Sadly, we lost a dear son, a beloved brother to Emma Coulthard, a loving grandson and the best friend to countless people. Lane William Coulthard, 18-year-old Wood River High School senior, passed away on Jan. 3, 2014. Lane was born in Las Vegas, Nev., on Dec. 3, 1995, and in his early teens moved to the Wood River Valley where his heart thrived and he was “living his dream.”
An avid adventurer and admirer of the outdoors, Lane grew up exploring and embracing all that nature revealed to him. Lane had a passion for the outdoors and loved fishing, skiing, biking, hiking and boating. From his early childhood, Lane spent endless hours on a lake, in the forest or up on a mountain, stretching his mind and his body to its capacity.
Lane’s fierce competitive nature fueled his love of sports. He participated with the Hailey and Sun Valley ski teams, played golf and tennis for his high school, and most recently took his passion for speed and competition to the motocross world. Photos of Lane 10 feet above the water, the ski jump or a dirt mound are not hard to find. He loved doing 360 jumps on Baldy with his friends and family.
His deep passion for motocross and racing created a family of support for him. His miraculous talent in a sport he learned much later than his competitors was remarkable, and his sportsmanship has left a legacy among his racing community.
Lane’s competitive spirit was the perfect companion for his incredible talent to advocate and win any argument. Lane won countless debate tournaments, and felt honored to be accepted to attend the prestigious summer debate course at Stanford University. Notably, Lane organized and managed a Boise motocross event through his senior project, raising awareness and financial assistance for Rider Down. Lane was a leader at Wood River High School, serving as student body vice president. These achievements assisted in his most recent acceptance to the University of Oregon. One would need a compass to navigate through the medals, trophies and awards recognizing Lane’s drive and success.
Most importantly and so effortlessly, Lane excelled at loving those who were dear to him. His arms were often around his sister, Emma, and his friends and his family, all of whom were drawn to his happy nature and outgoing personality. His smile was ever-present, as was his laughter, joy and happy spirit. His smile, laughter and great humor filled the room. His kind, loving hand extended to the world. The light and spirit that he brought to this community will illuminate forever.
Lane was thoughtful to nature and loved animals. He was an avid angler and was always the one in his family to catch the first, most and biggest number of fish, before gently releasing them back into the river he navigated so effortlessly.
Lane’s family encourages everyone to keep Lane’s amazing life close to their hearts. Lane was predictably happy and courageously loving—a piece of perfect. Lane will be dearly missed by all those fortunate enough to have known him. Hold on to your personal experiences and memories of this brave, vibrant, accomplished young man. Talk about him often. Live for Lane No. 312.
Services in Lane’s memory will be held at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood, 100 Saddle Rd., Ketchum, Idaho, on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 4:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Lane to the Wood River Land Trust.
Services are under the care of Wood River Chapel. Friends may visit www.woodriverchapel.com to share memories, leave a condolence and light a candle.
