Longtime snowmobiling writer and photographer CJ Ramstad and his son JJ were killed in an auto accident in the Minneapolis area Sunday about 5 p.m. Details of the accident remain unclear. CJ was 61 year old, and his son was 17.
CJ, was a motorsports and sailing fanatic who was as well known for his vivid photographs as for his opinions on snowmobiling, ATVs and motorcycles. CJ had written three books, including the well received "Legend," a history of Arctic Cat.
CJ began his career as a copywriter with a Minneapolis advertising agency in 1968 before getting into snowmobiling after meeting Arctic Cat's Edgar Hetteen at the agency. CJ started Snow Week in 1973 and has written and edited SnowGoer, Snowmobile, Supertrax International and Minnesota Snowmobiling through the years. On the ATV side, he wrote and edited for All-Terrain Vehicle and Minnesota Off-Road.
His latest venture was snowpod.com, a Web site featuring his snowmobile photography.
"CJ was a legend," said Jerry Bassett, American Snowmobiler's founding editor. "I looked upon him as a friend and always respected him for what he had accomplished. He was instrumental in getting the Halls of Fame going and was a really terrific photographer."
CJ is survived by his wife Karla, and daughter Marly.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and his many friends and associates. We will miss CJ's insights, his humor and his flamboyant Hawaiian shirts!
The funeral will be held at Westwood Community Church, Monday May 14th at 11:00 a.m. Visitation starts at 10:00 a.m., the services start at 11:00 a.m. The church is located at 3121 Westwood Drive, Excelsior, MN, 55331. For more info:
www.westwoodcc.org, 952-224-7300
To make a financial donation to the CJ & JJ Ramstad Memorial Fund, send your gift to:
CJ & JJ Ramstad Memorial Fund
c/o Beacon Bank
19765 Highway Seven
Shorewood, MN 55331
800-648-5507
Or email them at customerservice@beaconbank.com
To send the family your condolences, please mail to:
The Ramstad Family
c/o MSPN
9445 Minnetonka Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN
55426
Read Jerry Basset's tribute at
snowmobilia.blogspot.com.