Discussion Topic |
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 24, 2016 - 05:25pm PT
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It's with the great sadness I'm sharing the news that Scott Cosgrove passed away suddenly sometime yesterday.
Apparently Scott was overdue and found collapsed on a hiking trail not far from where he's been living during his amazing recovery from horrendous injuries sustained in a fall at work over a year ago.
I have no other details to offer on the circumstances of his passing.
I'm proud to say Scott was my friend and we shared many adventures together in Joshua Tree, The Valley at home in Squamish and on the job rigging for motion pictures.
I know we'll all learn more soon enough.
Condolences to Scott's family and all who had the privilege of being this amazing human being's friend.
PB
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:33pm PT
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Sickens me. Just a few days ago he posted a picture on FB of his little dog hiking partner. He sounded so upbeat.
Susan
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Redwood City
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:37pm PT
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wow , shocked ... RIP Coz...
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:38pm PT
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Holy wow. What a stage in his existence through the eons.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:39pm PT
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Oh, my word...that is truly tragic.
You had so many friends here at ST, Scott, all over the climbing world, and beyond. You will continue to be a role model to all- thank you for your contributions, and rest easy.
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:41pm PT
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Rest easy big Coz.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:43pm PT
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Seems so shocking. So sorry for those who knew and loved him. I met him just once, at the old Crossroads Cafe.
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:45pm PT
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Condolences to his family and all that loved him. what a shocker.
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Craig Fry
Trad climber
So Cal.
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:45pm PT
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Good run bro
RIP
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:47pm PT
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wot? I was just was talking to him on Facebook a day ago about ground up routes in Yosemite.
That's terrible news.
Rest well proud spirit!
Photo from mtn proj - credit Phil Bard
"We are a forgotten and dying breed.
Like Bachar always said.
"Last of the Mohicans."
... I will not apologize for my climbs and believe the ends do not justify the means.
I'm proud of what we did even if no one else is."
Scott Cosgrove Feb 22nd 2016
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msiddens
Trad climber
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:50pm PT
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So so sad-
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10b4me
Mountain climber
Retired
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:54pm PT
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Damn, sorry to hear this. My condolences to his family.
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rincon
climber
Coarsegold
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:54pm PT
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RIP COZ
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Feb 24, 2016 - 05:57pm PT
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What! NO!.. dammit. Seemed he was doing miraculously well after that terrible fall.
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:02pm PT
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Wow, all the hard climbs, tough rehab, then pass away on a hike. But that's the randomness of the real world. Could be worse.
We all will die someday; no way to escape.
Here's a great article he wrote in 1998, on freeing all but 15' of The Shaft (Muir Wall var.).
It was nearly the 3rd big all free route on El Cap, and way ahead of its time.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=755069&tn=60
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pyro
Big Wall climber
Calabasas
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:04pm PT
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Rip cozzy.. bad news
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:04pm PT
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Sincere condolences to family and friends of Scott.
He was an extraordinary human being.
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Grippa
Trad climber
Salt Lake City, UT
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:07pm PT
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climb in peace
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chappy
Social climber
ventura
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:09pm PT
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Adios amigo...till we meet on the other side.
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:09pm PT
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I am, beyond sad and stunned,
I had held out hope that I would, some day, at the Gordo Ranch
Get A Nuggy from a hero of Mine and all of ours.
For days , many years ago, Scott and I shared floor space at Todds.
he was there intermittently, when he was I would badger
him to at least trail a rope for me . I gave up when he soloed the right ski track in red shorts, a tee shirt andChalk bag
some Kinda' wind sustained his soloing ,
To all of the many close friends ,
I am so sad for you ....... what a man he had grown Into!
I have a sister In Holyweird, who is , Im sure also devastated.
There is an intense wind around these part to Night but I have a roman Candle
and a bucket of tears all set to GO
Peace be with us as scott moves on,
We can only hope that Werner is right
and that in the next few years some crusher In diapers
will arise and the light in her/ his eyes will hold,
the magic that the years in Jtree bestowed on him
Have a good ride scotty
see you again too if no where else then in my dreams
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MisterE
Gym climber
Small Town with a Big Back Yard
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:11pm PT
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RIP Scott.
Better to die on a trail than on the concrete.
Damn - so sad.
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:12pm PT
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Gnome ..you oddball... You damnwell nailed it this time. Well said.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:13pm PT
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so very sad to hear this.......i was so very very happy to see he was "back to his old feisty self" lately on posts and correspondences;......strong, opinionated, caring yet in-yo-face.........just like the Cosgrove we know and love. We will miss you so! I am happy and honored to have been Scott's friends since he was a teenager. Thanks for the friendship and always telling it like it is...... Rest in peace, my brother.
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crankster
Trad climber
No. Tahoe
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:16pm PT
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Very sorry to hear. Condolences to family and friends.
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Tork
climber
Yosemite
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:17pm PT
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Oh man, huge loss! Condolences to all his friends and family.
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couchmaster
climber
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:19pm PT
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Wow. My regards and thoughts to his friends and family. "We all will die someday; no way to escape." Well said Clint. Some of us check out sooner than others. Coz seemed too young, like many others. I was riding the chairlift up here in Oregon just @ 2 weeks back or so. Woman riding next to me commented how great it was to have snow this year. I told her "Yeah, my climbing partner bought a pass last year, turned out they were only open 11 days for lack of snow, not the 11 days he could get up though haha. Turned out SHE use to climb back in the day, turns out that she knew Scott and had tied in with him, was still in touch, and told me about his solid progress from the accident, how well he was doing. I didn't get her name.
Small world. Bless you Coz, save a space up there for me.
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Yafer
Trad climber
Chatsworth, California
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:19pm PT
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Rest in Peace.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:20pm PT
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Stunned.
Yeah he was an ambitious teenager when I first met him in the valley all those crazy years ago, argued with him and invited him to Moab just a few days ago. So sad
Condolences
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Gagner
climber
Boulder
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:21pm PT
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Whoa, shocking and totally bummed. I saw something on Facebook but couldn't believe it was true. Damn, Scott truly was the last of the Mohicans. A great and loyal friend, rad climber with strong ethics. Proud to count him as a friend. RIP brother!!
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phylp
Trad climber
Upland, CA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:22pm PT
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This is so sad to hear. RIP.
Condolences to his close friends and family.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:22pm PT
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So sorry to hear this.....
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bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:24pm PT
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But in the importance and noise of tomorrow
When the brokers are roaring like beasts on the floor of the Bourse,
And the poor have the sufferings to which they are fairly accustomed,
And each in the cell of himself is almost convinced of his freedom,
A few thousand will think of this day
As one thinks of a day when one did something slightly unusual.
What instruments we have agree
The day of his death was a dark cold day.
 W. H. Auden
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Mark Rodell
Trad climber
Bangkok
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:24pm PT
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Shocked. We were carrying on a discussion on FB that was not finished. It was just two days ago we exchanged words. Saddened.
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SofCookay
climber
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:26pm PT
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Oh no...as Susan said, he had just posted up about his little Chi mix being a great hiking partner.
Does anyone know if his dog was found with him? I would hate to think she is running loose out in the desert.
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:26pm PT
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Oh no. Now that is a shock, after what he survived last year.
My condolences to all who loved Scott.
Damn.
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Heloise Pendagrast
Trad climber
Tahoe City
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:34pm PT
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This is such sad news. Heartfelt condolences to the family and Scott's current circle of close pals. I was so inspired reading his final Facebook posts. A dying breed yes, but never forgotten. Thank you for your bold contributions to the sport, Scott. RIP
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:34pm PT
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I really don't want to post on here anymore, but Im gonna say this man was the coolest guy ever..To much to tell, from climbing buddy to roommate, got me in the Stunt Rigging Biz and on and on Im BUMMED. R.I.P Scott Cosgrove.
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mtnyoung
Trad climber
Twain Harte, California
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:35pm PT
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While hiking. Wow.
Rest in peace Scott.
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steve s
Trad climber
eldo
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:39pm PT
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Very sad to hear this. He was a great climber and an inspiration to a lot of climbers. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP Scott.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Portland Oregon
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:40pm PT
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Condolences to the family
The guy was an inspiration to many of us.
RIP
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:45pm PT
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Horrendous. News does not get worse than this. Really devastating.
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m.
Trad climber
UT
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:45pm PT
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Coz! I am so sorry to hear that you've left us. Excruciating. I hope you passed in peace, my brother.
maria.
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:46pm PT
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Tears of remembrance `FLAMES `FOR THE MAN` A VIKING HERO `all the water under the bridge Goodbye`COzy
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:47pm PT
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terrible news--
just heard and checked here to see if it was true.
rip
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drunkenmaster
Social climber
santa rosa
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:51pm PT
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RIP Coz. Thanks for all the stoke and inspiration.
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Levy
Big Wall climber
So Cal
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:53pm PT
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Damn, this is terrible news. I had climbed with Scott in Joshua Tree, Yosemite & the Needles, including a no falls ascent of Sea Of Tranquility, 5.12b. He was a bold, confident climber and had great control over the fear that grips most mortal climbers in scary situations.
My condolences to his family & friends.
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Juanito
Social climber
San Diego, CA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:54pm PT
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Truly sad news. Scott was such a dedicated and talented climber. While I managed to repeat some of his sport routes out at Joshua Tree, there were others that I couldn't even think about doing the moves on. That guy was one bad ass climber, pushing the standards even when no one else was.
Such a soft spoken and humble guy too. Even with all the bad blood and slanderous talk back in the day, I never heard a bad word about Cosgrove. He taught my sister to climb - a chore for which I lacked the patience (though the fact that she was cute I'm sure had nothing to do with it).
I'll be thinking about him as I do an early morning hike in his memory.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Feb 24, 2016 - 06:58pm PT
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hey there say, all...
no words... well, i will try...
my deep condolences to his family and friends, and loved ones...
at least he had this special time, since that horrible accident, to see how much his friends and family loved him...
and had time to reach a goal of getting well, and getting back outside to
where he loved...
we will not understand, why, he could not stay with us all, and his loved ones...
:(
my prayers for all in, this sadness, ...
amen...
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:00pm PT
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Oh man...
Sincere condolences.
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:03pm PT
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A loss to all of us.
My condolences to his friends & family.
