For any of you who know this man, Martin Gallant, you know his zest for life - his smile for the mountains, snow, surf, waves and sharing that beauty with those around him. You know at least 2 or 3 of his stories in his French-Canadian accent, maybe 5 or 6 and probably can remember a time he assisted you in getting after your version of a slashhhhh; surf or pow.

You also may have felt his warm heart inviting you to join him in Tofino, Da Cabane, or any one of his many selfless adventures. He lights up big spaces with his generosity and has always created a sense of 'welcome' for whoever is down for the ride. He is a positive, kind, larger-than-life, incredible human being, friend, uncle, brother, and son.

Martin has shown so many of us numerous sled routes and shred lines in the Whistler backcountry, and if the weather permitted, there was never a day he didn't stop to appreciate a sunset with friends. Or squeeze in one more method off a natural hit.

My history with him as a friend of 25+ years in adventures is small compared to what he created in the sport of snowboarding.

He is one of the first French-Canadian snowboarders to make a move out west and become a pro snowboarder. He is a superstar in the eyes of so many, influenced by skateboarding and a punk rock attitude. Moving from Quebec to BC, he quickly became a Whistler character who inspired many to follow in his footsteps. He grew beyond Canada in snowboarding, and he was a part of the early iconic snowboard films like Critical Condition, No Evil and more.

He not only paved the way for many of the French-Canadian snowboard stars who were rising in the 90s, but he also created the opportunities for them to be showcased in snowboard films and turn pro themselves. Martin produced films like The Gathering, Triumph, Clockwork, Gong Show, to name a few.

Those are a few reasons why we call him The Godfather.

Martin is still getting after it, sending lines and showing the kids how it's done.

And all of these legendary 'things' of snowboarding are nothing in comparison to the heart and kindness he gives to his loved ones and even strangers.

In August 2025, Martin had finally gotten to the bottom of some stomach problems and, unfortunately, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, with metastases to his stomach and liver. Although complicated from the get-go, he is being treated by and with both conventional and integrative care. With treatments like chemo, alongside nutrient-dense IVs, fever treatments to keep his immune system fighting, Chinese Medicine, and more. At the moment, Mart is receiving the best care possible, and we are all carrying a sense of hope and determination alongside our friend, whom we love dearly.

His current condition:

Quoting Martin from a post he shared today: "Little bump on da road, pancreas, liver, upper abdomen cancer. Riding at 95 pounds and still a mean, lean riding machine." His way of saying Im still here, and Im going to ride this journey with optimism. Nothing less.

How you can support:

With love and gratitude,

Nat, Dom, Paula, DCP, Megs, Pascal and his family and his friends