A tragic avalanche has claimed the lives of an Oregon couple, leaving behind a legacy of strong family ties to the skiing community.

Terance ‘Terry’ Skjersaa, 57, and Susan ‘Renee’ Skjersaa, 52, of Bend, died on Monday while snowmobiling in Happy Valley, located in the Deschutes National Forest.

The couple was buried under snow, with the avalanche occurring just near their $2.8 million home.

Family and Skiing Legacy Touched by Tragedy

Terry and Renee were beloved members of the Bend community, and their family had deep roots in the skiing world.

Terry’s grandparents, Olaf and Grace Skjersaa, opened the first ski shop in the area back in 1939.

Their influence on the local skiing scene has been immeasurable.

Over the years, Terry and Renee passed down their passion for skiing to their two daughters, Ellie and Jade, who were introduced to the slopes at an early age.

“It’s something that’s brought us all together,” Ellie said, reflecting on their shared experiences.

“That was the time we spent together, just enjoying each other’s company.

It was really special to us.”

The Avalanche and Its Aftermath

The Central Oregon Avalanche Center has reported that the couple triggered the fatal avalanche, which occurred at an elevation of 6,700 feet.

Although the exact cause remains unknown, it is believed that the couple unintentionally set off the avalanche while snowmobiling.

The snow moved down 320 vertical feet before hitting a cluster of trees.

The avalanche occurred sometime in the afternoon, after a period of heavy snow, which increased the avalanche risk for that day.

After hearing nothing from the couple, their friends began searching for them around 7 p.m. They found one of the bodies in a debris field, marking the tragic end to a search effort that had no happy outcome.

A Family’s Impact on the Community

The Skjersaa family had been in the area since the early 20th century, with their roots reaching back to 1917 when they emigrated from Norway.

Over the decades, the Skjersaa family expanded their influence on the region by opening the Skyliners Outdoor Sports Club, and later, the first ski shop in the area.

While the family eventually sold the business in the 1990s, their impact on the community remained.

Terry, a lifelong lover of skiing, cycling, and camping, continued to carry his family’s legacy, eventually working in real estate.

Renee, a highly respected professional learning specialist at Amplify, was also a long-time teacher, having worked for nearly two decades at Bend LaPine Schools.

Remembering Terry and Renee

James Gritters, the current owner of the family’s former ski shop, shared a heartfelt tribute to the Skjersaas, calling them “amazing people.” “Everyone on staff is deeply saddened,” he said.

“They were filled with kindness and always brought smiles and positivity with their visit.

They will be sorely missed.”

The passing of Terry and Renee leaves a deep void in the Bend community, especially among those who knew them through their work and shared love of skiing.

Their family, friends, and community will forever hold their memory close.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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