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Rudder
Trad climber
Costa Mesa, CA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:07pm PT
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RIP Scott
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cornel
climber
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:17pm PT
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This is sad news. Just met him a few times at the Tree.. Thought He was making a great come back from that horrific injury? I will never forget his doing Southern Belle.. It still a test piece that's only been done a couple times to this day..one of the finest face climbers of his day... Rest in Peace Scott... Sincere condolences to his family and friends..
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Kalimon
Social climber
Ridgway, CO
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:21pm PT
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Goodbye Mr. Coz . . . It was a great life you had! Thanks for sharing some of your insight with us.
My best thoughts to your friends and family.
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WBraun
climber
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:33pm PT
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Goodbye my and our good friend.
It's against the rools.
You're supposed to do your 100 years before get to leave.
WTF went wrong here????
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:34pm PT
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Best wishes for your transition Coz. Rest Well.
Those of us still on this mortal coil will treasure your legacy.
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Lacey
Social climber
Nevada
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:36pm PT
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STUNNED AND SHOCKED!!!!! CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS... RIP SCOTT. :(
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clinker
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, California
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:42pm PT
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Peace Scott
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:47pm PT
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He was going back to work next month GEEEZZZZ how the cards are dealt.
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Tom Patterson
Trad climber
Seattle
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:49pm PT
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So incredibly sad. My condolences to his family.
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:51pm PT
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I was at a children's recital at the school auditorium they played a piece for strings called the Wild Wild West,,I got home to a need to 'baten down the hatches', as a wind storm of amazing power is blowing thru
A sweeping Swirling Thunder Wind.
I am devastated and fired off screams of his last name, and fire works TOO `till the dogs barked and the Neighbors turned on lights
The wife poked her head out and asked Are You all right?
No Iam a crazy man the wind is my guide blowing wicked hard
to lead my pangs away
he was a real hero for who he had been - to who he had become,
pass sweetly
King Coz
Go into the night with these winds that cause others fright
for me they are a sign of another,
momentary instant brother's passing
away into the night of eternity
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Feb 24, 2016 - 07:58pm PT
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So shoocked to hear this..
really thought you had that wipper whipped
We witnessed many many other miraculous actions of life performed by your will...., and for that i say to you
Thank You
Condolences to Scott's Family
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Fogarty
climber
BITD
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:02pm PT
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Shocking News, God speed my friend:(
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Dan McDevitt
Trad climber
yosemite
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:02pm PT
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gonna miss you Scott, was fun climbing the prow with you, way back in the day. and many good years on yosar helping people
i remember way before that at the cookie in winter. you were at the crux of red zinger and your feet popped, but you stuck it and finished proud.
Werner was checking it out, "this guys a badass!" how true that statement.
good times brother.
rest easy
mcd
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Barbarian
climber
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:10pm PT
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Wow! I wasn't ready for that. Scott was the real deal...driven and at times contrary, but way skilled. I loved watching him on thin face.
RIP Scott. Rest well.
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:13pm PT
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Holy no way. So sorry to hear this after all he had gone through the last year.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:16pm PT
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What a strange thing, after the accident and all.
God bless ya, Scott! Rest in peace now.
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Risk
Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:17pm PT
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I’m happy I got to “feel the Coz.” You’re one of a kind. And, a champion I’m honored to know. Always, your friend, C. Runner
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E Robinson
climber
Salinas, CA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:22pm PT
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The passing of a powerful man. It makes me so sad to read this news. Scott your paths over the stones pioneered the very idea of possibility and are enduring testaments to the strength of man and nature.You are missed already.
Elliott
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:30pm PT
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*
Really terrible news.... Hard to take in this ....so sad )-;
Sincere condolences to all of Scott's friends and Family members.
Rest on peace..
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ninjakait
Trad climber
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:31pm PT
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RIP Scott, I didn't know you but I know you touched the lives of many people.
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Leggs
Sport climber
Made in California
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:33pm PT
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*tears of disbelief*
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Stewart Johnson
Mountain climber
lake forest
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:34pm PT
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Goodbye to a great man...
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The Alpine
climber
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:35pm PT
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Though we all must depart this world, some live on forever as legends in the minds and lives of those they inspire.
Scott is one of those Legends.
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klaus
climber
Slauson & Crenshaw
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:47pm PT
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this really is so sad. May you find peace Coz
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Bldrjac
Ice climber
Boulder
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:48pm PT
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Shocking, terrible news. Have always had a soft spot in my heart for him, since when he would let Jack and I shower at his place in JT, a million years ago. He was a nice guy to me/us, and I never knew him any differently. I was so sad to hear of his accident, and cheered to hear of his recovery.....so amazing! Damnit, I hate hearing this. My condolences to his friends and family....there is nothing easy about this loss.
best,
Pam Roberts
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Curt
climber
Gold Canyon, AZ
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:48pm PT
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How odd--after all he had been through--and yet, ultimately none of us get to decide how we will go.
Curt
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Todd Eastman
climber
Bellingham, WA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 08:49pm PT
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Respect...
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Feb 24, 2016 - 09:05pm PT
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My sincere condolences to Scott's family and friends.
A real loss.
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ryankelly
Trad climber
Bhumi
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Feb 24, 2016 - 09:07pm PT
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FFA on Southern Belle, wow. Legendary dude
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Feb 24, 2016 - 09:08pm PT
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I can't help but smile a little to think how hard he fought to get out of that hospital bed and to pass outside, while on a trail, in the arms of our natural world. Good job Coz!
peace again to all his family and friends
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Bushman
Social climber
Elk Grove, California
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Feb 24, 2016 - 09:11pm PT
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So sad to hear this. My condolences to Scott's family and friends for such a huge loss.
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Gary
Social climber
Where in the hell is Major Kong?
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Feb 24, 2016 - 09:12pm PT
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Oh, no! Scott Cosgrove taught me a lot about leading, good advice I still use.
RIP
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BrassNuts
Trad climber
Save your a_s, reach for the brass...
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Feb 24, 2016 - 09:22pm PT
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Very sad news after such a strong recovery from his accident... RIP Scott.
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Fat Dad
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 09:51pm PT
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Nice thought delhi dog. I met him a few times over the years and always seemed a solid guy (apart from the climbing). Anybody know exactly where he passed? I'm out on the trails in the Santa Monicas alot and it would be nice to leave a token there where his spirit passed on.
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Daphne
Trad climber
Northern California
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Feb 24, 2016 - 10:01pm PT
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Rest in peace, Scott. Condolences to his family and friends.
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S.Powers
Boulder climber
Joshua Tree, CA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 10:05pm PT
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This sucks.
RIP my friend.
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JEleazarian
Trad climber
Fresno CA
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Feb 24, 2016 - 10:18pm PT
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Another giant passes. He blessed us with his climbs, his person and even his presence on ST at times. Rest in Peace, Coz.
John
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justthemaid
climber
Jim Henson's Basement
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Feb 24, 2016 - 10:19pm PT
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Wow that is truly shocking and very sad to hear. After that incredible recovery it just felt like nothing could stop him from life. Very sincere condolences to friends and family. Scott was always a cool dude to me and I respected him very much. The story he posted about his ascent of Southern Bell remains one of my favorite climbing stories. Great writer as well as climber. Rest in peace Coz.
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deuce4
climber
Hobart, Australia
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Feb 24, 2016 - 10:22pm PT
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Sadness,shock, denial. It cannot be true. I miss you already, friend, grateful to have shared many good climbs and times. Journey well. But really wish I had another chance to hang out in person with you. Tears.
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RyanD
climber
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Feb 24, 2016 - 10:35pm PT
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Much respect for the spirit of Coz.
Visionary.
Damn shame his posts are gone, he shared some amazing stuff here.
RIP
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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Feb 25, 2016 - 12:27am PT
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So sad. So very very sad. He was very cool to me in our few conversations. This is just terrible.
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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Feb 25, 2016 - 12:50am PT
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I don't know what to say. We had some spirited discussions , maybe you would call them arguments . But we always carried on the friendship. You were the real deal, my friend, a force of nature. You are missed already. It's 12:43 am and I can't sleep. I can't say goodby, so long for now, will have to do. I was talking with E tonight. He said our little group was getting smaller, " So many are gone now...our little group is diminishing too quickly".
My world is a little less bright, a little less interesting tonight . My thoughts go out to family and friends .
TY
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aldude
climber
Monument Manor
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Feb 25, 2016 - 12:55am PT
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Such a good guy and great friend. Toasting you right now with a double shot of Patron..... SKOAL!
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nah000
climber
no/w/here
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Feb 25, 2016 - 02:05am PT
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didn't know the guy.
didn't even agree with a lot of his opinions on st.
but damn this makes me sad.
it's obvious given the wake that he left, both in terms of his routes and the people that he influenced, that he cared very deeply about climbing.
and so to see a fellow member and leader of my tribe go through everything that he did with his accident, then make it as far back as he did and now this...
wo/man sometimes life sure can be brutal... and sometimes i'm not sure who has it worse: those that don't survive or those that do...
and so all i have to offer is condolences to his family and friends.
while it's trite now, i hope someday you can take some comfort in the wake that he left behind him.
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Blakey
Trad climber
Sierra Vista
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Feb 25, 2016 - 04:25am PT
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This is so sad, particularly given the recovery he was making. Condolences to all who knew him.
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T2
climber
Cardiff by the sea
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Feb 25, 2016 - 04:57am PT
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Unbelievable!! I am so sadden to start my day learning this.
See ya on the other side Coz.
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Rankin
Social climber
Greensboro, North Carolina
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Feb 25, 2016 - 05:15am PT
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Sorry to all who knew and loved Coz. RIP Scott.
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overwatch
climber
Arizona
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Feb 25, 2016 - 05:38am PT
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I am with Ryan D we lost some great content with the banned rules bull s h i t. Brutal way to start the morning although I am happy to be alive.
Journey on Mr. Cosgrove
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pn
Trad climber
Portland, OR
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Feb 25, 2016 - 06:53am PT
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Park Rat
Social climber
CA, UT,CT,FL,VA
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Feb 25, 2016 - 07:16am PT
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Condolences to his family and friends, RIP Scott.
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Feb 25, 2016 - 07:50am PT
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I was so very saddened to hear of Scott's passing. He was a survivor, but when your time is up, it's up - so make the most of every day you have.
