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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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A conversation I had with Tobin some 40 odd years ago. I don't remember is it was ensconced in my friend's aunt's shed in Idylwild,camped at J tree or Granite Mountains. It had to have been in his first dozen or less climbing outings.
It went something like this;
Tobin,
You know I really admire your climbing.
Befuddled silent pause.
Me,
What do you mean?
You just started doing this and you are already better at it than I'll ever be.
Tobin, not grinning for once.
No you don't understand.
you can do this and are just having fun.
I HAVE to do this.
There was something driving him from the very beginning.
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steve s
Trad climber
eldo
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Tim, very nice words about your bro. I never met him but always looked up to his accomplishments in the climbing world. I climbed with you in Yosemite sometime in the 80's. We did some long run-out route on the royal arches apron (shakey flakes ? Or something else) had some beers and etc. afterwords . You styled the cruxes and we had a great climb. Thanks. And thanks again for the kind remembrance of your brother. Peace , Steve Sangdahl
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Bushman
Social climber
Elk Grove, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 5, 2014 - 05:01pm PT
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A few facts about Tobin;
He was born in Pasadena, California, June 15th, 1955.
Our parents travelled for a year with us in Europe when Tobin was four and I was two. We rode through the Alps and camped out of an Opel station wagon purchased during the trip in Germany. Tobin remembered and was obviously inspired by his exposure to those majestic peaks.
We lived in Covina, CA on E. Level St. near E. Puente and Glendora Ave. from the early sixties until the early seventies.
Our favorite movies growing up were 'The Great Escape' (Steve McQueen) and 'The Mountain' (Spencer Tracy).
Tobin loved the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and classical music.
Male pattern baldness is hereditary in our family, but ice cream consumption is optional and Tobin was spared the former but preferred the latter.
Thanks to everyone who posted for all the fond memories and accolades.
-Tim
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WBraun
climber
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Bushman?
I didn't know you were Tim.
We met like a hundred years ago remember?
What are you doing these days ???
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Ward Trotter
Trad climber
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Bushman:
Okay ,you guys lived right around the corner from Royal Oak High School ( otherwise known as the school where Tommy Lee and Vince Neil of Motley Crue attended and hung out together in the early to mid-seventies)
Maybe you guys went to Badillo Elementary School? Did Tobin or yourself attend Charter Oak High?
Remember "the Plunge" at Covina Park near downtown?
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john bald
climber
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Wow Tim! Very nice tribute.
Tobin and I hit it off so well because, I too, did not drink. From a time and place where indulgence was part of the landscape, Tobin always respected my choice in life, as I understood his.
Remember picking your brother up several times in Covina.
A special friendship that will stay with me forever.
Wishing you and your family all the best!
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Tim,
I still remember the stink eye I got from your mother when I returned that tent.
Seems to me Tobin was grounded for sneaking off to Yosemite and the tent wasn't his in the first place.
I did go to Badillo for a couple of years in the 50's, but the Sorensen's were on the Charter Oak School district side of Grand
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Ward Trotter
Trad climber
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TGT:
Badillo Elementary is also in the Charter Oak District, it's at the corner of Badillo and Reeder. Royal Oak High is now a Middle School.
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Bushman
Social climber
Elk Grove, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 5, 2014 - 06:00pm PT
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Yeah Werner,
I remember you well.
I was just another weekend warrior after the seventies.
Climbed until around 1996. Been a tree service contractor for thirty years now out of Sacramento, been married to my sweetheart, Cathy, for 29 years. My climbing days over for now, bad shoulders, bad back, ankles, knees. Not complaining though, life never ceases to amaze...ha ha! How are you?
Ward,
We both went Royal Oak High. Tobin went to Charter Oak his first year or two.
John Bald,
Was it you and Fred East who tutored me on fist jamming on Strawberry Jam at JT in the early Seventies? My taped and benzoined hands were a bloody pulp.
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Studly
Trad climber
WA
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Hi Tim
A good friend of mine says hello, Jim Opdyke. He climbed a bunch of routes with you in the Spring of 1981 thereabouts, including east buttress of El Cap and Seperate Reality. Hes not internet connected, but he says he still remembers the good times climbing with you, and says hello and wishes you the best.
Tobin may be gone, but he is certainly not forgotten by the climbing world.
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Ward Trotter
Trad climber
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That's right it was called "Royal Oak". Okay.
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Nick
climber
portland, Oregon
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Wonderful words for you brother, Tim. He was one of a kind. Hope you are well.
Nick B
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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That's right!
I was thinking of Barranca School.
My mom taught at Badillo, Would have been in the 80's some time.
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Bushman
Social climber
Elk Grove, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 5, 2014 - 07:27pm PT
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I'll have to be careful here,
my memory's not half as good as my imagination.
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Ward Trotter
Trad climber
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Yep, remember what Mark Twain said:
When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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My husband Dan knew Tobin and climbed a bit with him. Dan was crazy, but he led me to believe Tobin was more so. Much Respect from the Leichtfuss Family.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Never knew Tobin, but he left a f*#king mark....
He wasn't a Bachar or a John Long, he was unique. I've read the stories of his exploits.
He was himself. I can identify with that. He was on a different frequency,
Rest in peace, Tobin!
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bhilden
Trad climber
Mountain View, CA/Boulder, CO
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It's a bit cliche, but Tobin was a climber's climber.
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