RIP Randy Wenzel

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Ksolem

Trad climber
Monrovia, California
Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 26, 2017 - 09:22am PT
Randy Wenzel has left us.

Randy was a natural athlete, as evidenced by his impressive standing vertical jump. He was a strong climber, a very talented photographer, and sommelier at Erna's elderberry House in Oakhurst.

I haven't seen Randy in about five years, but I have a few of his pictures which have reminded me of him.

We had some great times climbing, mostly in Josh. I could tell he was a deep person with a dark streak, and some mornings we would get a late start, he would occasionally wake up with debilitating migraines. But I remember him as a great climbing partner and an up-beat guy.

Sad news indeed.
G_Gnome

Trad climber
Cali
Jul 26, 2017 - 09:37am PT
That is sad. I also hadn't seen Randy in a few years but always enjoyed our time together. He will be missed.
anita514

Gym climber
Great White North
Jul 26, 2017 - 09:45am PT
I got to meet him a couple springs ago at his restaurant, Lela's.
We had a great night full of excellent food, laughs and wine that never stopped flowing.

He was very upset when he had to close Lela's but seemed excited about working at the Elderberry House. Never got to visit him there, but Pete spent a few days with him just last month.

Really sad.. see you on the other side, Randy.
mooch

Trad climber
Tribal Base Camp (Kernville Annex)
Jul 26, 2017 - 09:56am PT

I was fortunate to know Ran as a friend and fellow climber. I'm still in disbelief that he is no longer with us. Ran and I both met in 2001 through Summitpost and eventually met up to go on several climbing adventures together. Always a giving and welcoming man, Ran put his own ambitions aside to be accommodating and lend his ear when you needed to chew one off. The man knew his wine too! I recall one night on top of Tollhouse, sharing a bottle (or two) and sharing collective thoughts about life, goals, climbing. women and the wonders of the outdoors. Ran loved talking about photography and how it opened up a separate portal to the minds eye. I was humbled when he asked me to be part of a gallery climbing series, capturing light and the subject matter. We went to Moro Rock, where he set up his rig to shoot pics of me leading 'Pennies On The Patio'.....so much fun hearing all the tourist making wild comments as he leaned out away from his ledge and me directly below. Fun times!! Of course, the Courtright guidebook cover photo is what makes me think of Ran the most.....wondering what 'light speed' thoughts were going through his head as the camera shutter clicked away. I'll never forget the look in his eyes when he captured that 'pirate' expression on my face and giving the "ARRRRG" from above. What a good man he was!! I hope you are resting peacefully Ran and you are responsible for giving an elbow to the higher powers for images like this......

rincon

climber
Coarsegold
Jul 26, 2017 - 09:58am PT
RIP Nefarius.

http://www.summitpost.org/users/nefarius/21359

https://www.flickr.com/photos/minds_eye/
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Jul 26, 2017 - 10:10am PT
I never knew Nefarious by his real name. Met him once over a beer and a pool table. Enjoyed his presence here while he was on ST. He never bragged about his wonderful talents. Thank you all for sharing them. I believe life challenges more than anyone lets others know. Prayers for comfort and help with their grief for those close to Randy. lynne
Nick Danger

Ice climber
Arvada, CO
Jul 26, 2017 - 10:18am PT
I did not know Randy, but my thoughts go out to his family and all who knew him and will now miss him. Rets in Peace, Randy.
MH2

Boulder climber
Andy Cairns
Jul 26, 2017 - 11:05am PT
Well said.


http://allpoetry.com/Alone-and-Drinking-Under-the-Moon
guyman

Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
Jul 26, 2017 - 03:17pm PT
Oh F.

I always liked hanging with him, he seemed like he had IT together.

so sad.

I offer my sincere condolences to Randy's Family and many Friends.

BrassNuts

Trad climber
Save your a_s, reach for the brass...
Jul 26, 2017 - 04:02pm PT
I'm so sorry and sad you chose to leave so soon Randy, I hope you can find peace on the other side. I enjoyed the times we spent together chatting about climbing, photography and other things.
L

climber
Just Livin' the Dream...
Jul 26, 2017 - 04:07pm PT
Damn.
Nefarious was one of my favorites here on the Taco BITD.
His photos were stunning
and his wit sharp.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
madbolter1

Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
Jul 26, 2017 - 04:43pm PT
What happened??? We used to write back and forth as "brothers from another mother," and I'll really miss him!

Any news about the chain of events?
SC seagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
Jul 26, 2017 - 04:57pm PT
Damn.


Susan
tiki-jer

Trad climber
fresno/clovis
Jul 26, 2017 - 07:31pm PT
I am glad to have known him....fond memories......he will be missed in this plane.....
JOEY.F

Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
Jul 26, 2017 - 08:22pm PT
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/847887/Nefarious-aka-Randy-Wenzel-Slideshow-May-5-Santa-Rosa

He gave us a good show, can it be that long ago?
Condolences to his family and friends.
jgill

Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
Jul 26, 2017 - 09:41pm PT
Wenzel tent family business? Any details about Randy's passing?
nita

Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
Jul 26, 2017 - 09:46pm PT
*
Damn, to young to leave this earth )-;.... I met Nefarious only once at a Facelift long ago..We shared a dry spot for about 5 minutes durning a downpour at Degan's.


Condolences to his friends and family..


Rest in peace.
Gene

climber
Jul 27, 2017 - 11:27am PT
So very sad to hear this.

kunlun_shan

Mountain climber
SF, CA
Jul 27, 2017 - 12:18pm PT
I never got to meet Nefarius, but always enjoyed his participation on the Taco!

Rest in Peace.

http://www.supertopo.com/inc/view_forum.php?dcid=ODk8PDw3PyI
Ksolem

Trad climber
Monrovia, California
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 27, 2017 - 12:45pm PT
I've been trying to improve my photography recently. Mostly what I'm learning is how much work, patience, skill and talent it takes to see and capture images such as the best do. And Randy was among the best.

I wrote up a short story about the time Barbara, Ran, and I went out to climb Black President the year after the 2008 election. It was quite a day. Maybe I'll post it in a few daze when I'm back home.

I pray that his family and close friends will find peace. Randy had a positive impact on a lot of people, he will be remebered and missed.
Messages 1 - 20 of total 38 in this topic << First  |  < Previous  |  Show All  |  Next >  |  Last >>
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