RIP Scott.
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wilbeer
Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
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Feb 25, 2016 - 07:54am PT
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RIP Mr.Cosgrove.
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HighDesertDJ
Trad climber
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Feb 25, 2016 - 07:55am PT
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I was just wondering recently how he was doing and wondering when he might make a return to the Taco. I am very saddened to hear this but also glad to hear that he was well enough to be out hiking. My fear was to hear that he had passed away in a rehab center or some such thing. I work in trauma and these patients can often have very ugly lives after their accidents.
In high school, with little access to climbers or climbing culture, I eagerly consumed the stories of his attempts to free big routes on El Cap and the subsequent antics. Scott and I clashed politically on SuperTopo but when I was a young man making the J-Tree to Yosemite circuit over numerous seasons Scott was always friendly and eager to share (brag) about his recent adventures. He would eagerly share having just been up on a first ascent in the Valley with legendary aid climbers and complain about how they would rate strings of bird beak placements "A2." For no good reason he, barely knowing my name, would always recognize my face from previous talks and eagerly engage with me one on one. Scott made me feel like I was part of the climbing community.
I have often found that the old adage "may you never meet your heroes" to be painfully true when it comes to climbing but I was glad to have met Scott Cosgrove. May he rest in peace and may his climbing accomplishments stand as inspiration to future generations of adventurers.
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rick sumner
Trad climber
reno, nevada/ wasilla alaska
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Feb 25, 2016 - 07:57am PT
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I don't believe I ever met Scott. Reading here, and other threads in ST over the last four years, it is apparent that he was a very good and decent man that touched many other lives in a warm and positive manner. His star burned brightly, his accomplishments many. Condolences to friends and family.
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BASE104
Social climber
An Oil Field
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Feb 25, 2016 - 08:33am PT
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Sad news. My thoughts go out to his friends and family. I didn't really know him, but we crossed paths here and there.
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Bob D'A
Trad climber
Taos, NM
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Feb 25, 2016 - 08:57am PT
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Never met Scott in person, really cool opinionated person with a very big heart and passion for life.
A few of our conversations on Facebook.
Scott, glad to hear you are recovering well and on your way back to a somewhat normal life, smile emoticon Keep your spirit intact, you are a very strong willed person. You are going to be just fine.
Thanks Bob, Hard to believe having had eight major
Fractured and and a severe head wound. But my minds checking in at above average and my bodies healing. Feeling blessed just to be alive. Thanks for your support. I know you been through a lot. Hope we can meet someday.
Me to Scott...We will meet someday, everyday is a beautiful gift, so glad you are still with us.
When you get ready to travel, come to Taos, it's a beautiful place.
02/01/2015 10:37AM
I'll come to Taos, count on it Bob. Something great to look forward to:)
05/10/2015 5:08PM
How you feeling? hope all is well/getting better.
05/10/2015 7:48PM
Thanks Bob, I'm getting better be and walking pretty good. Really happy to be here. Hows things with you?
10/22/2015 6:59PM
Me to Scott...How you feeling? Seems like you are really doing great. That is a wonderful thing.
Thanks Bob, I'm doing OK, I'm a year out from the injury. Feeling better all the time. Thanks for asking. How's it going for you?
Safe and peaceful journey Scott.
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Vitaliy M.
Mountain climber
San Francisco
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Feb 25, 2016 - 09:02am PT
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This makes me very sad. I liked him a lot because he was authentic. Unlike the gazzillion of fake motherf*#kers out there, he stated what he thought and was ok with the majority of people out there disagreeing. According to some of the personal conversations we had, we had a lot of views in common with some differences of course. Too bad he left this world early, if there is another dimension to explore, I hope it is one Coz can enjoy and continue existing with the same passion for life he had on earth. His spirit will live on here as it is hard to ignore his contributions to the climbing community. Some of the routes he put up will test generations forever. Happy trails.
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WBraun
climber
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Feb 25, 2016 - 09:19am PT
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Our first climb ever together.
Coz sees my rack and says "This gear looks like sh!t!"
Will it even work? It's so beat up.
Then flakes out my lead line with core shots covered in tape all over it.
He asks WTF is tape there for? Cover the core shots man.
He hands me the rope and says you better lead .... lol
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eeyonkee
Trad climber
Golden, CO
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Feb 25, 2016 - 09:20am PT
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Sheesh! RIP Scott.
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Gary
Social climber
Where in the hell is Major Kong?
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Feb 25, 2016 - 09:25am PT
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Unlike the gazzillion of fake motherf*#kers out there, he stated what he thought....
For sure. I can't climb worth a damn, but I place good gear and build solid anchors thanks to what I learned from Scott.
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FTOR
Sport climber
CA
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Feb 25, 2016 - 09:26am PT
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sincere condolences to all close. scott was on belay for my hardest send and we shared many early climbing adventures in the big ditch. another partner gone. seemed to be on the mend from his fall. sorry to have long since lost contact. sad.
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Seamstress
Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
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Feb 25, 2016 - 09:38am PT
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Beam me up, Scottie.
Thank you for always being so patient and encouraging. Thank you for being a strong advocate for what you believed in. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you of giving so freely with your time.
I am glad you got the chance to be with your family and show the rest of us how to fight hard to really live. I just wish that you could be with us longer. We will all follow you eventually.
I don't know if you realized just how much you are loved and respected. RIP.
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dirtbag
climber
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Feb 25, 2016 - 09:39am PT
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I'm very sorry to hear about his passing. My deepest condolences and sympathies go out to his friends and family
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MtnGearCEO
Trad climber
Spokane, wa
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Feb 25, 2016 - 12:22pm PT
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Feels wrong in so many ways. Peaceful journey Coz. You're spirit and energy are missed already.
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Climberdude
Trad climber
Clovis, CA
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Feb 25, 2016 - 01:14pm PT
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I never met Scott, but many of the places I love to climb are filled with awe-inspiring first ascents by him. Thus, I knew him through the amazing climbs he did. The world feels like a whole lot smaller. RIP Scott.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Feb 25, 2016 - 01:24pm PT
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Scott and I worked together briefly.
A good fellow and the real deal. The climbing community has lost a bold pioneer.
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kathydeee@yahoo.com
climber
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Feb 25, 2016 - 02:11pm PT
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Wishing you much peace and happiness on the other side Scott. Thanks for the years of great memories and experiences <3.
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all in jim
climber
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Feb 25, 2016 - 02:16pm PT
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Oh man so sad to hear this bad news.
I was just the other day imagining how incredible his recovery was...all those broken bones and in a coma forever. He must have really loved life to hang on through that.
The one full day I spent with Scott was in Jtree. It was so memorable. He wasn't climbing that day, but he spent the whole day belaying me and giving me support and beta on my project (his route, Father Figure) the route was too hard for me and I remember thinking how lucky I was that he was just out there chilling and giving me encouragement while I flailed. I was going to give up but he said give it one more try (and try this here, and do that there). I followed his instructions and sent the route and he seemed as stoked as if he'd just climbed it himself.
Hope to see you again on the other side.
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Bruce Morris
Social climber
Belmont, California
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Feb 25, 2016 - 03:10pm PT
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We bouldered all over Castle Rock State Park. I showed him boulder problems that Barry Bates had pointed out to me. I belayed him on FAs. He belayed me on FAs. I worked for his guide service when I was down at out.
What more is there to say?
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Lassitude 33
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Feb 25, 2016 - 04:51pm PT
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Very sorry to hear about Scott's passing. Pretty shocking news, particularly given that Scott had come back so far from his devastating accident.
He left an indelible mark on the climbing scene, particularly in Joshua Tree and Yosemite. His FAs pushed the limits of difficulty and boldness and are still highly respected decades later.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Feb 25, 2016 - 04:53pm PT
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What a life of adventure he lived--very sorry to hear of this and condolences to his family and friends.
Climbing's different from big money sports in that average Joes (me) can randomly interact with legends (Coz)--I was happy to spend an afternoon with him years ago as we wandered around JT looking for our respective partners.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Feb 25, 2016 - 05:00pm PT
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Just talked with Bob Gaines, who was very tight with Scott and the two grew up together in the guiding world. Bob sounded like I feel.
Some things are just plain sad.
JL
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WanderlustMD
Trad climber
New England
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Feb 25, 2016 - 06:52pm PT
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I never knew Scott, but admired his achievements and writing, just like everyone else. I hope that he has found peace and knows that his life has made an impact on others.
-MAtt
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
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Feb 25, 2016 - 07:36pm PT
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Perry B and Scott came to town and hired a group of us to Sherpa for the riggers. Really great times at Donner and Lover's Leap. Scott was a real professional.
He represented climbers with distinction. Very sad news. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
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roadman
climber
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Feb 25, 2016 - 08:30pm PT
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shocked. HAve always been inspired by Scott and am truly saddened by his passing. Condolences to his family and friends.
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Pile of Rocks
Sport climber
Park City Utah
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Feb 25, 2016 - 08:34pm PT
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27+ years ago, I was fortunate enough to spend 4 years adventuring with Scott. His impact was tremendous and echoes in my life to this day. Memories of Scott that I hope will inspire.
Arrive Intersection Rock at Joshua Tree in the morning. Scott does his usual warm up, free solo left ski track, right ski track, half track, then bearded cabbage. Then off to climb easy stuff for me or work on one of his projects. I think I have spent as much time belaying as I have climbing, privileged for the experience.
In Yosemite we would go to the bar at Yosemite Lodge at night. Since I was only 19, when it got to late for under aged patrons we would gently be reminded time for me to leave. Scott always went back to camp with me instead of hanging with over 21 group.
When we needed to escape the "walls" of the Valley, we would drive to the Eastside for bouldering and the off the grid hot/cold tub.
Before we crossed the boarder to head to Squamish for the Summer, we had a chalk bag that we kept our pot in, and were too nervous to bring it with us. We stashed in in some bushes at at Motel 6 and 2 months later on our return we retrieved it. SCORE!
When he went to Patagonia, I drove him to LAX to send him off. He was excited and distracted. I was sad and nervous. He said," don't cry, I will be back in a few months". This was before cell phones and internet, so zero communication until his return. That was tough.
When working on hard first ascents in Joshua Tree, he was focused and serious. Took his rest days. Worked the moves, trained. And NO sex before the red point attempts. He really was focused.
