May 01, 2018 – American ski legend and former Olympian, Jon Rein Engen, 61, passed away near his home in Sun Valley, Utah on April 26 from pancreatic cancer. A passionate athlete, coach and multi-decorated masters champion, Engen was popular and well respected across the USA.

Upon the news of his death tributes filled Engen’s Facebook page, a testament to his love of life and competition, and the camaraderie that goes with it.

“My good friend Jon Engen passed away yesterday after a very courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was a very special person who made the most out of life and had a tremendous passion for Nordic skiing. Not only was he a three-time Olympian, a many-time world master champion and a skilled coach, but most of all he was dedicated to making the sport better for everyone,” wrote Jim Fredericks, former director of Nordic racing at Rossignol and the Catamount Trail Assoc. “Jon touched many people over the years and I feel honored to be one of those who got to know him. He will be truly missed and I will always cherish the wonderful memories he leaves behind. My heart goes out to his wife Darlene during this difficult time.”

The Norwegian native, born in 1957, came to the United States in 1979 to attend Montana State University and stayed put, competing at three Olympic Games for Team USA in 1988 with the cross-country ski squad, and in 1992 and 1994 in biathlon. He also won two gold medals at the Masters World Cup Nordic Championships staged in 2004 at Lillehammer, Norway.

Engen was a lifelong athlete, and an active member of the local Nordic ski and cycling communities in Sun Valley, and was a member of the Sun Valley Ski Hall of Fame. In 2014 he was recognized for his years of service and contributions receiving an Excellence Award from the U.S Ski and Snowboard Association. He will be sorely missed.

Engen is survived by his wife Darlene Young. No services are scheduled at this time – please visit the Dignity Memorial website here to receive notifications.

SkiTrax joins the ski community in sending condolences to Engen’s family and friends and thanking him for his passion and many contributions to the sport.