Discussion Topic |
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Timmc
climber
BC
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Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 25, 2018 - 05:45am PT
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A legend moves on.
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steveA
Trad climber
Wolfeboro, NH
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Aug 25, 2018 - 06:17am PT
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So sorry to hear this news.
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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Aug 25, 2018 - 06:42am PT
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Sad news. A true visionary.
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Mark Rodell
Trad climber
Bangkok
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Aug 25, 2018 - 06:57am PT
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Another great one has moved on. He loved and is loved by many and we are lesser with his departure
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rurprider
Trad climber
Mt. Rubidoux
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:12am PT
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RIP...Jeff Lowe. Such a great climber, human, and visionary. He blazed a glorious path.
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Stewart Johnson
Mountain climber
lake forest
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:19am PT
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RIP Jeff
it was an honor to have met you.
A great man indeed.
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:22am PT
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Jeff was the inspiration for SushiFest. He made a comment here on The Taco about images of sushi I was sharing and the next thing I knew Ron O had us making the marginally dumb idea to hold the event at Snow Canyon. Jeff attended. It was my first time meeting the greatest Alpine climber we've ever known. I was shocked to see he needed help walking. I had no idea of his crippling disease. It was such a struggle to witness how his body gave up. But the soul that is Jeff never did. At one point he literally willed himself off of his O2 tanks.
Rest easy my friend.
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Fritz
Social climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:25am PT
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He will be missed.
My condolences to his family & other friends.
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zBrown
Ice climber
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:26am PT
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Sad news. Condolences and appreciation
Jul 12, 2007 - 02:24am PT
No, Kim, YOU'RE the best; as is L, and DR, Hobo, Tar-man,Hanklor and so on and so on. This mutual fascination we have for steep places opens our senses to each other. We can begin to see or sense the truth behind the facade called reality.
Werner, of course, is one of my personal heroes. But heroes, too, are a facade.
-JelloLove
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Ezra Ellis
Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:27am PT
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Climb free Jeff,
He is on to his next adventure, free solo and alpine style.
Here is to a life well lived!
Condolences to all who loved him.
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Nick Danger
Ice climber
Arvada, CO
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:33am PT
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Rest in Peace, Jeff, what a great soul you're/are. Climb the Eternal Universe my man.
R E S P E C T
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ec
climber
ca
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:34am PT
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My condolences.
Jeff is an inspiration to all of us here...
 ec
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Capt.
climber
some eastside hovel
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:37am PT
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So sad to see this news. Truly an original bad-ass. Rest well Jeff. You certainly deserve it.
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CaNewt
Mountain climber
Davis, CA
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:45am PT
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I am deeply saddened to hear that Jeff died. Yesterday we lost Tom Frost. I met them both at their Ama Dablam base camp after their successful climb in 1979. They were such humble, caring ang inspiring people. You will be missed Jeff Lowe. My best wishes go out to Connie Self who took such great care of Jeff. over the past 8 years. Condolences to family and friends. You will be missed Jeff
Bob Schneider
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rmuir
Social climber
From the Time Before the Rocks Cooled.
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:50am PT
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Rest in peace, Jeff. Another great man, done gone.
My condolences to the extended Lowe family and all of his friends and admirers who he leaves behind…
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BrassNuts
Trad climber
Save your a_s, reach for the brass...
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Aug 25, 2018 - 08:04am PT
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RIP Jeff. It was a pleasure to have known you.
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hacky47
Trad climber
goldhill
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Aug 25, 2018 - 08:08am PT
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im soo sad
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hellroaring
Trad climber
San Francisco
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Aug 25, 2018 - 08:12am PT
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Rest In Peace Jeff Lowe...condolences to all who knew and loved him.
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Tom Patterson
Trad climber
Seattle
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Aug 25, 2018 - 08:20am PT
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Such a huge loss. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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E
Ice climber
mogollon rim
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Aug 25, 2018 - 08:22am PT
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What we do in life echoes in eternity
Love you brother
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Aug 25, 2018 - 08:24am PT
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Only met him once. He was at the top of his game, a dizzying height to be sure.
