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deuce4
Big Wall climber
the Southwest
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:17am PT
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Very hard news.
Todd was a leader in many ways, and his departure from this world is very sad for all.
Thinking of the good things that Todd brought to the world, as he continues his journey.
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GhoulweJ
Trad climber
Sacramento, CA
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:17am PT
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Sad times.
My deepest sympathy to his family and the climbing community.
Jay
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Brian in SLC
Social climber
Salt Lake City, UT
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:26am PT
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Heartfelt condolences to friends and family.
Wow.
Todd was great. I remember chatting with him about a new climbing area he'd been working on. Full disclosure and total pysch. Used to see his Ryobi drill under the crags, as he was still punchin' routes in. Late 80's at Wild Iris.
Ran into him again in Hueco Tanks a few years later. Always upbeat, always a smile and some time for you. Man, be nice to tap into that energy...
He's in that DVD of older TV climbing stuff someone compliled earlier this year (the one with Wolfgang and Kurt in the Valley). Shot of him in Camp Four, where the filmers are asking folks where they are from. "Wyoming", big smile on his face. And hair on top. Looks like a kid.
Heavy, heavy sigh...
-Brian in SLC
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paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:29am PT
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Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends - very sad.
Tom
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roslyn
Trad climber
washington
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:32am PT
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sad news
my hearfelt condolences to friends and family
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maldaly
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:37am PT
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I'll never forget our first meeting. I was in the valley in the late '70's with my GF for a week of cragging after school got out. On the second or third day an orange VW bus pulled up and a couple of youngsters got out (Allright, we were pretty young, too.) and said howdy. Of course, it was Paul and Todd, and it was their first time to the Valley. We ended up sharing a site in C4 for the week, fixing meals together, drinking bottles of wine and occaisionally even climbing. On the last day we decided to cook breakfast for everyone who shared our site. I had a big can of coffee and one of those 20lb bags of oranges that you could buy for $2 on the way into the Valley. Todd offered up some of his family's 186 year-old sourdough pancake mix and my GF hopped on the shuttle to grab some syrup from the store.
I've had a lot of great climbing adventures in the Valley but this pancake breakfast was the most memorable adventure of all. As people kept drifting into the parking lot on the way to their chosen climb, Todd and Paul kept offering them pancakes. Before we knew it we had 6 Svea stoves sputtering away on the old parking barrier; each one capable of making a single pancake in the lid of a Sigg pot. And, of course, the line of climbers waiting for breakfast grew. Each person in line got a burned pancake, a slice of orange, a full cup of coffee and a big HOWDY from Todd and Paul.
I think we fed the whole damn camp that day because we had to make 3 or 4 resupply trips to the market and were still serving "Pinedale Pancakes" until early afternoon.
I'll never forget that morning because it was the first time I had randomly met some climber, felt that instant shared heritage and bond and formed a lifetime friendship. I didn't know it then but that morning was my welcome into the wonderfuly tight community of climbers that I've come to depend on. Todd and Pauls gracious hospitality towards the line of climbers they had never met, their welcoming of any and all into our campfire circle was a lesson that I've never forgotten.
I miss you Todd. Peace be with you. See you around.
Mal
PS: Can't help but mention that 2 months after our pancake breakfast, my GF ran off with Todd. I was pissed at the time but in retrospect, it was probably the best thing that had happened to me;-). Once again, thanks, Todd.
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goatboy smellz
climber
boulder county
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:38am PT
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Sad, sad news, my condolences to all of his family & close friends.
After reading your posts of his generosity & energy, I must reconsider all those controversies that surrounded him in a new way.
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Ain't no flatlander
climber
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:47am PT
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Such a drag. I drove with Todd from Boulder to Jackson Hole ages ago in his old van. We stopped off at his folk's ranch near Pinedale and hung out for a day. Then finished the drive and top-roped at Black Tail Butte. Hardly stopped laughing the whole trip.
