IMD Says Goodbye To Drew Barney
J Drew Barney of West Yellowstone passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep, of natural causes, on June 2, 2023. He was 71. At the time of his death, he was engaged in one of the many activities he loved: bicycle touring the Trans-America Bicycle route from the Oregon Coast to Ennis, Montana.
Drew was born on January 29, 1952 in Ogden, Utah to Kathryn and Gordon Lant Barney. He grew up in Ogden, graduating from Ogden High School and Weber State University.
Having experienced West Yellowstone and its surroundings on summer trips in his childhood, Drew moved to West Yellowstone in the mid 70’s. He started his career as a general contractor here, earning a reputation as a skilled and honest builder. He quickly became involved in Nordic skiing, and spent over 40 years as a passionate advocate for the sport in the community. His leadership of the local skiing community included serving continuously for decades as founder and president of the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation, Rendezvous Race Director, and Yellowstone Ski Festival. When the local Junior Nordic Ski Team was without a coach, Drew stepped in, sharing his passion for skiing with the next generation for most of the last decade.
Drew met his wife Carol at the Yellowstone Ski Festival Clinics and they were married in 1993. They enjoyed all outdoor activities together and especially their travels to Africa, Ecuador, and Hawaii.
Drew loved West Yellowstone and was a fierce advocate for its success as a strong and economically diverse community. He was elected to the City Council and served as Mayor of the Town. He served as the President of the West Yellowstone Foundation and was honored with its Legacy of Gold award. He was a dedicated community member, reliable friend, and mentor to many.
Drew was a multi-faceted outdoorsman and adventurer. His pursuit of adventure led him to travel with friends and to many parts of the world for skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, and paddling. His travels took him to Canada, Alaska, Africa, South America, and throughout the Western United States. In addition to cross country skiing, he was passionate about fly fishing, bicycling, and golf.
Drew is survived by his wife Carol, brothers Lant (Terri), Mitchel (Cindy), and Rich (Kimm). His extended family includes 4 nieces, 5 nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, please support Drew’s passion for skiing through a contribution to the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation. Donation information is at: http://www.skirunbikemt.com/donate.html
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday October 7 at 11AM
Community Protestant Church in West Yellowstone.
Address is 505 North Electric Street.
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Some comments about Drew:
I haven't been a part of the IMD community for long but you could tell Drew had a passion for XC skiing in West Yellowstone and will be leaving a big hole to fill in the West Yellowstone community with his passing. We will miss you Drew! ~Gerrit Garberich – SOHO
Drew was one of the first people I met when I moved to West Yellowstone, brought together by our shared passion for skiing. Our nearly 30-year friendship has been one of my most treasured and has developed through skiing, hunting, working together, and sharing the challenges of developing the Rendezvous Trails and WYSEF in our shared vision. Drew has been a friend, partner, and mentor to me and his example of vision, sacrifice, commitment, and willingness to volunteer have made him beloved and an indispensable asset to the skiing community at large. I will miss him dearly. ~Marc Sheppard – WYSEF
Drew was such a kind and thoughtful soul that did so much for the Nordic Community and the West Yellowstone community. We greatly appreciate all he did to put on world class events in West. He truly made a difference in so many lives. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family. ~Emma Garrard – Park City
Drew was a rock. Drew was always so steady and committed and most importantly a really nice man. To say that he loved cross country skiing and the nordic community of West Yellowstone is a huge understatement. He cared so much for the kids he worked and it was never about him. He was humble, insightful and always ready to do whatever it took to move WYSEF forward. Really hard to imagine the West Yellowstone ski community as well as the Intermountain Division without him. ~Rick Kapala – Sun Valley
I was fortunate enough to meet Drew in the mid 80's and began to work with and for him during the Fall Ski Fesitval as a ski instructor, Having moved to West Yellowstone MT and working along side Drew and seeing his care and passion for our ski community is very inspirational and motivating. There are few people like Drew Barney. Our town will not be the same without Drew. We will do our best to keep his spirit alive and continue his legacy of skiing in West Yellowstone, ~Jack Hart – West Yellowstone
First met Drew at the 1988' Rendezvous and seemed to bump into him somewhere every year if not at the marathon. Always cordial and helpful with all things Nordic whether in West or elsewhere. RIP Drew! ~Tom Noaker – Many time Rendezvous Participant