His sincerity, warmth, and humility were equally impressive - truly the mark of a great person.
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John M
climber
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Aug 25, 2018 - 08:29am PT
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Well Shoot.. I only knew Jeff through the forum, but he was one climber that I wanted to meet. A gentlemen on the forum and an inspiration as a climber. It seems weird to say that I will miss him because I hardly knew him, but I will.
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Jim Clipper
climber
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Aug 25, 2018 - 08:36am PT
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He shared a little of himself here, and how he faced his challenges. May I be better for it. The company he kept truly know his character and the example that was lost.
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steve s
Trad climber
eldo
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Aug 25, 2018 - 08:37am PT
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Keep climbing Jeff ! It was a privilege to have met you in Eldo. Thanks for your many first ascents and contributions to climbing. My condolences to family , friends , and the climbing community.
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
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Aug 25, 2018 - 08:59am PT
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A lot of heartache
Susan and Michael
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jimknight
Trad climber
Orem, Utah
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Aug 25, 2018 - 09:00am PT
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Jeff was extraordinary on so many levels. He had a huge influence on me, many of my climbing friends, and my sons. My oldest son was named Jeff in honor of him, and now the both of them are gone.
I'm deeply saddened by his passing and that of Tom Frost on the same day. They climbed together so I suppose they unroped and returned together to that last base camp where a warm and hearty reunion with their friends and kin await them.
If I learned anything from the both them, it was to handle life with wonder, hardship with grace, and look beyond the veil.
Off belay, fellas!
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ECF
Big Wall climber
Ridgway CO
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Aug 25, 2018 - 09:29am PT
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A great man, great achievements.
Here in Ouray we have Jeff to thank for having a winter economy.
What a mustache he had BITD!
Finally free to climb clouds and nebula columns... Valhalla is about to get some kick ass mixed routes.
Sad, but inspired.
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BruceHildenbrand
Social climber
Mountain View/Boulder
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Aug 25, 2018 - 09:39am PT
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I feel fortunate that I was able to spend an afternoon with him about two months ago at his nursing home in Boulder. When I first came in he was in his bed, but eager to get dressed and wheel himself out into the warming Boulder day. He couldn't talk anymore, but used a sheet with letters and a pointer to spell his words. Because of this I thought our conversations would be limited to basic phrases, but I found him still full of wit and humour. His body was failing him, but his mind was as sharp as ever.
We talked about everything climbing from bouldering("I never liked it. I always hurt my ankles") to the recent speed record on El Cap("it would take me that long to get to the base of the climb from the parking lot") to where to climb on a hot summer day in Boulder("find something in the shade").
At one point one of his fellow residents wheeled by headed over to the local Safeway and asked Jeff if he could bring something back. Jeff's response was to get him some Snicker's candy bars(a common climbing snack before the advent of energy bars).
RIP Jeff!
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johntp
Trad climber
Little Rock and Loving It
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Aug 25, 2018 - 09:52am PT
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Ahh crap! I hope he went peacefully. As all have said, RESPECT. Read just about all his books. His stories are always good reads.
His book "The Ice Experience" and Chouinard's "Climbing Ice" were the bibles for ice climbing in the 70's and 80's.
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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Aug 25, 2018 - 12:21pm PT
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Very sad news, indeed. My deepest condolences to all those close to him--family and friends.
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i-b-goB
Social climber
Nutty
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Aug 25, 2018 - 12:45pm PT
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You embodied Inspiration and commitment, RIP Jeff!
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karabin museum
Trad climber
phoenix, az
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Aug 25, 2018 - 12:45pm PT
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I was just with Jeff one month ago at the OR show in Denver. He commented that he loved my museum photos and may visit Phoenix with his tour. When I hugged him he felt so gentle.......
I am going to go cry for a little while.........
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Jan
Mountain climber
Colorado & Nepal
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Aug 25, 2018 - 12:50pm PT
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This is a shock since I visited him twice in the hospital here in Longmont, just ten days ago ago. At that time he was recovering from pneumonia and was going to be dismissed from the hospital to his new nursing home the next day.
