RIP IN PEACE: Pat Clark
10/09/2022
Pat Clark appeared on the cover of our October ’83 mag doing doubles with his friend Puker at the Annandale ramp near Washington DC. He was a well-respected verticalist for the last four decades, shredding and making friends in California, Texas, Colorado, Florida and up and down the East Coast until his passing at age 58. Our condolences go out to his family and many friends.
Still shredding and smiling! Photos: Mark Nichols and courtesy of the BoardrPat and I got into skating after watching guys skate the Ocean Bowl in Ocean City, MD in 1976. That's when we realized we could skate the drainage ditch in our backyard. After that, we built a halfpipe and had our own little skatepark at our house—that was our training grounds! We entered our first contest in Bowie, MD. Belair skateboards asked to sponsor us and we got to hang out with Chris Chapet and Michael Williams. From there we skated in contests with the East Coast Toke Team and even Ian MacKaye and Henry Rollins back when they still skated. Pat lived for skating and had just bounced back from two hip replacements. He was excited to skate Rodney Mead’s halfpipe contest on Halloween this month. Instead, we will have a celebration of life for him. Pat is survived by his mom and dad, brothers Willy and Steve, sister Meg and girlfriend Brenda. He tragically lost his son Ryker this past January. Pat would be honored to be remembered by Thrasher and the skateboard community. Thank you! —Willy Clark
Pogo rock from our Oct. ’83 mag Photo: Friedman 
Layback air with Ian MacKaye Photo: Friedman I'm so sad. I just skated with Pat Clark on my ramp last week—just me and him for about an hour in the hottest, blistering part of the day. We had a good session, he made some perfect inverts, some decked rock and rolls and most of all, we had fun! We chatted about life and how lucky we are to be shredding vert at our age! His smile was always present as usual. I loved when he called to come skate the ramp. I would always get excited about the session—MFing legend Pat Clark coming to skate my ramp! How could I not be pumped? I will miss him and those sessions dearly. Love you, Pat Clark. RIP, my friend. —Rodney Mead
Stalled out at Jeff Phillips’ Skatepark, Dallas, Texas 1990 Photo: Hollenbeck-
3/31/2023
RIP IN PEACE: Robbie McKinley
Robbie skated with effortless speed, finesse and only two truck bolts in each truck. He also fished, surfed, barbecued and cooked turduckens. His friend Chris Casey remembers the life of a truly remarkable figure. -
3/10/2023
RIP IN PEACE: Thomas Taylor
Thomas Taylor was a giant in the Atlanta scene and provided a blueprint for how to live the fullest life as a skateboarder. From his pro career to building a family and fostering the community through his Stratosphere shop, he is remembered by everyone he touched. Read closely as his loved ones reflect on his incredible ride. -
2/17/2023
RIP IN PEACE: Otis “O” Barthoulameu
Otis B lived big ––a masterlensman for all the mags, rocking with his bands Olivelawn, Fluf and Harshmellow, producing records for Blink-182, designing boards for Foundation and making friends and cracking jokes everywhere he went. O did it all, with fun and fury. There's an O-sized hole in skateboarding today. He will be sorely missed. -
2/16/2023
RIP IN PEACE: Jordan Brown
Jordan was all the things that truly matter. He was kind and loving, possessing a genuine desire to lend a helping hand. -
1/30/2023
RIP IN PEACE: Tyre Nichols
Tyre Nichols was a 29-year-old skater, father, filmer and photographer beloved by friends and family. His death at the hands of police has shocked the world. He’s remembered as a joyful person not afraid to be himself. Our deepest condolences go out to everyone touched by this absolute tragedy.