David Victor Pym with his community far right Kitzbühel Grandi celebration
The Alpine ski racing community mourns the loss of Dave Pym, a beloved leader and advocate for athletes, who passed away on January 3, 2025, in Utah at the age of 83. Pym’s contributions to snow sports, particularly in Canada, were immense and defined by his unwavering commitment to putting athletes first.
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A Legacy of Athlete Advocacy
Throughout his 63-year career in snow sports, Pym dedicated himself to ensuring competitive, safe, and inclusive environments for athletes of all levels. As a key figure in the Canadian National Ski and Snowboard Association (NSA), Pym worked tirelessly to support high-performance programs and independent athletes. His passion extended beyond administrative roles to personal advocacy, offering encouragement and fighting for those who faced challenges within the sport.
His daughter, who worked alongside him in the NSA, reflected, “Dave was outspoken and fiercely loyal.” “If you prioritized athletes, you were his kin.”
A Tireless Contributor to the Global Ski Community
Pym’s work resonated far beyond Canada. He deeply respected the international FIS family, valuing collaboration among nations to support snow sports on a global scale. He actively contributed to the Sub-Committee for Alpine Rules and Timing & Data Working Group, cherishing his relationships with volunteers, organizers, and staff worldwide.
Despite the demands of his career, Pym found joy in the connections he made, cherishing friendships that spanned decades. His collection of over 400 accreditation lanyards symbolized a lifetime of dedication to the sport and the people who made it possible.
A Champion for Independent Athletes
Independent athletes who pursued their dreams despite financial and logistical challenges especially inspired Pym. He admired their resilience and worked to create opportunities for them to thrive. In his final days, he remained deeply invested in their stories, advocating for better support systems to reduce barriers for these dedicated competitors.
“Dave always did it for the athletes,” his daughter shared. “He believed in their potential and wanted them to have the resources to succeed, no matter the circumstances.”
Honoring His Memory
Pym’s passing is a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on a community. In lieu of a formal service, his family encourages the snow sports community to reconnect with old friends and colleagues.
“Reach out to someone from your snow sports family you haven’t spoken to in a while,” his family wrote. “Tell them Dave sent you—it’s a perfect excuse not to wait any longer.”
Dave Pym’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the athletes he inspired, and the snow sports community he helped build. As the community says goodbye, it also celebrates a life devoted to the passion, integrity, and camaraderie that define Alpine ski racing.
David Victor Pym
April 9, 1941 – January 3, 2025
About the Author: SR Staff Report
