Jackie Webber Memorial Fund

All good things start with a DREAM.
The DREAM becomes a VISION.
The VISION becomes a PLAN.
The PLAN becomes a REALITY.


If you've had the fortune of having Jackie in your life, you have likely seen her dream big.
It often started with these 4 little words: I have an idea!  ...and just like that, a dream was born…and before you knew it, you too were somehow involved in it!
That is the person Jackie is to so many of us: a visionary who dared to dream beyond what is, a master in building relationships and recruiting the right people, an inspirational leader with a booming voice, infectious laugh and a profoundly caring heart. Her ambition inspired big actions and just as importantly she believed in you and walked with you, in your deepest need.

We are heartbroken in the tragic passing of Jackie due to natural causes and it remains a shock to us all. It's hard to imagine a world without Jackie in it, the loss is felt profoundly by so many.

Over the last few days, it has become undeniable that Jackie made a lasting impact on countless people both on and off the water.

An amazing athlete, teammate, coach, mentor, and friend to so many - her decades of commitment and contribution to paddle sports has left a permanent mark on the local, national, and international paddling communities. She worked tirelessly to evolve the sport through her ingenuity and dedication to advance the abilities of everyone she touched. She was a deep believer in the power of team and of trusting in the process, with a particularly soft spot for the underdog.
Who from those that she coached, hasn’t been pushed to new heights or heard her quote the famous Teddy Roosevelt? 


Whether through her own athleticism, event production with Water’s Edge, programming at FCRCC, coaching and motivating athletes of all ages, or educating and training new coaches, Jackie positively influenced so many. Beyond the inspiration was the enthusiastic spirit she brought to whatever she was doing.

Off the water, Jackie was known to always have a four-legged sidekick. Many will remember the surprisingly human-like Scooter – with her famous one-arm side lean on the armrest, and most recently Chilli, whose passion for people, belly-rubs and diving off the dock were staples at the club. Not so surprisingly, both Scooter and Chilli somehow evaded the no dogs policy at so many places… Whether it was her dogs or yours, she loved them and gave them a great life.

Scooty, the regal coaching dog.

Chilli, the persistent water dog.

For those who knew Jackie on a more personal level – she was a chef extra-ordinaire, always dreaming of the next recipe to try. Being on the receiving end of her cooking was a delight to the senses. She was an adventurer, eager to find new places to explore and people to meet. Kayaking trips, road trips, camping, adventure racing, finding local new spots, she was up for anything. Her adventures and travels also took her across the globe to remote places which provided countless stories and memories for years to follow. She was a talented and captivating story-teller who often drew on these life experiences to push through current challenges. Where others saw obstacles, Jackie saw opportunities. She was driven, she persisted and thrived where most of us would have given up. Those who were close to her always knew that she had their back, they knew they mattered. Her presence will be sorely missed.

Funds from this gofundme will go directly to Jackie's family and we have a two-fold goal: first, to help Jackie’s family with costs that come with unexpectedly losing a loved one; and second, to contribute back to a cause close to Jackie’s heart – opportunities for youth. It is our intention to fund a scholarship to support a promising young paddle sport athlete. Jackie has taught us to dream big and we are touched and grateful for your desire to contribute. No amount is too small. 

We also ask that anyone who has a story about how Jackie has impacted their lives, a sweet memory, or a picture to share with her family,  please email [email redacted]. You can also, of course, leave a comment here.

Much of what has been written about Jackie above was inspired and paraphrased from various tributes that have poured in from her loved ones, friends, team-mates, and mentees. She was loved and treasured by all who knew her, and she touched more lives that we will ever know.

Until we meet again - rest easy Jackie. Your impact and legacy surge on. Paddles up!