Dylan James Wallace

Dylan Wallace died kayaking Pine Creek rapid on the Arkansas River, CO on June 4, 2024. He was 27 years old. Dylan had probably run Pine Creek 100 times over the last 8 years, and it was his favorite after work run. This was well within his skill set and he was paddling a new half slice kayak. His 2 paddling companions made a heroic effort to save him, but it was not meant to be. Dylan was riding high from paddling in Idaho, a new job taking whitewater photos, living in the Arkansas Valley with good friends, and the start of a great summer.
Dylan grew up near Atlanta, GA, where he learned to kayak at a young age with his parents and sister, Jessie. We moved to Steamboat Springs, CO, when Dylan was entering 6th grade and he was very involved in Boy Scouts where he became an Eagle Scout, ran Cross Country and Track, wrestled, played tuba in the High School Band, and continued to kayak with his parents. Initially a shy kid, throughout high school he blossomed into a quietly confident and funny man.
Dylan graduated from the University of Vermont (UVM), where he majored in Environmental Studies and Music in between kayaking trips. This was a top choice school for him for many reasons, but one that stood out was its vibrant UVM Kayak Club, where he found a strong community of fellow boating enthusiasts. Dylan was passionate about creating a safe and welcoming space for new kayakers to join the sport and was a patient and gentle teacher as Kayak Club President and after graduating as Kayak Club Coach (aka BrofessorWallace). Many of Dylan's closest friends are from the UVM Kayak Club and other paddling endeavors.
After college, Dylan built out a van to continue traveling and kayaking as much as possible. It quickly became his home on wheels, and his unique sticker collection and kayaking Corgi curtains were easy to spot at river put-ins and festivals around the country. His adventurous spirit led him to kayak abroad as well, and he grew as a paddler and as a person on multiple trips down to remote rivers in Ecuador and Chile. He spent last winter in Patagonia and raved about the best boating of his life on gorgeous blue water. Each summer he would return to his favorite river valleys (the Arkansas and the Payette) to raft guide, teach kayaking, and instill the river spirit in all who he encountered.
Dylan died far too young, but truly was living his best life. He died doing what he loved; however, he would much rather be here kayaking with all of us. In his honor, run the extra lap on the river, add extra cheese, and consider growing a mullet. He will be greatly missed.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Dylan at the Steamboat Springs Community Center Friday, July 12th from 5-9 PM which will include dinner.
Dylan is survived by his parents David Wallace and Betsy Frick, his sister Jessie, multiple Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers the family prefers any donations be made in honor of Dylan to one of the charities below that most speaks to your heart:
-American Whitewater (www.americanwhitewater.org/donate)
-University of Vermont Foundation, Dylan Wallace Memorial Fund go.uvm.edu/wallace ; will subsidize ACA Instructor Training, Swiftwater Rescue Training and Leadership Development trips for active UVM Kayak Club members)
-FIBArk Youth Paddling Program
-Save the South Fork Salmon