The slide show he an Paul gave at Neptune's right after Salathe ranks as one of the best ever. Gary had sponsored them with $100 each so they could stay in the Valley to finish the climb. They were super greatful and made it their first show, still jazzed and feeding off each other's energy. Of course, Todd gave lots of other great shows...Trango, Cowboys on Everest, Hueco mania. Always must-see's since you knew you were going to have a great time.
So bummed right now....
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:54am PT
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Always felt a special connection to Todd Skinner....being a fellow "Todd." "Hi, Todd......Hello, Todd."....was our usual greeting. I never climbed with Todd, but from my few meetings with him, developed a cool friendship. I drove all the way from Joshua Tree to Orange County on a work night to see one of his slide shows, and got the distinction as ,"The person who drove the greatest distance to see the slide show." I first met Todd when he showed up at my house on the Navajo Indian Reservation around 1981. He was driving a very old V W van, and had a full size T P strapped to the top. He introduced himself as Todd, and he and a friend had come out to climb Spider Rock and The Sun Devil Chimney at the Fishers. He went to watch me play basketball on our local Lukachukai farm team ;...I remember looking out in the gym stands....Skinner and his friend Tom Cosgriff the only 2 white folk in a sea of Navajos....sitting their grinning like the Cheshire cat. I dropped them off while they climbed Syider Rock, and the next night sat for many hours at the top of their fixed ropes for their return....with some food and drinks and a ride home.....they somehow got chased around in the canyon, and some Indians were throwing rocks at them, so they had to find a way to hike out of the canyon;..just another wild-ass adventure for Todd. He also stayed at my house in Joshua Tree while working on La Machine.... he was so disciplined... if he had a good day working on the climb;... he could have beer/and or ice cream... If he diddn't have a good day on his "project,"... no beer/and or ice cream. I again saw him in Europe while he was competing on the world cup. He sucked as a competitive sport climber, but was having a great time doing new routes and exploring the crags of Europe. Last time I saw him, I saw him and his family at the Landers International Climber Gathering. Sad that the climbing community loses a true hero and champion, but even more sadder that his kids and wife lose Daddy. As a father myself, I am overcome with sadness, and feel blessed to have been friends with such a positive messenger and planter of the good seeds of life. Rest in peace, fellow Todd. You will be missed by the many whose lives you have touched.
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Anastasia
Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes, CA
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:09am PT
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I am very saddened by this news. My heart goes out to his loved ones and friends.
My thoughts at times like these is to call my parents and hug my loved ones. Life is so precious.
Anastasia
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elemental
Gym climber
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:13am PT
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Hello everyone,
Steve Bechtel here. I am typing this note at Todd's desk. Todd's wife, Amy, was up all night and she told me she came to the forum a couple of times...She was so comforted by everyone's good thoughts. It's a mess here and as all of you know, we are at a huge loss. His father has especiallly been hit hard - Todd's mom died just a few weeks ago.
Whether you agreed with Todd or not, he was a good man. He was kind, driven, and always willing to help out. For all the grief I've heard him get, I never heard him slander anyone. He will be desperately missed by Amy, and his 3 children, Hannah, Jake, and Sarah. They need your good energy now.
Jim Hewitt was with Todd when he fell. I can't imagine what he's going through...some energy his way, too.
Thanks to everyone.
Steve
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Matt
Trad climber
places you shouldn't talk about in polite company
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:32am PT
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i met todd skinner in one of my 1st seasons climbing in the valley, at the base of el cap. i think he was walking down from working on the dihedral wall. i had no idea who he was, just said his name was todd. he stopped and BS'd w/ my partner and i for 10 minutes. by the time he left, he was practically recruiting me to belay for him.
i saw him 6 months later in a gym in marin and he came over to say hello, remembered our chat by el cap. what a nice guy (by then i knew who he was).
must be rough to be jim right now- sorry bro.
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scuffy b
climber
The town that Nature forgot to hate
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:32am PT
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Todd was like the Mr. Rodgers of climbing. He liked you just the
way you were. It didn't matter whether you were world-class or
were just getting your feet off the ground.