We had a cat named Marmac. Named after a street in Yucca Valley. She was chased up a tree by a huge German Shepard when she was just a kitty and after that totally afraid of dogs. Scott loved her.
On the first trip to Southern Belle, me and Dave's girlfriend helped haul gear and spent a few days at the base while they climbed. I had my pack and 2 extra ropes. My steps are short since I am short and of course, Scott is tall, and he wanted me to go faster. I said "the sherpa can only go so fast or you can take the ropes". it was hot and a long hike up. Our camp was in a half cave and we laughed and hung out at night. I knew the Southern Belle was hard but I didn't know it was death hard. That made the laughing and hanging out easier for me. Not sure how he was so easy going.
On a trip to City of Rocks, we needed to clean up and shower, so we went to Burley. We go into a small market and ask to buy beer. The lady at the counter responds in her Southern Idaho accent, "This here is a Mormon community and we don't sell beer." At least we had our showers at the community pool. Back then the town of Tracey only had the general store.
When I found out last night about Scott, it was from my dear oldest friend that I met in Yosemite when I was 19. We both ended up living in the same town in Utah and have been best friends for all of these years. I was shocked, really I felt nothing. Sometime last night, it hit me hard. I am sad for the loss. I am sad Scott doesn't get to keep doing this life. Even though I only talked to Scott 10 times or so in the past 20 years, he changed the path of my life. I am forever grateful for him. I can still hear the sound of his voice and laugh. Peace to you Scott Cosgrove with endless love!
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Spiny Norman
Social climber
Boring, Oregon
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Feb 26, 2016 - 12:01am PT
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I knew Cosgrove only by reputation and myth, but we should all live life so well as to deserve a eulogy like the one above.
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Kinobi
climber
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Feb 26, 2016 - 03:25am PT
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RIP.
Number 1
E
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Capt.
climber
some eastside hovel
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Feb 26, 2016 - 06:04am PT
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So bummed to read this. It did seem like he was in the middle of a miraculous recovery. I'm truly saddened.
Rest well Scott.
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Funk 29
Trad climber
Wallowa, OR
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Feb 26, 2016 - 07:22am PT
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I was able to climb with Scott one time in Kolob Canyon around 2002. He was putting up a new route, and it was good to get to know him. I had seen him in all he mags as a kid, so it was good to meet him and climb with him.
RIP
Scott.
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toejahm
Trad climber
Chatsworth, CA
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Feb 26, 2016 - 11:04am PT
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Condolences to his family and friends.
RIP Scott
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 26, 2016 - 11:45am PT
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Oh no!! This is so sad! I was really hoping to get out with Scott this year. He was doing so well after his accident and he helped me when i had mine , so i was looking forward to comparing notes! In all my interactions with him he was really nice, and genuinly interested in how I was doing.
Rest In Peace Scott. You will be missed.
My condolences to family and friends.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Feb 26, 2016 - 01:14pm PT
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I tagged along with Jeff Constine to visit Scott in rehab. At the time he was just starting to walk around a bit on the lawns outside. He didn't say anything about it at first, but once we were chatting he told us with an obvious sense of pride and accomplishment. It seemed he was clearly on the rebound.
I was just thinking about the times when winding down at Gunsmoke at sunset would wrap up a great day. It was not uncommon to have Scott, JB and Paul Borne all there. Things would get competitive, and respectable numbers of laps were done. Paul would remind us that if you got pumped out and fell off, the “lava-gators” would make their meal of you. Of course I was usually the first one eaten.
This is just hard to believe. So sorry. Another great one gone.
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Inner City
Trad climber
East Bay
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Feb 26, 2016 - 01:20pm PT
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What a sad story. Such a great and loved person. Is there any cause of death that has been given?
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dee ee
Mountain climber
Of THIS World (Planet Earth)
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Feb 26, 2016 - 06:55pm PT
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What a surprise, nobody expected this. I though he was on the road to recovery.
Scott was a good guy, I loved him.
I knew him from his first appearance in Josh and thought I liked him.
20 years later he was one of the biggest contributors to the Gordon Family Benefit while I was the man in charge and I was surprised by and stoked by his contribution.
It was the biggest ever...... and his second one topped it. WTF!
I didn't know how and why he could go so big but DAMN, he did.
He topped everyone.
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Feb 26, 2016 - 08:26pm PT
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Well done Bob Gaines.
Thanks for putting that together.
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deuce4
climber
Hobart, Australia
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Feb 26, 2016 - 08:47pm PT
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Wonderful remembrance, Bob. Well done.
Coz was exemplary in his ability to help a brother find his best. He helped a lot of people, as well as found his own excellence in so many ways. Some people mistook his drive as competitive, but in reality he was the kind of person who would prod everyone to do their best in order to raise the overall ante of the day. A great man.
--John Middendorf
Ps. This one, too: http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=2755740
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Bushman
Social climber
Elk Grove, California
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Feb 26, 2016 - 09:23pm PT
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Going on by
I believe it was up on Higher Cath.
'Round eighty four or eighty five
My partner and I were plodding 'long
On Northeast Butt. with views on high
When two swift climbers a 'singing a song
Flew up the Mary's Tears I saw
Mr Cosgrove and Mr Middendorf
Casually vaulting up on by
T'wards ominous the Crucifix
And wondered I
As our traverse crossed past their route
But off they went and up they'd go
Before I could even say hello
They disappeared into the sky
-bushman
02/25/2016
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Risk
Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
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Feb 26, 2016 - 10:20pm PT
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Since Coz was one of many banned, we have just a few quotes of his to re-post.
This one taken from Karl Baba's quote at: http://www.supertopo.com/tr/Hey-Coz-Sure-would-like-to-hear-the-story-of-Southern-Belle/t271n.html
Coz wrote
"I never set out to be a great climber, but the Belle threw me into another realm of self, an enlighten being if only for a moment. The run outs and the danger slipped me into a gap, I can not and do not want to find again.
I for whatever reason held that face as holy, beautiful and divine, the rap route (Growing Up), killed me inside, and Dave for that matter. It was if some one spray painted the Mona Lisa. But I know the same could be said for drilling period.
The Buddha said," you can not perceive what you can not understand," I do not understand why I climb, so I can not perceive an answer. I am just a climber, who loved climbing, I know not what I do or why. Do any of us? Really? Maybe that sounds simple, but trying to answer question with no answer, is a waste of time and thought.
As far as the future having value and morals, then yes, I am sad, when the last great places are tarnished what then do we do, what then do we value. I am no saint, I have my sins, if others feel different great. I still say we should leave the face alone from rap-bolting, so others one day, can swim with the red serpents in the golden desert of the South Face."
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old craghag
Sport climber
Bishop
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Feb 26, 2016 - 10:49pm PT
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Coz was always my hero. He came to my rescue when I was trying to lead Silent Screem and wigged 1/2 up the climb. I was paralyzed with fear unable to move up or down. My belayer was laughing at me for my failure but Coz took pity on me and soloed to the top and lowered down a rope. I also saw him catch a climber that whipped off the top of a boulder problem. He full on caught her in mid air. He was amazing and such a jokester. I'll never forget when he served me chocolates that turned out to be exlax. He was laughing so hard I couldn't get mad. He will b greatly missed. He changed my life for the better and I'm so thankful for all the time I spent with him.Truly one of the last Mohicans.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Feb 27, 2016 - 04:46am PT
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That was a fine obituary, BG. You were blessed to know such a gifted climber so well.
When I visualize "Coz" it is almost always with reference to the back side of Half Dome.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/1306859/3rd-Ascent-of-Southern-Belle
"Scott had a penchant for free climbing big walls. In 1989, he and Dave Schultz completed the first free ascent of Southern Belle (5.12+) on the south face of Half Dome, which Scott called "the scariest, most beautiful thing I've ever done."--Bob Gaines
The Two Belle-ringers
You can rail at fate all you like, but
You may still meet your end while on a hike.
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Feb 27, 2016 - 05:59am PT
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So true my friend, he heard the drumroll, refused the call, built back up, Still, the last frame iz-da final curtain call.
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shipoopoi
Big Wall climber
oakland
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Feb 27, 2016 - 09:02am PT
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so sorry to hear about my friend scott passing away. we spent many years in the ditch and meadows. we were on yosar together for years. we even compared notes on our girlfriends, who were friends themselves. we got to climb together, smoke and hang out for years. when project bandaloop made their second performance ever in cityrock, i even got to vertical dance with scott.
he was a great individual, with a big opinion that he always put forth. he leaves a legacy of difficult and classic routes. he was a talented climber, motivated to train and climb in the style that our teacher, john bachar, put forth for us. it is such a bummer that after all that healing and pain he went through to get better that he will not be around to enjoy it.
condolences from my wife heather and i to all his friends, and especially his sister and mom who were instrumental in his recovery.
steve schneider
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dhayan
climber
culver city, ca
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Feb 27, 2016 - 01:59pm PT
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So sorry for everyone's loss who was close to him. Although I never had the opportunity to meet him, I have great respect and admiration for Scott and appreciate the vitality he seemed to live with/embody. Best wishes to all his family, friends and loved ones. May we all be bold enough to embody the unique vitality we are bestowed, whether that means climbing with grace 100' out above gear on Southern Belle, or just living our "everyday" lives.
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Matt J.
Trad climber
Castro Valley, CA
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Feb 27, 2016 - 07:32pm PT
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Though we had never met, Scott kindly shared an adventure story with me for my "Yosemite Epics" book in 2011. He described the perilous climb he and Walt Shipley completed with great difficulty in 1990. Here's a link to his tale, "The Affliction."
http://sierrasplendor.com/2016/02/27/scottcosgrove/
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L
climber
Just Livin' the Dream in Pacific Grove, CA
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Feb 27, 2016 - 07:53pm PT
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Scott was one of the best climbing instructors in Jtree. He got me up Dapple Mare the first time I roped up with him (no small feat), and had a way of making every climb fun as hell, regardless of how much suffering was involved.
Sitting around the fire at the end of a good day of climbing, listening to his stories, watching his quick smile...that's how I'll remember Cos.
My deepest condolences to his many friends and family.
