Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/743349
SNOWMOBILE 32 • November 7, 2016 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Polaris employees and Polaris riders world- wide are celebrating the life and mourning the passing of one of the company's co-founders, David Johnson. He passed away Oct. 8 in Roseau, Minn., after an extended illness. He was 93 years old. Since he helped start Polaris in the early 1950s, Johnson focused his career on prod- uct engineering and manufacturing and developed a deep connection with Polaris employees during his four-plus decades with the company. In the years following his retire- ment in 1988, he remained one of the faces of Polaris as he enjoyed visiting the Roseau manufacturing facility and often gave tours at the Polaris Experience Center located near the plant. "David Johnson embodied the Polaris culture and work ethic, and his positive impact on the company continues to inspire us today," said Polaris chairman and CEO Scott Wine. "David valued hard work, passion for the riding experience and an unwavering spirit of innovation. He set a tre- mendous example with his dedication and commitment to the company and employ- ees. We are saddened by his passing and offer our sincere condolences to Eleanor and David's family and friends." After working together for a few years, Johnson and his two cousins, Edgar and Allan Hetteen, officially founded Polaris in1954. Polaris produced a variety of prod- ucts, including several agricultural products such as straw cutter attachments for com- bines. But Johnson and several co-workers who were avid outdoorsmen envisioned a vehicle — a snow machine — they could use in winter to reach their remote hunt- ing shacks. In late 1955, Johnson and his cohorts created the first Polaris snowmobile, a machine that made its first run across a snowy Roseau field in January 1956. Polaris began producing snowmobiles and helped create the global market for the versatile winter machines. Johnson later said that while Polaris did not invent the snow machine, the company was the first to suc- cessfully market snowmobiles. With Johnson in production roles such as vice president of manufacturing, Polaris became the snowmo- bile industry's longtime market share leader, the dominant brand in snowmobile racing and the brand known for delivering the best ride and handling. By the time Johnson retired in 1988, the company had begun to diversify and was also producing and marketing off- road vehicles. Johnson was inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 1999, and he received numerous honors from snowmobile clubs and associations worldwide. David Johnson is survived by his wife of 68 years, Eleanor, and their children Rodney, Mary, Mitchell and Aaron. SCHMIER INDUCTED INTO INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE HALL OF FAME Ski-Doo dealer Jerry Schmier of Yellow- stone Adventures was recognized for more than 50 years of supporting and promoting snowmobiling with his induction into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Schmier was a true pioneer in the West Yellowstone Montana area, creating a Ski-Doo dealership and motel to serve the Yellow- stone National Park area in winter, a model that many followed. He also worked tirelessly to develop trails systems in the area, key to turning it into one of the premier snowmobile destinations in the world. He also devoted much of his time ensuring snowmobilers could ride within Yellowstone National Park, a fight that has lasted for over two decades. "I have known and done business with the Schmier family for nearly 30 years. Their dedication and personal contributions to the sport of snowmobiling are inspiring," stated Matt Hill, national sales director, BRP, U.S. "Jerry's induction into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame is well deserved and we are proud that he has represented BRP." Jerry is "retired," and his sons have now taken over Yellowstone Adventures. ARCTIC CAT OFFERS FREE CANADIAN TRAIL PASS Arctic Cat introduces the "Ride Free This Winter Event" free trail pass (direct to con- sumer rebate) for this coming riding season in Canada. Arctic Cat is pleased to continue its support of its dealers, the Canadian Snowmobile Organization and Arctic Cat customers to promote enjoying the Canadian snowmobile trail systems. Arctic Cat will be providing a free snowmobile trail permit with every new/unused 2013-17 Arctic Cat snow- mobile purchased from an Arctic Cat dealer- ship from Oct. 1- Nov. 30. PSB DIGEST Polaris co-founder Johnson passes away David Johnson founded Polaris with his cousins Edgar and Allan Hetteen. Jerry Schmier, right, accepts his International Snow- mobile Hall of Fame award.