His body was in terrible shape and he could only communicate by slowly typing messages on his computer one letter at a time which were then turned into voice communication. My first impression was how can he go on like this, his condition is so depressing? However as we talked, his indomitable spirit came through and I realized he was the most cheerful and humorous person in the room. His doctors and nurses from the hospital were so fond of him they were coming in to visit during their days off.
Jeff desperately wanted to communicate about climbing, so I told him funny stories from my climbing adventures in Colorado and Nepal and promised to visit him in his new place. I sent him an email asking for the address and never heard back. Now I know why.
I can't regret his suffering is over, only that I didn't have more time to spend with him. A great soul has passed.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Aug 25, 2018 - 12:58pm PT
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hey there, say, ... dear jello... jeff... you are gone from us,
here and now...
but-- you will NEVER NEVER be forgotten...
not by me...
and not by the whole world, that you touched with your life...
both the climbing life... and:
the 'type-talk' life, that you moved on into...
thank you so very kindly for being one of my first friends here...
and, for encouraging me to be here-- even though i did not climb...
thank you for advice, online friendship, and kind emails...
thank you for making folks happy...
thank you for sharing your climbing life...
thank you for sharing:
your hard awful struggle, on the awful hard
climbing trail, that you never expecting you have been doing,
with the ol' body, these last hard, but, 'inner beauty' years...
you will be missed by the world...
those that knew you and those that did not...
and those (like me) that knew you online...
you will NEVER NEVER be forgotten, just for being you, and
for sowing the seeds that you sowed in this world...
again, thank you for being a friend...
and, my prayers and love and condolences to your family and loved ones,
here, and among the world...
sad you are not with us... :(
however, a smile... :) for having had the chance to know you...
edit:
say, nature... i remember some photos, similar to what you shared...
perhaps they were from that very time that mentioned...
it was right back when jello was having trouble walking...
that was a wonderful share, about the sushi...
thank you for sharing...
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Aug 25, 2018 - 01:05pm PT
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Jeff was like the brother I never had.
He was the person that led me to Utah.
He will be missed to a degree unexplainable.
The silver lining is the end of his suffering.
Rest easy my friend.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Aug 25, 2018 - 01:28pm PT
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Jan
Mountain climber
Colorado & Nepal
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Aug 25, 2018 - 01:38pm PT
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This is so Jeff, the most optimistic and humorous person in the room in spite of it all.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Aug 25, 2018 - 02:16pm PT
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A number of the interviews in Metanoia were made at this reunion in the Tusher Mountains in 2010.
I look back fondly on when we could easily talk to each other.
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MH2
Boulder climber
Andy Cairns
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Aug 25, 2018 - 02:56pm PT
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A great, guiding, and light spirit.
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rick sumner
Trad climber
reno, nevada/ wasilla alaska
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Aug 25, 2018 - 03:05pm PT
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The man had true grit. I saw a microcosm of it in spring '75 when he climbed East Corner at the Leap. Despite 3 longish falls trying to get over the extremely sandbagged roof (rated 5.10 at the time but actually more like 5.12) he succeeded on the fourth go. This is level of determination he applied to his life and climbs I imagine.
Condolences to family and freinds.
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perswig
climber
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Aug 25, 2018 - 03:23pm PT
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Class and style.
RIP, sir.
Dale
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divad
Trad climber
wmass
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Aug 25, 2018 - 03:31pm PT
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An inspiration, always will be, always should be for anyone in the alpine world.
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mcreel
climber
Barcelona
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Aug 25, 2018 - 03:58pm PT
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Very sorry to hear this news.
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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Aug 25, 2018 - 03:58pm PT
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He was "Ouch!!!ed" on more than one occasion.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Aug 25, 2018 - 04:12pm PT
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Rest in peace, Jeff. You are missed.
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johntp
Trad climber
Little Rock and Loving It
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Aug 25, 2018 - 04:16pm PT
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The silver lining is the end of his suffering.
Yes
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John Mac
Trad climber
Breckenridge, CO
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Aug 25, 2018 - 04:52pm PT
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I was in Telluride last week and rode up to the falls and Jeff came into my thoughts immediately. He will be missed but never forgotten. His vision was years ahead of anyone else.
