Deerfield, MA – John Friends passed away on April 14, 2026, after suffering a heart attack on his Tuesday night mountain bike ride. He was twelve days shy of his 63rd birthday.
To know John was to learn from him, regardless of the setting. For more than three decades, he was an extraordinary educator. He began his career at Eaglebrook and Bement Schools before spending twenty-four years at Full Circle School in Bernardston, where he became a defining presence and leader. He believed every child had unique gifts and built spaces, indoors and out, that fostered intelligence, courage, and joy. He had a rare ability to help people see more in themselves than they thought possible.
John’s classroom was never contained by a formal academic space. He taught on mountains and lakes, on back roads and bike trails. He introduced countless people to snowboarding, mountain biking, and other action sports, often as a first coach and lifelong encourager. For more than a few, John’s support changed the course of their lives.
He went on to found RideMass, now the USASA Southern New England Series. Through his nonprofit, Northeast Alternative Sports Inc., he expanded access to competitive snowboarding and freeskiing for thousands of athletes.
At the center of John’s life was his partnership with his wife, Mary Ellen. They were a true team and, at their core, each other’s best friend. He was a loving father to Caleb and Ellie, whose lives reflect his love of community, curiosity, and the outdoors.
John had a gift for bringing people together-whether on a bike ride, a mountain, or in a community-and making them feel they belong.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on his birthday, Sunday, April 26, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hess Auditorium at Deerfield Academy.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Northeast Alternative Sports Inc. to support access and opportunity for the next generation of athletes.
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