Kyle James Smelcer

Kyle James Smelcer passed away unexpectedly from a vehicle accident in the early morning hours of August 22, 2023. Kyle was heading to the mountains for a sunrise climb of South Sister Mountain in Central Oregon, to be his second of three planned sunrise summits of the week
Kyle loved the mountains, whether on foot, mountain bike, or skis. It was his "happy place", a place he found a sense of freedom and beauty, providing both physical challenges and a spiritual connection with its vastness.
Kyle was passionate about mountain biking and was an avid racer. Since the age of eight, he rode every single track and trail from the top of Mt. Ashland to town, and took on any challenging trail around the Mt. Bachelor and Bend Areas.
He also loved to 'dance' on the snow with his twin tips on both Mt. Ashland and Mt. Bachelor since he was four years old. No slope was too deep or steep for him to jump, carve, or freeride. In summers his ride switched to wakeboarding with jumps, 180's, and graceful carves.
He loved to fish with his dad and brother and always helped his mom struggle to land the "big one." While living in Bend, Kyle added fly fishing to his river explorations and enjoyed the quiet time in nature.
Kyle is survived by his parents, James and Mary Smelcer of Ashland Oregon and older brother, Keith Smelcer of Medford Oregon. He is loved and will be missed by many, including his Aunts and Uncles, Janis Tiffin, Bonnie Oppenhuis, Marge Gibbs, Andrew Tiffin, Rob Tiffin, Genie Bone, and many cousins. His lifelong buddies, AKA the "Alpha Coyote Clan", wove a tight weave of colorful fabric with their lives and love through many good times, tough times, adventures, and life experiences.
Kyle attended OSU/COCC Bend, while working in Bend to support his sporting adventures, travels, and school. He enjoyed all his colleagues, and they all loved his charismatic smile, sense of humor, fun and adventurous way of living life large.
There will be a celebration of life memorial service at 1:00 PM on September 23, 2023 at the Mt. Ashland Ski Area lodge. A friends gathering may also be planned for Bend Oregon. (information TBD)
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kyle's honor can be made to:
Mt Ashland Ski Area Association
-or-
Ashland Woodlands Trails Association