Administrators Horton Posted August 22, 2019 Administrators Share Posted August 22, 2019 The Horton family and the water ski community lost a pioneer, a friend, an amazing father and an incredible grandpa today.Rest in peace Jack Horton. With love, your family.Below is a small excerpt on Jack Horton’s influence on our sport, written by his granddaughter.A desert oasis, built by the brute of bare hands that were often marked by hard-earned callouses, the telltale sign of an athlete…a die-hard, dedicated athlete…a waterskier.Horton Lakes was built in the 1960’s. From the moment the first pile of Mohave desert sand was shoveled and the banks were leveled smooth, a family history was born. But, it wasn’t until the two islands at either end of the lake were resurrected from the ground that a global legacy caught fire. If you haven’t heard of the Horton name, are you truly a water skier?Jack’s cutting-edge design, constructed with wind-breaker tree lines and roller diminishing turn islands, is the reason why we can religiously wake up at the crack of noon and still be welcomed by a butter-smooth lake. In fact, this blueprint is one of the many contributions he made over his lifetime to our beloved sport and one of the reasons why he holds a spot in the Water Ski Hall of Fame.At his little diamond in the desert, Jack opened his doors to anyone who was crazy enough to strap on one of his old pairs of Connelly combo skis (tied together by a faded, frayed rope mind you) and hang on to the paint-chipped white boom as he sat behind the wheel outfitted with an ear-to-ear grin and a straw hat brimming his face.When Jack wasn’t tirelessly piloting his Ski Nautique, he was sitting in the coach’s seat, his sharp eye watching every buoy turn or edge to the wake, each set never complete without his most famous tip - keep your lead shoulder up!Horton Lakes served as the catalyst for many skiers’ accomplishments. Whether it was opening his site as a training ground for the Masters or creating unforgettable summers for staff, Jack and his passionate love for life on the water impacted many and left an indelible mark on the sport.Jack was a legend, a family man, a passionate water skier, and the best grandfather a family could have asked for. He will be dearly missed. Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Drop a dime in the can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller EricKelley Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Nice story. Condolences to the family. What passion he passed to his family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Steven_Haines Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 RIP Jack! Sorry for your loss John and family . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller klindy Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Sincere condolences to the entire Horton family. He was truly a wonderful man who touched countless lives in many, many ways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ghutch Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Condolences to the Horton family. Thanks for all of his contributions to this great sport. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ski6jones Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Sorry to hear it John. What a trail blazer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller lottawatta Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 My deepest condolences to the family. Dr. Horton was a true visionary of our sport. So sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Bruce_Butterfield Posted August 22, 2019 Baller_ Share Posted August 22, 2019 Condolences to the family. Sounds like he had a long, very full life! If it was easy, they would call it Wakeboarding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gcam4 Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Condolences to the Horton family, so sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller matthewbrown Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 I broke my ankle skiing at Great Lakes in 1998. Ended up swimming to the shore right in front of Doc who was in the judges tower and he scrambled down to take a look at it. He got some ice in a matter of minutes and helped carry me to my car for the long ride home to AZ. I’ll never forget how caring he was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markchilcutt Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 Very sorry for your loss John. I’m sure he will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Look at the legacy he has left behind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Brewski Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Sorry for your loss. Prayers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Drago Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Condolences from the Sheldrakes in Colorado @Horton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller KRoundy Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Condolences to the entire Horton family. You are in my prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
So_I_Ski Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 Very sorry for your loss, John. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I have heard a story from a friend who had the privilege of getting to know him which illustrated his kindness and his friendship. His accolades as both a caring physician and a waterski legend were both earned and well deserved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members brettmainer Posted August 22, 2019 Members Share Posted August 22, 2019 Jack was a good man. Condolences to go the entire Horton family. Skiing at Horton Lakes in the 1980s is a large part of why skiing is a main part of my life today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted August 22, 2019 Baller_ Share Posted August 22, 2019 Condolences to the Horton family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skihart Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 So sorry for your loss John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quinn Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 My condolences John and Family. I never met Jack but I hear he was truly an amazing man that put people and sport first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dirt Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Dr Jack was the best. I will miss him. He always inspired me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller sheskis7 Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 So sorry for your loss John and Family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Alberto Soares Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 https://www.ballofspray.com/35-ballofspray-water-ski-news/94-dr-jack-horton-interview Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Alberto Soares Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Condolences extended to the whole family, he will surely be missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ALPJr Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Condolences to your family and loved ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skibug Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Very sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shortenit Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 Sorry for your loss. But clearly his presence will continue to always be felt. What a legacy he left in descendants and accomplishments. Inspiring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jaypro Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 So sorry John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ral Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 My condolences. I am very sorry for your loss. One of my dreams, since I read an article on artificial waterski lakes in Waterski magazine many years ago, was to build one. So, although I never met Dr. Horton, he was the inspiration behind one of my dreams, that fortunately materialized. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller dvskier Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Sorry for your loss John. What a tremendous legacy he leaves behind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller GregHind Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Jack was an incredible man. I found his lake via google in 2008. I was driving past on a visit from Australia. What a character. How welcoming. I drove back from LA for a second visit. All his awesome creations from his two ski lakes to his boat lift and the system that used lake water temperature to cool the house that didn’t keep it quite cool enough for his wife. Sorry for your loss Horton family. He’d be proud of you all continuing the tradition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LeonL Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 I never met him, but who in water skiing doesn't feel as if they know him. My condolences and sympathy to your entire family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 So sorry for your loss John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller tjm Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Thoughts and prayers to the entire family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Andre Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 So sorry John.Keep the good memories of him alive in your mind. My ski finish in 16.95 but my ass is out of tolerance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller liquid d Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 A life well lived; who can ask for more? Sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller whitecaps Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Very sorry for your loss. What a great man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller motoxr Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 So sorry for your loss John. Such an inspirational man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rfa Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Sincere condolences to @Horton and family. May your memories be the source of inspiration and love. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller The_Krista Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 So many memories with Dr. Jack and so many memories because of him... his influence, ideas and legacy. What an amazing community of friends and family that literally spreads around the world because of him. I'm also very grateful for the friendship of his kids and his grandkids. Sending my love and condolences your way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ski_Dad Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtallweed Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 Sorry to hear of your loss John. I know this must be a very hard time for you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Killer Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 condolences to you and your family @Horton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasAlive Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 Sorry for your loss John. Condolences to you and the family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ The_MS Posted August 22, 2019 Baller_ Share Posted August 22, 2019 RIP Dr Jack Sorry to hear @Horton you know your family is in our thoughts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted August 22, 2019 Baller_ Share Posted August 22, 2019 ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jcamp Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 My condolences John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 So sorry for your loss John. Prayers to you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller tru-jack Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 condolences to you and your family @Horton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dthate Posted August 22, 2019 Members Share Posted August 22, 2019 Prayers of peace and comfort for your family. What a legacy!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DavidP Posted August 22, 2019 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2019 Sincere condolences to the Hortons. I never met him but am enjoying reading the memories of those that had the pleasure to have known him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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