Deepest condolences to all his friends and family.
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Bale
Mountain climber
UT
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:24pm PT
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Pride of Ogden, Utah, my birthplace. Went to a slideshow of his at Weber State years ago. I remember him saying, “I tried it twice with Twight, wow, that’s a tongue twister!” (while speaking of Nuptse attempts if i recall).
His influence is everywhere. What a humble badass! RIP Jeff.
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:35pm PT
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I watched Metanioa this morning and found it to be a good biography and very entertaining as well. It appears to be a very good tribute now that he is gone.
America is now euologizing John McCain but Jeff was a much bigger hero to us.
I have 2 questions.
Jeff was one of the prime movers in Cdn Rockies alpinism in the 70's. Did he ever make an attempt on the Emperor Face on Robson? He certainly would have had an eye on it.
How many total pitches have been climbed by the crew in Ron's photo?
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:41pm PT
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God Speed and Rest in Peace
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7SacredPools
Trad climber
Ontario, Canada
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Aug 25, 2018 - 07:44pm PT
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Some beautiful sentiments to a true icon posted here.
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jogill
climber
Colorado
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Aug 25, 2018 - 08:20pm PT
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What an outstanding person. He put up the good fight. RIP, Jeff.
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L
climber
Just livin' the dream
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Aug 25, 2018 - 09:13pm PT
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Aaaahhhhh, Jeff....your early departure has made me very sad. Like watching a good friend sail off on a much-anticipated voyage, it has caused my heart to both grieve and celebrate simultaneously.
I am so glad you are free now.
But I need to go cry a little...
Vaya con dios, mi amigo.
Forever your friend and admirer,
L
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JMC
climber
the land of milk and honey
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Aug 25, 2018 - 09:57pm PT
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climber and photographer both gone this month, rest in peace to them. Visionary men, we stand on their shoulders.
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Russ Walling
Social climber
from Poofters Froth, Wyoming
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Aug 25, 2018 - 10:03pm PT
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RIP Jeff... Yours was an inspiring life. Via con Dios amigo
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Klimmer2.0
Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
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Aug 25, 2018 - 11:17pm PT
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Phenomenal climber and an inspiration, writer, equipment designer, badass first ascentionist. Really enjoy his DVD biography Metanoia. Way ahead of his time doing hard mixed climbing and then writing about it. I have so many of his brother’s Lowe packs and camera bags. I did get to see him in person at the AAC meeting here in San Diego many years ago.
RIP Jeff Lowe (“Jello”)
Too many great climbers passing away ... Charles Cole 3, Tom Frost, Jeff Lowe ... it’s very sad and overwhelming 😢
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California, now Ireland
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Aug 26, 2018 - 03:54am PT
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So sad, he was a very good person. Rest in peace Jeff.
Patrick
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wbw
Trad climber
'cross the great divide
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Aug 26, 2018 - 01:55pm PT
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Meeting Jeff in Eldo a long time ago was meeting one of my heroes. You always got the
impression from him that desire is the most important element in cold climbing.
Huge respect!
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AKDOG
Mountain climber
Anchorage, AK
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Aug 26, 2018 - 04:07pm PT
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Condolences, life well lived. one of my inspirations.
Still have my hummingbird axe.
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More Air
Trad climber
S.L.C.
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Aug 26, 2018 - 04:39pm PT
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Very sad, but what climber...ahead of his time. Here's a photo of a lesser known first ascent of his in Zion. Well into his illness he drew for me the line (route #4 in the middle) of the first ascent of the Red Sentinel, a 2,000+ wall in Zion. He called it "The Toad". This impressive ascent took only 3 days...unheard of for such a big climb with the limited gear they had and the technical climbing, done in the early 70's. When I asked him how they were able to climb it so fast he said " We were alpinists!" This was the only time I'd met him. He was warm, friendly, genuine and very likable.