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Dimes
Social climber
Retired from Everything
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Feb 28, 2016 - 03:34pm PT
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east side underground
climber
paul linaweaver hilton crk ca
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Feb 28, 2016 - 03:47pm PT
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very sorry to here this RIP coz .....bummer
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Feb 28, 2016 - 03:50pm PT
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Great photos, Kevin.
Thanks.
BAd
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Dropline
Mountain climber
Somewhere Up There
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Feb 28, 2016 - 04:49pm PT
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Wow.
Rest in peace Big Man.
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Bob_Banks
climber
Santa Barbara, CA
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Feb 28, 2016 - 06:06pm PT
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In the late 90s Phil Requist and I were staying at Cosgrove’s house in Joshua Tree for an extended climbing weekend. Scott was recovering from some foot surgery that he had done to correct some issues that he had from being rag-dolled out the back of a pick-up truck (or some sh#t, I can’t really remember) a couple years before. On day 1 of the trip, I took a bad bouldering fall, mangled 95% of the tendons in my right ankle and ended up in the ER and then crutches. Not wanting to bum out the remainder of Phil’s trip, I opted to stay on Scott’s couch. The two of us, Scott in his recliner and me on the couch, drinking beer and watching tv, both with our legs elevated above our hearts, we must have been quite a pathetic sight. On day 3, I was a bit stir crazy and Cosgrove needed supplies, so Phil and I offered to make a run into town. Coz gave me a list of sh#t to buy and one of the items was “quality bacon”. After he said it, he looked at me steely-eyed and serious and repeated it for emphasis, “QUALITY BACON”. He was so serious and so over the top, it felt like I was being tapped on the shoulders with Excalibur and being sent on the Quest for the Holy Grail. I thought it was so funny that I never forgot it, and to this day I don’t buy, or even see bacon without thinking of him. And unlike most people, when the name Scott Cosgrove comes up, I don’t immediately think of the hyper-talented badass that he was, I think of ‘quality bacon’. There’s worse ways to be remembered I am sure. I guess the moral of the story is that life is too short to eat shitty bacon. Spring for the good stuff.
I have a photo of Cosgrove and Steve Edwards bouldering in Joshua Tree that I'll scan and share tomorrow. A lot of the SoCal climbing community knew both of these guys and it was rough 24 hrs last week.
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 28, 2016 - 09:00pm PT
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Thanks for those great photos Kevin and to all who've posted in remembrance of Scott.
Cory's thread parallels this one very nicely as well.
I've been in touch with Scott's sister and some of his closest friends over the past few difficult days to discuss a gathering in his memory.
Pending confirmation, we're working on a gathering in Joshua Tree in late March and will provide details as soon as possible.
PB
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Seamstress
Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
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Feb 28, 2016 - 10:21pm PT
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After digging through the attic, finding my slides, and learning how to use the scanner, I can now contribute a couple of memories. Scott could pick the right line. We wandered out to the White Cliffs of Dover and he set up Quest for Fire. Somehow, I got up the climb and was quite pleased. Scott immediately decided that he could take it down without rock shoes. Bubble deftly burst.
I had my heart set on Figures on m first visit to JTree. He deemed it unwise to take someone he had not climbed with on that. A year and a half later, we climbed again. When I asked what he had in mind, he said that he was willing to do Figures with me. I was thrilled - and most amazed that he remembered that I mentioned that long before. My husband got a few good photos. I enlarged this one and it hangs in my living room. Whenever someone comes to the house, I play charades with this. Two tiny dots in the frame - Figures on a Landscape. ARGH - scanned it backwards.....
My next qwest - dismantle the home office to find that photo of Scott confidently yapping away, spewing beta as he styles it up Leave it to Beaver.
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Feb 29, 2016 - 08:37am PT
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Those Kevin Powell portraits are truly Quality Bacon.
When Scott greeted me, his eyes would get big and round. He'd flash those big white teeth. You can see intention in the eyes. In those moments I could see his true nature. Completely disarming, playful, almost childlike in his sincerity. He was the archetypal "kid you grew up with on the block". Yes, he was also a true badass on the stone.
Hang fire Cozzy,
Roy
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Feb 29, 2016 - 08:40am PT
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Russell Walling, Billy Russell, Roy McClenahan, Scott Cosgrove, Degnan's Deli, early 90s:
Billy Russell, Scott Cosgrove, Russell Walling, Jo Whitford, Degnan's Deli, early 90s:
Roy McClenahan, Dick Cilley, Scott Cosgrove, Tuolumne Meadows, 1985:
Dave Schultz, Scott Cosgrove, Ron Kauk, Grant Hiskes, C4 parking lot, 1980s:
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Bob_Banks
climber
Santa Barbara, CA
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Feb 29, 2016 - 11:28am PT
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I had to laugh when I found this photo last night, this is what Steve and I called a "Cosgrove Spot".
Scott Cosgrove making sure Steve Edwards is safe. Joshua Tree, probably 1997.
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 1, 2016 - 07:53pm PT
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It's been a week since Scott passed away and a pretty tough one.
The initial shock and disbelief is giving way to acceptance of the reality and loss.
Thought I'd share a few recollections.
I first encountered Scott in the Camp 4 Parking Lot in the late seventies I think.
He was posing down, literally, with some visiting Spaniards and already had a reputation as a badass definitely way out of my league.
We connected more directly in Josh in 81-82 I think.
He was living in his van and hanging with the General and we coalesced around a mutual fondness for strong coffee, any weed we could get our hands on, slander and delusions of climbing grandeur.
Climbing with Scott started in earnest when he came up to Squamish in the late eighties with Amy.
We were well enough acquainted by then that he looked me up and of course I gave him a place to stay and did my best to show him around.
We headed up The Grand and by then it was customary to simul climb Merci Me and the last few bolts up to the base of The Pillar.
I was on the pointy end and had forgotten to bring smaller stoppers for looping the 3/16 bolt remnants and actually blew off one and hollered at Scott that I was falling.
He grabbed the rope in front of him and thanks to the drag through the gear, held my fall, shook his head in disbelief and yelled at me "What the f*#k's up Chief, you're not supposed to fall simul climbing!"
I did the Canadian thing, apologized, finished the lead and we carried on.
He never let me forget that one.
Scott became a regular on the Squamish scene and he'd show up with his current love interest and camp in the yard, sometimes for a few weeks of the Squamish summer.
One week in particular stands out, probably early nineties I think, and we decided to do the long free classics but the problem was the rain.
I suggested we check out The Daily Planet on the Badge as I suspected if we could get to the base of the corner it would be protected.
We sloshed up through the forest and jugged an old fixed line up to the main ledge but the slabs up to the corner were wet, so I used a combination of wool socks and knees to get to the corner.
Scott liked that.
Long story short, we were protected from the rain and I'll never forget watching it fall behind us into the forest below as we enjoyed some of the only dry rock on the Chief and cruised the beautiful corner system, Coz on sighting the route.
That wet our appetites and the weather improved so after a bit of a rest day we headed up the University Wall.
I offered Cozzy my complex beta for the crux of the second pitch which involved jamming through a short overhang and will never forget the sight of him blowing off my beta and wildly underclinging the miserably rounded edge and not falling off.
We carried on the rest of the way and finished up The Chimneys, no falls and the first on sight flash of the route by Coz.
We took a rest day and climbed the Northern Lights, again no falls and an on sight flash of the route by Coz.
Scott came up to Squamish regularly and capped his career there by freeing the Grand Wall route via an unlikely 5.13 face section that I had dubbed "a featureless wasteland".
I think Annie Overlin helped him with that and it took a few tries before he figured it out.
We were all stoked for him.
Because one of his parents was originally from Canada, Scott always thought of himself as part Canuck and went through the process of obtaining his Canadian citizenship, something he was real proud of.
Many of us Canucks liked to think of him as one of our own.
Scott was always a far better free climber than I could ever dream of being but he was a patient and supportive partner who always motivated me to climb my best.
I think that was true for anyone who climbed with him whether you were a beginner or in his league.
He made me welcome at his home in Josh and I was privileged to spend a lot of time there.
Mornings always started with strong coffee, quality pork product and mind numbing bud.
A colourful mix of Josh denizens and visiting warrior athletes often populated the place and there was no shortage of provocative conversation and debate.
Back in 95 we climbed together in the Valley and did the Chouinard Herbert on Sentinel and West Face of El Cap.
He helped me start the Grand Wazoo on Middle solving the technical crux on the first pitch before leaving the Valley over a meltdown with his girlfriend.
I blew my elbow that following winter in Josh and pretty much ended my hard climbing career.
The ankle injury and the demands of film work started to limit Scott's climbing.
We worked together in Vancouver on Tron Legacy and shared the bond of common suffering when two aging crag rats find themselves in dusty soundstages in the wee hours wondering what happened to those easier youthful days moving over the stone.
Scott was a dark horse and had a volatile side but he had a generous heart and was utterly without guile.
He lived his beliefs, worked harder than anyone, quietly endured and remained true to his friends.
I'm proud to have been his friend.
I've been in touch with his sister and close friends and the plan at this time is to have a gathering in his memory in Joshua Tree on Saturday March 26.
Todd Gordon has graciously offered to host the gathering at his place.
We'll provide more details over the next few days as they're firmed up.
Perry Beckham
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Thanks Chief.
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fosburg
climber
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Thanks for sharing those memories Chief! I've been thinking about Scott a lot this week also, remembering great climbs together.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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F*#k Yeah Chief, nothing more could be betterly said.
Cheers all over ya!
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 1, 2016 - 08:08pm PT
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Kevin,
So good to see your post.
I have the fondest memories of climbing Rostro- Man with you.
Epic good times.
PB
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Pile of Rocks
climber
Park City Utah
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Hey Perry!
It's Amy. Loved the Coz story. It has been a tough week for me. Even though I have only talked to Scott 10 times or so in the past 20 years. He made a huge impact on my life and the direction ti went. Scott and I had an amazing young love that stays with you for a lifetime. I have the best memories of Squamish and your home. I used to walk your German Shepherds when you and Scott went climbing. It was little me and the 2 very big dogs. I hope you are well, see you in JT. We are fortunate so have Scott touch our lives.
Peace and love to you!
Amy Cairn
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 2, 2016 - 04:07am PT
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Good to hear from you Amy!
Hope to see you at the gathering.
PB
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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I'm really enjoying this pics and stories.