I first encountered Drew as a skier coming to the West Yellowstone Ski Festival and Rendezvous Race. As I moved from being a skier to being a coach, there he was, as bright a star in IMD as at the start of the many races in West. Drew really was everywhere. Our ski community will miss his dedication to the sport and the people of skiing. ~Jen Santoro – TUNA
Drew was my coach for three years. He taught me so much in that time. He taught me how to classic ski, how to race, how to not have a panic attack before every race, and how to wax skis, both kick wax and glide wax. Drew never hesitated to teach me or the team new techniques, ideas, and more. He had so many stories about when he raced and where he traveled. He was always willing to support the team whether it was watching a Netflix show about a gothy teen or explaining klister for the umpteenth time. I have so much that I learned from Drew and will carry those lessons on forever. ~Mariah Campbell – WYSEF Athlete
I have known Drew for 20 years, first beginning when I worked at FreeHeel and Wheel, and ending as a co-coach for WYSEF. I really have no words for what a void his passing has left for myself, our team and my family. Drew was my mentor, my peer, and most importantly, my children’s coach. To a small community, his passing is so impactful. No matter who you see, everyone knew him and has a story to tell. Whether it was coaching, building someone’s house or just being in West forever. Drew was someone irreplaceable. I feel lucky to have spent as much time as I did with him, and learned as much as I could. I will miss him. ~Kati Holtzman – WYSEF Coach, Parent, Mentee
Drew was my coach last year, and in that time I was able to learn and get to know a little more about him. It is impossible not to say how focused on his goals he was but on the other hand a person with a lot of compassion and ability to teach. You will be in my memory forever Drew, thank you for everything you did for the people of West Yellowstone. ~Ricardo Caldeira – WYSEF Athlete
Drew was scary intelligent, funny, hard-working, dog-loving, opinionated, tireless, sometimes sardonic (had to look that one up to be sure I used it right), and always West Yellowstone’s most devoted ambassador. When I first got to know him in the late 80’s I thought he was quiet and sort of shy ... and I kept believing that until the two of us partnered up and took part in the first Cycle Greater Yellowstone in 2013, which started and ended in West. On that event I learned that he was to West Yellowstone approximately what George Foreman is to indoor grilling. I couldn’t get him to stop regaling strangers (i.e., new cycling friends) with stories about how much he loved West. I talked to him just before his final bike adventure when he called to get some details I might know about the TransAm Trail between Astoria and West. He was really excited about the ride he and Jonathan were setting out on. It's hard to imagine not only a West Yellowstone, but a world, without Drew Barney. The term one-of-a-kind does not begin to scratch the surface. See you on the groomers of the Great Beyond, buddy! ~Mac McCoy – Cycling buddy
I got to know Drew through ski coaching in the Intermountian Division. He was always interested in how things were going with the McCall team and always helpful when at events. When he learned that I was a fish biologist, he would often quiz me about fishing and wanted to know how the Steelhead return was looking for the Stanley area on the Salmon River. I will miss him and his passion for everything he did. ~John Gebhards – McCall
RIP Drew! Drew’s been a fixture in West well over 45 years! He’s made a remarkable difference to the community and, personally, many people. You could talk to him on many subjects and he would listen, sometimes not agree with you, but he would still listen. His shoes will be very hard to fill! ~Grace Bailey (Whitman)
Drew was my coach this year and he was the man who introduced me to his sport. I will remember this winter season, here in WY with him, forever. My winter season with a coach like him is wonderful. I couldn’t dream better. This year was my first time in cross-country skiing and he helped me a lot, he always encouraged me and pushed me to surpass myself. Even though I had only known him for 1 year, I had a lot of souvenirs with this incredible coach. ~Victor Mouraux – WYSEF Athlete
Every time I saw Drew he was doing something for his friends and his community be it running a construction project, coaching one of the nordic teams, tirelessly waxing hundreds of skis for young racers and/or working to provide a world class experience for all the athletes and supporters during one of the many nordic races held every year. It was obvious to everyone that his athletes truly liked, trusted and respected Drew as a coach and mentor. He was wholly dedicated to the great group of people that live and ski in West Yellowstone. Always a professional, always patient, always ready with a grin to teach you something you didn’t know about ski/wax technique or a trick of the construction trade and hands down one of the kindest and friendliest individuals you’d ever have the good fortune to meet and know. Drew will indeed be missed. ~Tim W.
