(updated 1/14/19 with additional commentary & details)
Floyd Reishus, a former BSF coach and volunteer, known as "THE wax guru" passed away on December 26, 2018. He left a lasting mark on our ski community, and he'll be greatly missed.
From his obituary in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle:
After moving to Bozeman in 1996, he volunteered with the Bridger Ski Foundation. Floyd joined the BSF coaching staff for more than 20 US Nationals and Junior Nationals championships where many National champions’ titles were earned. Floyd was also part of the Intermountain Division coaching staff for many years. He was a mentor for many coaches in BSF and the IMD, as well as hundreds of skiers. Floyd was always involved in coaching track, cross country skiing or volunteering to coach running groups and physical education for adults. He enjoyed reloading ammo, hunting, cross-country skiing, rock and ice climbing. Floyd’s friends, family, and countless cross-country skiers often referred to him as “THE wax guru.” He was famous for his “special wax.”
Many of Floyd's friends have made donations to BSF in his name in recent weeks, reminding us of the impact he made--as a friend and as a skier.
Bob Frey shared a few memorable stories with us:
"Floyd and his wife Linda were longtime good friends of ours. Floyd was a great hunting buddy. We went on many Montana hunts and twice to Africa on safari. He was a tough and ethical hunter (even in his 80's), always willing to pitch in on planning, camp chores, and costs, and an outstanding shot. He meticulously reloaded rifle shells for many of us, and our rifles shot as accurately as possible (even if we didn't!). One one ill-fated hunting trip, Floyd and I were trapped in a small travel trailer in the rain, fog (and gumbo!) in eastern Montana once for three days with no heat and no way to cook. That's when you know you have a very good hunting buddy.
He was more than generous with his ski waxing expertise. When five of us went to the World and U.S. Masters Championship in Canada in 2011, we asked Floyd to go along (for free, of course) as our wax coach. He graciously accepted, and spent 8-10 hours, despite being almost 80 years old, outside in the freezing cold (sometimes below zero) daily constantly testing skis, structure, and waxing to make sure our skis were as fast as possible (of course, it was up to us to make them go!). His expertise was a major factor in our winning several world and national medals.
In summary, he was a great and generous person and friend, and he will be sorely missed."
A Visitation was held at 1:00 PM and a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service Tribute Center, Bozeman, MT.
His family has indicated that a Memorial in Floyd’s name may be made to the Bridger Ski Foundation, 851 Bridger Drive #4, Bozeman, MT 59715.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.