All I can really add is the thing that stands out in my mind. I first heard details about coz reading about Southern Belle. When I read that Peter Croft, PETER CROFT! backed off it I knew that whoever put it up must be one of the most bad ass climbers of all time.
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WBraun
climber
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That's not very accurate at all. ^^^^
Croft had abilities that Coz didn't and and Coz had abilities that Croft didn't (very minor).
Both were very bad ass climbers in their own ways and styles.
Comparing these guys is stoopid .....
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dave yerian
Trad climber
the parking lot
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I just got off the phone with Kurt Smith and Roy McClenehan. I'm still in shock and have been in shock since I first heard. It hadn't hit me until this morning, Scott is gone.
The rush of emotions and tears hit tsunami hard. To everyone here around the campfire that are Scott's friends, the loss is enormous.
The lesson I've learned from this is what it's like to be a human on this crazy planet. The biggest treasures we have in life, the treasures that shine like a candle in sometimes dark places, are compassion, kindness, love and forgiveness when we screw up. We all make mistakes in life, but a real friend never leaves each others side.
For Scott, Rest in Peace Brother, we all miss you.
Yerian
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Fat Dad
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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The biggest treasures we have in life, the treasures that shine like a candle in sometimes dark places, are compassion, kindness, love and forgiveness when we screw up. We all make mistakes in life, but a real friend never leaves each others side. Really well put. There's that old line from Sartre, "Hell is other people". True, they can be a pain, but it's BS. Other people are the thing that makes life meaningful.
Though I only met Coz a few times over the years (the Valley, Eastside, Josh, etc.), I can't say I knew him. My condolescences to everyone close to him for your personal loss.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Scott was a friend in the truest sense of the word. After Dan died, Scott let me know if I ever needed anything I could call......and I knew he meant it.
Peace
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Bully Boy
Social climber
South Central
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RIP Coz!
MB
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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I only ran into Scott a few times, at JT gatherings and the like, and always enjoyed talking with him. Nothing but admiration for the great lines he climbed..
He once told me that he went to Tahquitz and Suicide to work through the run-out classics, specifically to train for Southern Belle. What a trip: casting off into the unknown on that gigantic South face, hoping it goes somehow, getting through pitch after pitch with close calls and extraordinary effort, then getting to the top against all odds. This is the kind of experience that climbers live for, except magnified a hundred fold compared to the norm. Southern Belle ranks right up there with the best of all Yosemite first ascent adventures for risk and for being a close- run thing.
I think this extraordinary climb is appreciated by many more than Scott seemed to think. Sure, only a tiny fraction would even seriously consider doing it, but I expect every decade or so, an exceptional few will venture up it and be rewarded like Scott and Shultz were.
For a climber, that is not a bad legacy.
My whole-hearted condolences his family and his friends.
Rick Accomazzo
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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What a great photo, John! How about that massive ghetto blaster!!
What route had you guys climbed, and who are the other two in the photo?
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deuce4
climber
Hobart, Australia
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That is Cory and Coz, who had just climbed Zodiac, and Fish and me, we had just climbed Iron Hawk.
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Bargainhunter
climber
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Cool photo John. Love how it captures a bygone era...Russ with the ghetto blaster...
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mcreel
climber
Barcelona
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Wow, that's quite a photo. My condolences to those who knew Scott. Great respect for the FFA of Southern Belle.
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Banny Root, Mike Graham, John Bachar, Scott Cosgrove, Stonemaster reunion 2008:
Will Oxx, Cosgrove, Banny, Joe Hedge, 2008:
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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I'm going to repost this link from Matt Johanson's website:
http://sierrasplendor.com/2016/02/27/scottcosgrove/
This is a must-read narrative from Scott Cosgrove.
It's about his experience on the FA of The Affliction, on Higher Cathedral Rock, with Walt Shipley.
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cotuclimber
Trad climber
Bishop, CA
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Reminds me to appreciate the living. Some of the things Scott taught me, saved my ass a number of times. Never thanked him like I should have. Thanks and RIP.
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perswig
climber
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My lesson was that a commitment to a friend, even if you don’t feel like following through with it, is more important than anything else. On every pitch, we were going to make it or have a bad accident. We had every reason not to go on, but I’d committed so I never backed off or told him I was scared. I’m still the same way. I really think long and hard before I agree to something because I believe in taking responsibility for my decisions.
From the link in Tar's post.
Thanks, Tarbuster.
Dale
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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I know threads must eventually leave the front page, but I don't want Coz to leave yet.....many are still remembering.
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WBraun
climber
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but I don't want Coz to leave yet
Where has he gone?
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Off our front page. :)
Cheers, Werner
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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He ain't going anywhere but here, front page, On our 13b Yahoo Predator. TR fun.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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There was a line Scott wrote on the Growing Up thread, that I thinks is, in many ways fractal of the Coz experience.
It's purged now, into revisionist history, but as close as I remember, it went something like this;
" there I was, in front of the deli, sitting next to the guy I just realized had spinelessly rap bolted Crown jewel. "I should kick his Ass!" I thought.
but he seemed like a pretty good guy, so I bought him a beer."
That's how I'd like to remember him,rather than on some dogmatic stance on some point we disagreed on.
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WBraun
climber
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Oh c'mon Jaybro.
You know Cozy loved to rant.
He'd rant every morning about some stupid sh!t.
I listen and laugh and then tell him to smoke his bowl and then off we'd go to the vertical world .....
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jstan
climber
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You know Cozy loved to rant.
That's the impression I got. Ranting seems a pretty harmless form of entertainment.
If he went because of heart failure, he went in one of the best ways. Momentarily if feels like you are short of breath. Then you go unconscious. Just like that. Poof.
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WBraun
climber
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Back in those daze there were a lot rants by everyone,
Funnier then sh!t.
Now a daze hardly anyone rants.
Are these modern people sterile from eating their GMO's .....
:-)
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Thanks Jeff ! And JBro, Scott was I think at times Yin and Yang. In some respects we all are. But Scott Cosgrove left a legacy behind him....incredible climber, caring for his people, a friend, a warrior, hard worker, and great ranter. The rest should be left behind to be settled by eternity and bad feelings should be tossed into the universe.
Love and Peace to all the campfire. L.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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That's pretty much what I was trying to say, Werner! I can remember some classic rants! The stuff of life!
Remember this one, Werner?
Older Climber- " hot shot kid, show us how it's done."
Cos " I will! I am! I'm going to the top!"
More of a rant-ette....
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jstan
climber
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Ranting has been given a bad name by politicians.
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WBraun
climber
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LOL yep.
One day he comes over to me and says "come over to "Midnight Lightning"
I'm gonna beat Bachar's record on it.
Huh? Record?
Bachar did so many times and I'm gonna be King and do it more.
LOL ..... Ohh kay
So he does it 13 time in a row without resting between attempts.
I cheer him on knowing it's important for him.
He breaks the world record and I got to go to dinner then cause I was hungry .......
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 5, 2016 - 09:02pm PT
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One of many great memories with Cozzy was hanging below El Cap flyfishing upstream of the bridge.
It was late afternoon and I couldn't see into the water against the sun's reflection and Coz was sitting on the bridge spotting for me as I drifted a big stonefly.
He put me onto a big brown that hammered the bug.
I landed it and let it go and he said, "Jeez Chief, what kind of an Indian are you anyways?"
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 6, 2016 - 08:10am PT
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Stalking salmon on Howe Sound with Coz.
Coz pausing for a chat with Brian Moorehead (Mayor of The Smoke Bluffs)
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 6, 2016 - 09:06am PT
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Hello All,
Scott's sister Lori asked if I'd post this announcement on Supertopo.
I've booked my flight from Toronto and look forward to a gathering in Cozzy's memory.
PB
A memorial service for Scott Cosgrove (aka “Coz”) will be held on Saturday March 26, 2016, at 1:00-3:30pm at Todd Gordon’s at 9561 Star Lane, Joshua Tree, California.
Come and share your memories, stories and love with those who were a part of Scott's life.
A reception with lunch will follow and an evening gathering around a fire is planned.
Please help us anticipate attendance and RSVP to lelbert@att.net.
Thank you,
Lori Elbert (nee Cosgrove)
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SLowRider
Trad climber
Longmont, CO
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"Dudz.!...Get off the rope! It's going to cut" Yes, that's what I remember most about this photo taken about 30 minutes after we summited El Cap.
I had just cut the haul bag loose and cleaned the final anchors and started jumaring up of the final pitch of the Zodiac route on El Cap. I'm now about six feet above the anchors on a smooth section of granite when..."Dudz.!...Get off the rope! It's going to cut" As I had done in the pass when I thought my number was up I yelled "F*#K" and started to down jumar as fast as I could without bouncing on the rope that's suppose to cut.
Moto in the meantime down climbed to the supposed edge that was going to cut the rope and yanked it to set it free. This of course sent the rope sliding about 20 feet to the left as it also sent me straight down, not knowing whats going on above, about 12 feet down past the anchors and thinking here I go!..F*#K. As I came to a stop and quickly started jumaring up again to the anchors Moto yells, You're fine.. Stop making a big deal..! Miss ya Moto....Photo Credit: Deucy
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Dropline
Mountain climber
Somewhere Up There
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It would be a nice tribute to Scott if we keep bumping him to the first page here on ST until the gathering to celebrate his life on March 26th.
Feel free to help out and bump.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Facebook tells me that today is Coz's birthday? I knew Scott, but not well enough to deserve to get all broken up at the news of his death. Yet somehow this birthday thing touches me. It must be a rough day for close friends and family. My thoughts are with you.
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fosburg
climber
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Yea, HBD Scott!
Kinda wish the Coz Fest could've been in the Valley, I associate him with that area mostly...
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 8, 2016 - 08:14pm PT
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Lori asked that we post this on here.
There's a second page obituary but it didn't seem to come through reformatting from pdf to photo file.
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Mar 10, 2016 - 03:17am PT
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Bumped
Back To The top
When I was testy at the sandbagging going on, Coz, laughed and assured, Mike Paul,- Watusi-, did not have it in for me.
Scott said to me, it was all in fun, & the whole crew was in on it,
they sent everyone up the scary stuff.
Course n' buggy(?) and things like that
Then someone sent me off to climb with some guy from Colorado,
who Said his name was Mike. Weren't they all, I'm pretty sure it was Joe Brooks?