I remember racing and talking with Drew on several occasions, and he helped make the Rendezvous my favorite race. The quality of the race was always just the best, and I came to really admire and appreciate the involvement of the WY community. I sure hope the race continues with Drew gone - I’m sorry he’s no longer with us. ~Bob Stevenson – Rendezvous Participant
He will be greatly missed and leave a large hole in this community. His tireless service is something to admire and strive for. Very thankful for the many years I worked for him, he is one of the main reasons for my business in this town, he was a person that was pulling for you and wanted to make sure you understood the why behind things. You will be greatly missed and hope the family finds comfort in the love you had for service and others. ~Chris Kachur – West Yellowstone, Employee
A true self-made man, and my cherished friend since 1973. Drew fell in love with West Yellowstone during his youth. He knew exactly where he wanted to be, and what he wanted to do, so he moved to West and made his dreams come true. Over the years, he became part of the fabric of town, always fighting to keep the town special. He excelled at the things he loved - skiing, fishing, biking, building. (wish I could include golf on that list!) An interesting character, he had an opinion on, well, EVERYTHING! He loved beautiful places and adventures, big and small. Walking with Drew last spring on the Rendezvous trails, his giddy excitement at finding the first shooting stars of the year made me laugh. He lived life to it’s fullest. His time on Earth made a difference, and he leaves us better for having known him. Drew’s passing leaves a hole in my life and my heart. ~Mark Dennis – Friend
Very sad news to hear about! I was fortunate have Drew as my ski coach for many years. After my racing days, I continued to work with Drew organizing races. And then last season Drew was also the coach for my Daughter. It’s unbelievable the amount of time and sacrifice he put into the Nordic world! He will be greatly missed for many reasons!! ~Travis Hansen – WYSEF Athlete and Parent
Drew will be so missed and I am so saddened by his passing. He was my ski coach in high school and taught me a lot about the Nordic world. I shot my first biathlon rifle with him! He was also a very talented contractor. He worked on many projects for my family through out the years and continued to do so after retirement. He built my current home and I’ll treasure it even more now. Anytime I call for something I need fixed or built at home or at the hotel, he always came no questions asked. My husband loved talking about the Utah Utes with him and joking around with him. He was also very important to my mom and grandparents and I’m sure they’re greeting him with open arms. ~Haily Wilson (Anderson) – WYSEF Athlete, Friend
Drew was so modest and humble, people can be forgiven for not knowing what a powerful force in Nordic skiing he was. Drew was the glue for all the many successful X-C things West created over the years. Thanks to Drew’s efforts (and many others), West is an incredible place to ski - so Pro. Drew was the driving force over several decades, working to build the relationships that fulfilled the dream of what West and the Rendezvous Trails have become. Thank you Drew. A celebration is in order. Plus, he was a good friend. I’m going to miss him. ~Chi Melville - Friend
OMG I can hardly believe this! I just visited with him at the end of this yrs' Nordic season! He was such a giver to the Nordic community and West Yellowstone, he will be truly missed by all. ~Bets Cordes - Friend