There was nobody who was so stoked, about his stuff, your stuff,
everything. He was glad everyone was having a good time.
Thanks for the positive energy, Todd.
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Crag
Trad climber
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:35am PT
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Steve – thanks for such precious insight. I wish the climbing community across this great land send what ever they can for Todd’s wife and beautiful children, my prayers are with them during this trying time. Todd – thanks so much for your story along with Malcolm’s beautiful recount these memories will be the guiding force in the days to come. Steve - if possible, compile them for his children to read, as they grow older. After the pain such joy will be their’s as they reflect on what greatness “is” their daddy.
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handsome B
Gym climber
SL,UT
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:43am PT
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Todd's influence on the sport we all love was undeniable. He opened up many doors that many could only dream of.
Condolences to his friends and family.
-b
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Ksolem
Trad climber
LA, Ca
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:51am PT
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It must have been late ‘80’s, and Julie Lazar and I were climbing in the California Needles (this was a week before a shoot for the first Moving Over Stone video so those with a clearer memory than I will know the exact date.) Anyway we were camping out in the notch, and were back at the car for supplies one afternoon when in rolls this yellow pickup. Out gets this guy who promptly sets up this hangboard rig on posts which anchor to the front bumper and commences to train. After a while he comes over to us, introduces himself simply as Todd, and asks if we are going back out to the crags this afternoon. I tell him we are hiking out in a few minutes but will be slow, with packs full of water. He says he’ll help us carry and would I like to take a stab at Pyromania (5.13) with him. I said I would be happy to belay and off we went.
The route was well set up with fixed gear, some of which was mine, from various actions earlier during the week. Todd shoed up and climbed with great poise, falling at the very last move on his first attempt. I was most impressed. When he topped out he set a top rope and we played ‘till dark. Nice guy and good climber.
I passed Todd in the parking lot at Devils Tower this last July. Our eyes met and we had one of those “I know that guy” moments, but he was surrounded by people and I didn’t stop to say hi. I really regret that decision upon hearing this sad news.
I wish express my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:53am PT
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Very sad news.
My sympathy and condolence to the Skinner family.
My best wishes to them and my sincere hope that thier grief will be swift.
This is also a great loss for the climbing community. We could all learn something about our chosen sport by looking at what Todd Skinner accomplished.
Todd was and will remain an inspiration to me.
Damn how I wish this wasnt true.
--Wayne Burnes
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Jello
Social climber
No Ut
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:53am PT
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The climbing community has lost a totally unique and irreplacable member. Todd's deeds, words and spirit will no doubt continue to inspire us for decades to come. Though I didn't know Todd extremely well personally, this news has hit me hard. My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to his close friends and family.
-Jeff Lowe
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:54am PT
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F@#$ing Hell, I was really hoping this was a troll. The Tower is so steep I can't picture what Todd ever hit that would or could have killed him. Warner, can you kindly tell us what the hell happened?
Just last month Todd e-mailed me. He always seemed invincible--so much stoke and energy and such a positive attitude. And the guy had been everywhere, from Mali to Venezuela, and always had a great and epic tale to tell. He inspired many people.
Condolences to all of those he left behind. There's not likely to be another like Todd anytime soon.
JL
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climbrunride
Trad climber
Durango, CO
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:55am PT
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My God, this is so shocking and sad. Our hearts are heavy with this loss.
I only met Todd once, but what an impact he had on me. Although we all realized what an extrordinary climbing talent he was, he was always a good target for climbing slander. But when I met him, he was so entheusiastic, friendly and genuine, I couldn't help but become a real fan. I no longer had any doubts. He was just plain great.
What a lucky man he was - to be able to spin his love of climbing into a sustainable living. And he was so much more than just a climber: husband, father, son, friend, inspiration, etc., etc., etc.
Todd, we will all miss your good energy, excitement and child-like sparkle in your eyes. Thank you for who you were.
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