But he made me promise not to tell...( I'm pretty sure, some of the 'Them', already knew )
Scott was laughing hard at that
'cause they did pick on Some climbers more than others...
Baseball cap wearing friends of Clean Dan,were considered fair game....
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Phil Bard
Trad climber
Lake Oswego, OR
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Mar 10, 2016 - 07:02am PT
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Just saw this, terrible news. Scott was such a fine person its sad to hear he is gone. Some photos from back in the day.... RIP, Scott
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Craig Fry
Trad climber
So Cal.
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Mar 10, 2016 - 03:48pm PT
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Bump for the Coz
he loved the cactus photos
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eeyonkee
Trad climber
Golden, CO
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Mar 10, 2016 - 06:00pm PT
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I didn't know Scott, but I knew Perry. I just now read your March 1st post on this thread. It really touched me as somebody who remains interested in your history, and appreciates a true talent in our small climbing world. I feel like I got to know a little bit about Scott through the reminisces of somebody I respect and have a shared history with.
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fosburg
climber
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Mar 10, 2016 - 07:32pm PT
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Bump for Scott
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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Mar 11, 2016 - 07:16am PT
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Bump for COZ!!
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Mar 11, 2016 - 02:31pm PT
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Not too long ago, say, the year 2000, Lisa and I were on a road trip into the Selkirks. Somewhere over the Canadian border we stopped for some food at a pizza place right by the side of the road. There was a foyer, maybe a main dining room, and then another dining area separated and set back from the main counter.
As soon as we walked in, I took a look around and spied Scott in that back room, hunched over a guidebook or something. Just to mess with him, I walked right up and just said, "Hey Scott, what's happenin' …"
I laid this on him as though we were at Degnan's Deli, BITD.
Probably hadn't seen him in five years.
Totally caught him off guard. That blew his mind pretty good. He started laughing!
'Loved toying with Cozzy.
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Alison Rose
Boulder climber
Portland, OR
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Mar 12, 2016 - 11:18am PT
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I am an old friend of Scott's and I am so appreciating seeing this thread of photos, tributes and memories. I visited Scott in his rehab facility last February and wanted to share a story that reminds me of his tenacity and how hard he fought for his recovery. For a time, following his accident, he was in a wheelchair while he healed from his injuries. When I saw him, he was walking carefully with some sort of a cane. He was sharing his experience of rehab and told me with a smile "Al, I got into trouble with my group counselor". I had to ask "Now how did you do that?". He said there were two group members who were in wheelchairs and not fighting hard enough to try and walk. He believed in them and that they could walk again, so he pushed them hard to work at walking. The therapist said he was pushing too hard as one member got upset. However, the other he was trying to encourage thanked him and started to really make progress. I feel like this little story reminds me of Scott at a teacher and motivator. I am missing my old friend today.
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Mar 12, 2016 - 11:54am PT
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Yes, the things I saw him do in JTree, the Ski tracks,
with grit raining down as he just swam up
Smooth efficient ,
Is there a climb called Bambi eats Godzilla?
Heart & soul,? Windy ? Or Wendy? I've got to go try and look to see if I can remember.
I'm not a Lockhead, more of a burner, but he would pass me as I led gunkies slowly up things.
It would light them noobs up!
Some of them would stiffen up , and get all.
" I don't think that, -that- was called for or safe"
It would be hard not to laugh .... these were 5.8s
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Bruce Morris
Social climber
Belmont, California
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Mar 12, 2016 - 01:37pm PT
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Did a whole sequence of Scott bouldering at the Klinghoffers in Castle Rock State Park sometime in January 1988. But here's an unpublished one I stumbled on the other day in an old binder that illustrates his tenacity, strength and focus on the Grey Face (V1 R), a problem I've always TRed without shame:
You just can't look at the Coz Solo (V3) on the main Klinghoffer boulder without your jaw dropping down to your toes. You can't visit the Klinghoffers and ignore Scott's achievements there. Makes the place sacred.
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T2
climber
Cardiff by the sea
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Mar 13, 2016 - 08:39am PT
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Back to the top of the forum for you Coz
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Dropline
Mountain climber
Somewhere Up There
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Mar 15, 2016 - 08:46am PT
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Bump.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Mar 15, 2016 - 01:23pm PT
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Remembering Scott today and thinking how generous he was to offer to take one of Dan's lost arrows to a special area in Joshua Tree and pound it in for memories sake. Cheers, lynnie
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Mar 15, 2016 - 06:16pm PT
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Bump[Click to View YouTube Video]Bump,
Lets keep
both threads up front; thru the month
I think that some of those who climbed with him more recently should bump this
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Dimes
Social climber
Retired from Everything
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Mar 16, 2016 - 08:14pm PT
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Mar 17, 2016 - 06:59am PT
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Keep Coz on the front page.
[Click to View YouTube Video]
Where are the folks that knew the man!?
He was strong willed and singular in his positions on some things for sure.
I did not follow his postings, why did he get banned?
Can we all get over what ever the distastefully said things were?
One Word-smith, a giant of the tribe, seems most oddly silent.
Be it that he, they, are seen together in the oldest pics when they were boys
It is strange that . . . . . .Has nothing to add?
( this guy is so big that calling him out by name is taco suicide )
I hate that I'm all over this thread
This month has been one of those, brutal starts to a climbing season
With several climbing tragedies, & passings, (6, !?)
&. back to back, ( wow )
I will say, that for all that Coz was,
So too, were each of the strong souls,
that have died in the last month, my condolences
To everyone touched b the grief . . .
Great climbers, members of a loose nit tribe
Unfamiliar to one another but tied together by the
passion for hard play at a game that has FA &. Fatality,
written stone in the rules, ,
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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Mar 17, 2016 - 09:16pm PT
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Coz Bump. Caught chowing down on Crafty on a shoot we were working on.
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overwatch
climber
Arizona
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Mar 18, 2016 - 07:39am PT
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Bump just Coz
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overwatch
climber
Arizona
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Mar 18, 2016 - 12:08pm PT
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Double tap
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 20, 2016 - 06:35pm PT
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Flying from Toronto to Palm Springs Friday.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the gathering.
Too bad it take's a friend's passing to bring us together.
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Kalimon
Social climber
Ridgway, CO
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Mar 20, 2016 - 10:48pm PT
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We should all be so fortunate as Mr. Coz . . . what a wonderful tribute your friends have for you! You lived the essence of existence.
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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Mar 21, 2016 - 07:33am PT
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Coz and Hedge on the Job. C U All this weekend.
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Bruce Morris
Social climber
Belmont, California
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Mar 21, 2016 - 01:09pm PT
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The Orangutan Arch at the Cookie Cliff is one of the all-time pumpers (not matter what it's rated according to YDS).
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steve s
Trad climber
eldo
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Mar 21, 2016 - 03:51pm PT
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Orangutan arch is full value! Very pumper but it's money in the bank. Nice pic of Coz floating it Walleye.
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 21, 2016 - 04:51pm PT
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Great photo Walleye,
I on sighted The Cringe in one long pitch but was shut down by The Orangutan!
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KP Ariza
climber
SCC
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Mar 21, 2016 - 08:10pm PT
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Kick ass picture of Scott Walleye. Scott floated most everything. Helps to be short on OA me thinks. Hence the name perhaps.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Mar 21, 2016 - 09:29pm PT
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This Saturday, March 26th will be here in a few days. Look forward to seeing all of Scott's friends and family this Saturday on this important day. The weather looks like low 70s and a bit breezy;...should be a fine day to remember and pay respect to Scott and his legacy and all his has given and shared with his friends, family, work friends and the rock climbing community. A day to remember Scott and appreciate all that he has meant to so many of us and to celebrate a life well lived and shared with so many. The "formal" memorial and speakers will be from 1 PM to 3 PM....but the guests are welcome to stay as long as you wish;.....which includes camping on the property if you wish and spending the night. Many people have traveled far to attend this event and see old friends, meet new ones, and spend the day and evening in Scott's honor. There will be a campfire in the evening to hang out around. Please don't drink and drive and if you need anything or have any questions for me, ...just ask. Scott was well loved and well respected by many and he has touched so many people and made our lives fuller and inspired us all. Love you, Coz.
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 22, 2016 - 06:52am PT
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Todd,
Thanks for your generosity and kind words.
Looking forward to the gathering for Cozzy.
Perry
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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Mar 22, 2016 - 09:41am PT
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Thanks Gordo!
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SLowRider
Trad climber
Longmont, CO
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Mar 23, 2016 - 09:26am PT
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Looking forward to meeting other members of Scott's tribe.
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Frank Lucido
Boulder climber
Tahoe
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Mar 23, 2016 - 10:41am PT
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Coz, It's been way too long and now I'll never get to see you again. We had a lot of fun in Bishop back in '94. There were only a handful of "serious" climbers living full time there that year and now we're lost you and Kurt Albert from that crew, along with Bachar from up the hill in Mammoth. The more friends you have the more you loose. I wouldn't trade that time for anything. You gave me the best and deceptively simple advice anyone ever has, "don't let go." Words to climb and live by.
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GZ
Trad climber
Pasadena, CA
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Mar 23, 2016 - 11:16am PT
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His sister told me they don't know exactly how he passed, but it might have been a massive stroke or heart attack.
RIP Coz.
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jstan
climber
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Mar 23, 2016 - 12:43pm PT
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I have excerpted Table 2 from the cited study on autopsies given 218 people who suffered Acute Myocardial Infaction (AMI) and/or Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3297028/table/t2-cln_67p213/
As one might expect for such a common complaint, there are a number of etiologies that may be usefully investigated during autopsy. I leave it to the informed to consider further Scott’s specific situation.
Table 2
Major diagnoses in patients with ARF and AMI.
Associated diseases Number (% of cases)
BBP 26 (11.9)
Systemic arterial hypertension 22 (10.1)
Dilated cardiomyopathy 15 (6.9)
Pulmonary embolism 13 (6.0)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 10 (4.6)
COPD 8 (3.7)
Diabetes mellitus 8 (3.7)
Sepsis and/or septic shock 7 (3.2)
Stroke 6 (2.8)
*BBP = bacterial bronchopneumonia; COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Scott’s passing is a very keenly felt loss and impels one to want to understand.
