started his roofing business, Whitefish Roofing and Remodeling. He joined local softball leagues, coached numerous youth baseball teams, and continued to ski as much as possible. He loved the outdoors, spending time with his family, and having a beer with his buddies at the Great Northern Bar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Jayme Kelly Curtis.
He is survived by his wife, Doreen; children, Victoria, Cassie, William, Shane, Lisa, Heather and Erin; his brother, David Marcial; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 4, at the Bierstube at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jack’s name to the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation, Whitefish Freestyle Inc., or Friends of Flathead Avalanche Center.
Austin Funeral & Cremation in Whitefish is caring for the family.