RIP IN PEACE: Otis “O” Barthoulameu
2/17/2023
O was one of my skateboard heroes. I studied the photos he shot in the mags, bought his albums with Olivelawn and Fluf, laughed at his over-the-top Foundation ads, Big Brother articles and performance in Ban This, and even got to interview him (twice!) for my shitty skate ‘zines when I was just starting out. I knew who O was since I was 15 years old, but did not truly become friends with him until 2020 when COVID put the brakes on his relentless tour schedule, most recently with Dinosaur Jr. He was just as friendly, funny and highly quotable as I’d imagined ––always “barging” on something, his lingo was as lively as his non-stop conversation. What I learned after getting to know O is that EVERYONE knows O! Music, skateboarding, photography, art ––he had 50-year connections that pulled in practically anyone interesting you’ve ever met or heard of. One of O’s greatest qualities was his ability to live in the present and always look forward, a rare thing for skaters and rockers past 50. No “back-in-the-day” talk, boasting or lecturing, he loved what he was doing RIGHT NOW. He’d show up at three sessions a day, even just to snap a few photos and bullshit, then make it to the Casbah at night to support his friends’ bands and laugh some more. He had a new band, Harshmellow, and was constantly churning out boards for Dogtown, Foundation and whoever else wanted a custom wide-riding design. “I don’t drink or smoke, so I’m the dude who gets up early and drives around and finds stuff to do!” he told me in his Thrasher interview earlier this year. “There’s not a day that I wake up where I don’t want to skateboard.” O did it all, with fun and fury. The world is a smaller, quieter, more boring place without him. ––Michael Burnett
O barging hard with Harshmellow, 2023
A true original, go back to watch O in the Powell classic
Doubling up with Dave B at the local pumper
Cruising the lip in Solana Beach on his own design. Photo: Tim Hardy
O God, there will never be another Otis Barthoulameu. Our condolences go out to his many, many friends and wife Gabs
O barging hard with Harshmellow, 2023A true original, go back to watch O in the Powell classic
Doubling up with Dave B at the local pumperCruising the lip in Solana Beach on his own design. Photo: Tim HardyO God, there will never be another Otis Barthoulameu. Our condolences go out to his many, many friends and wife Gabs-
3/25/2024
RIP IN PEACE: Jake Tearney
The Colorado skate community lost a longtime chronicler and genuine ripper in the scene, Jake Tearney. Friend Chris Sessions educates you on his impact along with a few vintage Swellbow zines. -
12/26/2023
RIP IN PEACE: KeChaud Johnson
KeChaud Johnson was a cornerstone of the Dallas scene. Whether it was giving lessons or laying down some of the most powerful skating in the Lone Star State, he put his whole heart into it. Read these touching tributes to a true talent. -
5/11/2023
RIP IN PEACE: Jay Cabler
Jay Cabler got the cover in 1983 and was a major force in the Tennessee skate scene. Friends remember. -
3/31/2023
RIP IN PEACE: Robbie McKinley
Robbie skated with effortless speed, finesse and only two truck bolts in each truck. He also fished, surfed, barbecued and cooked turduckens. His friend Chris Casey remembers the life of a truly remarkable figure. -
3/10/2023
RIP IN PEACE: Thomas Taylor
Thomas Taylor was a giant in the Atlanta scene and provided a blueprint for how to live the fullest life as a skateboarder. From his pro career to building a family and fostering the community through his Stratosphere shop, he is remembered by everyone he touched. Read closely as his loved ones reflect on his incredible ride.