Tony McMillan (YNOT) R.I.P.
I just found out a friend of mine committed suicide.
Tony McMillan also known as YNOT, was an artist and a big contributor to the Omaha skateboard scene. In 1992, he opened up Way Out, a skateshop in the Old Market that featured a resident DJ. He also was a rep for Matix Clothing and DVS Shoes for a bit, and used to sponsor me. He designed the cover of 311’s demo tape. He’s contributed to a lot of things… You can read more about him and see his artwork on his Myspace page.
He called me out of nowhere a couple months ago, and we began talking again after not hearing or seeing each other for years. We talked pretty in depth about a lot of things. A few weeks ago, he called me up and told me he prayed to God and wanted peace with Him.
The last time I saw him was a couple weeks ago, he stopped in the studio and gave me a picture of himself (above), and a few other belongings of his. It almost seems like he was preparing to go. I’d like to think he’s in a better place now. Rest in peace Tony.
July 10th, 2008 at 12:38 am
I’ve known Tony McMillan since I first started skateboarding around ‘85. He has always been nothing but nice to me. Although I moved away from Omaha in ‘93, i’ve been a frequent visitor and every time I would see him he was always genuinely interested in how I had been and what was going on with me. He truly loved skateboarding and was always down to help you out, even if you were a few bucks short on the equipment you needed. He will truly be missed. R.I.P. Tony.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Tony was a close friend of mine- we raced BMX together when were 12, skated and went to punk shows when we were teens and partied and made and exhibited art until I moved in 1994. I Lost touch with Tony and hadn’t heard from him- this is heartbreaking for me. I will never forget all of the great times and incredible experiences that I had with you. I wish I could have seen you again.
August 1st, 2008 at 11:23 am
Tony was already shredding vert back when I got my first board some 26 or so years ago, I remember being stoked on his contests held on his backyard vert ramp. He was always a cool, nice, approachable guy to skate with in my experience. Although we never sessioned together enough to be really “tight” friends, I always thought of him as a friend nonetheless. His shop in the Old Market, his artwork, and his style of skating all were shaped by his creative outlook. In the years since I’ve moved back to Omaha I had occasion to hang w/Tony a bit more often than when we were young skaters, and it was important to me (and to Tony as well, from my impression) to have someone of about the same age, w/similar experiences and difficulties to relate to. I will miss our talks. I hope you at least found whatever peace that had eluded you. Way Out, Wup Out.