Sean “Donkey” Mansfield & Gunther Frank R.I.P.

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Sean "Donkey" Mansfield

It is with great sadness and remorse that we here at SNOWBOARDER Magazine regret to inform you all of some terribly sad news. A Northwest legend in the making, Sean “Donkey” Mansfield and photographer Gunther Frank were sailing in the early morning hours on Friday, June 5th near Washington’s Bellingham Bay, when the boat capsized. Reportedly, of the six people on board the boat at the time, two women who swam to shore for help and two others who stayed with the boat, survived. However, Donkey and Gunther are still missing and presumed drowned.

An article in The Bellingham Herald stated, “Volunteers in kayaks and other small boats searched Saturday, June 6, for two men who have been missing since their sailboat capsized near Chuckanut Bay early Friday morning. The men have been identified as Sean Mansfield and Gunther Frank, and friends gathered where the sailboat washed ashore south of Post Point. They spent Saturday morning breaking the boat apart with an electric saw and a sledgehammer, and then loaded the debris into a truck. The U.S. Coast Guard had two boats and a helicopter searching for the men Friday morning, but it suspended the search effort pending further developments that afternoon. The Coast Guard has not received any reports of developments and didn't resume its search Saturday, Petty Officer 2nd Class John Russell said. The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office declared Frank and Mansfield missing and presumed drowned Friday, but friends are holding out hope, said Chris Fuller, a friend of both men.”

Pat Bridges, editor of SNOWBOARDER Magazine offered this statement. “Donkey never appeared to take himself or snowboarding too seriously, often engaging in lighthearted lampoon-style antics for everyone to enjoy. I was never fortunate enough to see him in his element at Mt. Baker, but the name ‘Donkey’ always circulated through our office as a Northwest rider on the verge. He for sure could have become some sort of celebu-shred had he played the game but that never seemed to be his scene. My solemn thoughts go out to all those who knew both Sean ‘Donkey’ Mansfield and Gunther Frank.”

Gunther Frank

Photographer Mike Yoshida offered up some sentiments about Gunther. “Gunther Frank was a long-time Bellingham local. His passion was photography, and he was always shooting tons of bands and locals. I think my fondest memories of Gunther were when he would shoot photos of bands. He was very animated, and would always get up on stage and snap photos real close with his fisheye. The results were always truly unique, as he would capture the more up close and personal side to his subjects. Gunther was a true artist, and a very soft-spoken, warm character to be around. He was well known in the Bellingham community, and he will be missed by many.”

Both Donkey and Gunther will be sorely missed and our condolences go out to all of their family and friends.

For more information, go to donkeyandgunther.blogspot.com.

COMMENTS

Posted Thu Jun11, 2009, 5:35 PM — By timbuk
ride in peace...
Posted Thu Jun11, 2009, 9:42 PM — By James
The search continues....If we don't find you, you find Mikey P. He already knows all the lines. We miss you. The northwest won't ever be the same.
Posted Sat Jun13, 2009, 3:48 AM — By slater
That is such a downer. Donkey was a great guy. Baker will never be the same without him..........
Posted Sun Jun14, 2009, 5:31 AM — By Mack
Donk, i wont forget the last time i spent time with you, amazing night at the bowl, a glacier evening at its best! You profoundly effected everyone who ever met you with your estatic & warm spirit, your legacy lives forever here in the great northwest, we are all really going to miss you buddy.
Posted Wed Jun24, 2009, 2:07 PM — By Travis
Hopefully Donk & Teal are making powder turns together somewhere & Gunther is getting shots of 'em. RIP Baker locs...
Posted Wed Jul 1, 2009, 7:33 PM — By bayne
Many great times and memory's of donkey that will never be forgotten. Lets all drink a round of nicaraugians in memory of the boys. Ultimate classic bastard. you will be missed my friend.
Posted Wed Jul 8, 2009, 2:06 PM — By Boston
"RULINGRETARDS" R.I.P. MY SOLDIER SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE...
Posted Wed Jul22, 2009, 1:49 AM — By DALE T
DONK ALMOST DIED AT BAKER THIS WINTER.....TOO BAD HE WASN'T SO LUCKY THIS TIME! RIP.......YOUR LEGEND WILL LIVE FOREVER!

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