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Frank Lucido
Boulder climber
Tahoe
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Mar 23, 2016 - 01:05pm PT
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I think I was introduced to Scott by Joe Hedge in the '80s in Josh and we went bouldering eons before pads. We climbed in the Valley and the Meadows and then lived in Bishop at the same time in 1994. I thought he was invincible and that nothing would ever get him because in Bishop he was wheelchair bound yet quickly recovering from two broken ankles. When he was coming home from the hospital from the first broken ankle he was riding in the back of a pickup in a camper shell when his girlfriend rolled his truck and he broke his other ankle. In Bishop he was had his homemade "patented" "CozWillWalky" balancing device for his rehab. We had a lot of fun climbing in and around Bishop. Coz was a tactician. I remember him lecturing me about my chalk bag. He asked why I had it hanging so low and I told that him I didn't know. And he lit into me. "Man,you got to think about that sh#t." I thought he was being kind of a dick, but you know what, he was right. All that stuff does matter in a tight spot. It's like when I asked him what his secret to hard sends was. He told me that he "never let go." I thought that was kind of stupid at the time. But, I thought about it and I realized how often I did let go instead of actually having the rock pull out from under my fingers. Once we took a trip out in Nevada looking for new rock and at night he insisted I break out my rope because he believed in the old wives tale. I told him it was totally bs but he wouldn't be dissuaded. He had to put a circle of rope around him so that the rattlesnakes wouldn't cross it and crawl into his sleeping bag during his open bivy. About four in the morning he started pounding on my camper shell demanding that we shoot off a .22 we had with us because he was worried that all the elk he could hear walking around us grazing we're going to stomp him to death. Of course that was ridiculous, but when Coz had a idea in his head there is no telling him he was wrong. We kind of drifted off to different ends of the state and I didn't see him much the last couple decades, but I can't tell you how many routes and problems I got up by repeating the just "don't let go" mantra.
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burnin' vernon
climber
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Mar 23, 2016 - 01:49pm PT
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No words for the tears in my eyes.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Mar 23, 2016 - 02:46pm PT
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Thanks to Todd and family for hosting the memorial for Scott.
I am sorry to have to miss it and the gathering of the tribe.
Rick
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melski
Trad climber
bytheriver
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Mar 23, 2016 - 04:51pm PT
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A crazy Diamond who;l always shine in our eyes,,
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Gobie
Trad climber
Northern, Ca.
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Mar 23, 2016 - 07:47pm PT
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I finally opened up the supertopo newsletter today as I sat for lunch and this was the first thing I saw. It was all I could do to compose myself and leave the table. My heart is heavy and I say that selfishly. I only had the pleasure of meeting him a few times and was blessed to work on a project with him for a few days. Super great guy to be around. I pray that peace and a re-knewed body find him in the after life. He will truly be missed. My condolences to those he has left behind.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Mar 23, 2016 - 09:41pm PT
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[photoid=449899]
Remember , it is spring break. There are lots of opportunities for lodging in yucca valley and 29 palms. Check it out early;.....it's busy this week. If you wish to camp, you can camp on the property here;..no reservations, fees, rangers, or regulations. See you soon for this important event.
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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Mar 24, 2016 - 12:23pm PT
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Bump for COZ!
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namaste
climber
Vegas
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Mar 25, 2016 - 08:51pm PT
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Blessings Coz, friends and family near and far...
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Mar 26, 2016 - 07:41pm PT
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Thank You Gordon Family for hosting a wonderful memorial for a friend of mine/ours.
Thank You Holly, for your courageous act of love and for the words of respect towards your uncle and hope for the future.
Special Thanks to you Chief, Yerian, General, for giving words to the feelings i already knew.
And Thanks to the to numerous to mention for a wonderful day:)
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overwatch
climber
Arizona
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Mar 26, 2016 - 09:24pm PT
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thanks for posting that and respect to all that were there to send off the fallen
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MisterE
Gym climber
Small Town with a Big Back Yard
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Mar 26, 2016 - 09:27pm PT
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So glad there are reports from the event - thanks.
A gathering of the tribe, and thanks for sharing the moments and respect.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Mar 26, 2016 - 09:43pm PT
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edit; Sorry dude(in the pic) if that was rude.. but Blizto looked alot like you! i almost jumped up and kissed ya.Lol. prolly shouda anyway. sorry i didn't get to meet ya
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Mar 27, 2016 - 01:17pm PT
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I would run into Coz in Yosemite now and then, at Bachar's memorial and somehow developed a relationship via supertopo and Facebook. Even though we sometimes had opposing views, it didn't come between us as people and he was often inviting me to go on a climb or visit sometime.
Sadly that never happened even though I was assured to be destroyed climbing with him.
I'm wishing him the best on the greatest adventure of all. Condolences to everyone who will miss him.
Peace and Love
Karl
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__e Whitehouse
Social climber
Ouray, colorado
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Mar 27, 2016 - 02:01pm PT
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Let's hope The Coz and Slater meet in heaven. Annie W
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 27, 2016 - 10:40pm PT
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Thanks to the efforts of a number of people, we had a gathering for Coz that seemed right.
I'm guessing there were around 80 in attendance including Scott's mom, uncle, sister and niece and a host of climbers who made the effort to honour Scott's life and memory.
Greg put an awesome photo collection onto a big panel that we could look at at our leisure.
There was a catered lunch, plenty of cold beverages and some tasteful classical guitar music.
A longtime friend of Scott's (who's name is also Scott) who was also a pastor, shepherded us along in a somewhat formal ceremony that seemed very natural and respectful.
I thought he did a great job of sharing his own experiences with Scott as a segue into letting a few of us share our own thoughts and remembrances about Coz and then wrapped things up with a fitting prayer and committal of Coz to the great beyond.
A few of us then took some of Cozzy's ashes to a special place.
Then it was beers around a fire under starlit Josh sky.
A special thanks to Todd for graciously hosting the gathering.
I'm back home in Canada and am grateful I was able to share in a send off Cozzy would have been OK with.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 27, 2016 - 10:58pm PT
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hey there say, Chief... thank you very kindly for sharing this note with us all...
sounds like it was just as it should have been...
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Mar 27, 2016 - 11:35pm PT
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Just arrived back home and will load pictures and post tomorrow. Thank you, Chief, for your part in everything.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Mar 28, 2016 - 12:16am PT
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Then it was beers around a fire under starlit Josh sky.
sorry i missed the ash to ashes..
but i'm enthralled, and inspired, and have been given hope by what appears as Chief's insistent ability of being aware of the NOW! Thank You Chief for coming to JTree, Thank you morely for solidifying what i thought attainable. Thanks mostly for being true to Scott
Peace Brother
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EllieHawkins
Social climber
Joshua Tree
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Mar 28, 2016 - 12:55am PT
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I was very surprised to find that Scott had passed away. Many of us remember him as a young climber in Yosemite during the 70's. Although he had a house in Joshua Tree, l have not seen him there in the last five or six years. Scott was a great guy.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Mar 28, 2016 - 01:18am PT
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Thanks Ellie for your first and very relevant post:)
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Mar 28, 2016 - 07:57am PT
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My favorite quote from this thread, from Perry:
"Jeez Chief, what kind of an Indian are you anyways?"
Totally vintage Cosgrove. Verbatim I'm sure.
I can even hear his throaty, slightly nasal cackle of the whole line.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Mar 28, 2016 - 12:30pm PT
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Thanks again BLUEBLOCR for your very positive comments and pictures on this thread. Since Tony Yeary posted many nice pictures of the Memorial on FB, I'll start with some pictures for ST.
[photoid=450430]
Will post more later.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Mar 28, 2016 - 03:27pm PT
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Thoughts and prayers are with so many today that are missing their son, brother, uncle, loved one and friend..........
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shipoopoi
Big Wall climber
oakland
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Mar 28, 2016 - 05:31pm PT
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it was amazing to see a lot of old friends i had not seen in years. it was so sad to start realizing scott has gone to another world. thanks to the gordon's again for letting us into their home for the event, and to all that helped. cheers, steve schneider
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Mar 28, 2016 - 08:31pm PT
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On a funny note, it was Scott that called me out on ST for spelling a lot alot. I thanked him. :)
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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Mar 28, 2016 - 10:13pm PT
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Before the Memorial we did a little boulder climbing in remembrance of Scott Cosgrove.
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SLowRider
Trad climber
Longmont, CO
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Mar 29, 2016 - 05:32pm PT
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Still haven't made a full re-entry after the Cozy memorial and to be honest I'm not quite ready to eject yet. I'm going to roll with the emotions and Head up towards the Moses in Utah this weekend to let the Coz spread out a little more and overlook the landscape.
Todd Gordon and family... Thank You for your kindness and many more thanks to everyone that made this a great event.
Peace from Colorado
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H
Mountain climber
there and back again
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Mar 29, 2016 - 06:05pm PT
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Great shots you guys.
Todd, you are the man. Much blessings and thanks to you and your family.
It was wonderful to celebrate Scott's life with you all.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Mar 29, 2016 - 08:59pm PT
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Cory, one of Scott's best friends, mentioned on Facebook today that Scott absolutely loved dogs. I didn't know that when I took a photo of two dogs that were there at the Memorial Service. They were so calm and didn't bark, but they did make sad sounds during the service. Dogs know much.
[photo
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Mar 29, 2016 - 09:37pm PT
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Just added 8 more photos to my last thread and wanted to give yo a heads up. That's it....wanted to give a thread friendly send off to a superior friend, climber and human being. Ciao Scott, until I see you in the heavenlies. Smiles, lynnie
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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Mar 30, 2016 - 02:22pm PT
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Rather than start a new thread, thought it ok to add a few photos here of the Cosgrove Memorial and Celebration of Life Gathering.
Peace,
TY
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burnin' vernon
climber
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Mar 30, 2016 - 05:51pm PT
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Just logging in and catching up on this page belatedly after a long drive home. Much thought time and food but for now I would just like to say that this was a most beautiful and touching memorial. A very special send off for a very special person. Many thanks to Scott's family and friends for putting this together. Special shout out to host Gordo for ever continuing to share what he has and keeping it real.
Peace--
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Bob_Banks
climber
Santa Barbara, CA
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Feb 25, 2017 - 06:24pm PT
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Bump for Coz.
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