Overview: Jon LaFramboise was associated with and riding snowmobiles for over 32 years, riding both in Minnesota and Wisconsin before he carried his passion for the sport west to the Black Hills and took that passion far beyond just riding.
In August 2009, Jon was first appointed to the position of District 2 Director to complete the term of Ken Steiner. At the 2009 Convention, Jon was elected District 2 Director and continued to serve in that capacity until 2016. As Director, Jon’s committee work involved planning and organizing the annual Governor’s Ride as well as SDSA’s involvement with the Sno Cross races in Deadwood. He also worked with Government Relations, Bylaws and Right to Ride, Fundraising and Raffles, Investments, Awards and Snowmobilers for Snowmobilers. Jon was named Man Snowmobiler of the Year in 2010. Jon also served on SDSA’s Planning Committee when SDSA hosted ISC 2016 in Rapid City. Jon was also a member of the Task Force for Youth when the YETIS organization was created and strongly supported the effort to give young snowmobilers a leadership experience and encourage their continued involvement in the sport. After at least 3 unsuccessful bidding attempts, it was at the 2020 Convention he finally had the high bid and took home an original John Green painting!
In 2015, Jon was elected to the position of President-Elect, serving two years, before being elected President of SDSA in 2017. During his 2-year time span as president, Jon was motivated to visit as many clubs as he could, whether it was for a monthly meeting, a poker run or to ride on their snowmobile trail. Best recollection is he met with the Sturgis Sno Drifters, Mile High Club, Aberdeen Driftbusters, Great Plains Snowtrailers, Town and Country Snowdrifters, Trailbusters, Whetstone Valley, Watertown Snowmobile Club, Northeast Trailblazers, Dakota Trail Blazers and Poinsett Pounders. At least 3 of these visits included a ride on the trail or in a poker run.
His motivation to be an informed and involved leader, also took him to 3 ACSA/DC Fly-ins and to 6 ISCs in Niagara Falls, Rapid City, Winnipeg, Halifax, Grand Rapids and Omaha. No doubt had COVID not cancelled the 2020 events, we could have said 4 Fly-ins and 7 ISCs. Jon finished his 2-year term as Past President in November 2021.
Once meeting Jon, it would not take long to realize that Jon worked hard, and he played hard. He donated tons of time, and some serious dollar amounts in his travels across the state and country for the benefit of SDSA and the sport of snowmobiling. His dedication to the sport was deep rooted as was his desire to maintain access to public lands, advocate safe snowmobiling and to promote the fun of snowmobiling with family and friends. When riding with groups of people Jon was always one of the leaders counting to make sure everyone was present and accounted for. Whenever someone got into a tight spot or got stuck, Jon was usually the first on the scene. He enjoyed helping others enjoy snowmobiling and made sure the new-to-the-sled ridders were comfortable and having fun.
To us, as SDSA members, his leadership abilities showed us that his convictions were strong and his explanations of why were clear. He was quick to wit and with one simple question or comment, he could take the conversation in a completely different direction, leaving us in a robust round of laughter. Yet at a tender moment, his voice may have cracked, and he probably paused for a tear before composing himself to carry on with the task at hand.
The Jon LaFramboise scholarship was first proposed by Johnny & Audrey Rider who worked with Jon in establishing the YETIS. This was established in honor of Jon and was to be presented to active YETIS members as they pursue their college degrees.
Two $1000 scholarships in honor of Jon LaFramboise were awarded to members of the YETIS this season.
Brody Wenger, Rapid City, SD son of Jack & Leann Wenger, Black Hills Snowmobile Club, attending Mount Marty majoring in nursing.
Christopher VanDenHemel Sioux Falls, SD son of Michael & Kari VanDenHemel, Aberdeen Driftbusters, attending SDSU majoring in Healthcare systems engineering.