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hamie
Social climber
Thekoots
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Aug 26, 2018 - 08:59pm PT
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With a Lowe Big Bird in my left hand, and a Lowe Hummingbird in the right, Lowe Foot Fangs on the boots, and a copy of The Ice Experience on the coffee table, this weekend hacker was introduced to a whole new world.
My mail ordered Big Bird had to pass through Canada Customs. The customs declaration form said only "Big Bird". The Canadian agent had written underneath "Child's toy. No duty." Child's toy indeed. This one was for the big kids!
Thanks, Jeff. Cheers.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Aug 27, 2018 - 08:53am PT
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I met Jeff at the Snow Canyon SushiFest. He was such a happy, friendly, decent person. My condolences to those who knew him well, loved him and will miss him and remember him now with bittersweet memories.
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eeyonkee
Trad climber
Golden, CO
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Aug 27, 2018 - 11:06am PT
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Jeff certainly deserves to rest in peace. I heard from his cousin George that the end was very peaceful and he was among family. Wished I'd known him before his neurological affliction. He made a big impression on me all the same.
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L
climber
Just livin' the dream
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Aug 27, 2018 - 02:05pm PT
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I just watched Metanoia--and was totally blown away.
It's an amazing film...and a fitting tribute to a truly incredible human being.
Climb on, Jello.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Aug 27, 2018 - 07:42pm PT
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hey there say, L... oh my, i just saw it...
it was a wonderful story...
thank you jello for sharing you life...
i always wondered what it was about, and hoped to see it...
thank you jeff, for sharing you life with the world...
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Aug 27, 2018 - 09:38pm PT
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Sincere condolences to family and friends.
A true visionary, inspiration to so many of us, and all around good guy.
RIP Jeff.
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Jim Clipper
climber
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Aug 27, 2018 - 11:45pm PT
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Watched the film. Humbled by his drive and skill in the mountains. More humbled by his love for his daughter. Bold family.
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Aug 28, 2018 - 06:55am PT
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My wife has a set of his ice tools. I've got a set of Foot Fangs in a crate somewhere. I've never met him, but he sure has been important in my life. We all have to cast off this mortal coil. He's gone too soon. Kind of missing my heroes these days! So many are leading their last pitches.
@Tolker: That picture of the gang is AWESOME. That smile and laughter made my morning.
BAd
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Social climber
Wilds of New Mexico
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Aug 28, 2018 - 07:52am PT
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Mr. Lowe was one of my early idols- he really pushed boundaries as a climber. He had a great presense here on the taco as well. Best wishes to his family.
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fear
Ice climber
hartford, ct
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Aug 28, 2018 - 08:10am PT
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RIP Jeff.... kick@ss flavored Jello....
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Russ
Trad climber
Ventura, CA
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Aug 28, 2018 - 11:31am PT
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Rest in peace, Jeff. Another legend moves on to the great white everafter.
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Lassitude 33
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Aug 28, 2018 - 11:34am PT
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A person of great integrity and well deserved legendary status. Rest in Peace.
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Big Kahuna
Ice climber
Hell Hardest climb I did was getting out of bed.
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Aug 29, 2018 - 10:46pm PT
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Jeff was a class act. I was leading a route at Lee Vining one day and the guy on a pitch next to me shouts over to me and says "Hey your looking pretty good there" I just said thanks; then I thought to myself holly sh#t that's Jeff Lowe! To be honest it made may day. He was open, friendly, very approachable, and nice guy who happened to be one hell of an Alpinist. He will be missed.
God Speed Jeff
RIP
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Chris Jones
Social climber
Glen Ellen, CA
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Aug 30, 2018 - 12:51pm PT
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On my first climb with Jeff Lowe, then aged 20, I quickly knew that he was a special talent. His complete composure was highlighted when he calmly set up a bivouac hammock suspended at one end from a single nut. I remember questioning him about backing it up, but his assured: “it’s good,” eased my anxiety. Even so, I intently peered at the placement during the long night. At that time, 1971, we were surely using nuts, but a good old pin whacked in was what seemed best in a tight situation. Jeff was already beyond that mind set.
In 1991 Allen Steck and myself were asked to recruit North American climbers for a conference to be held in Florence, Italy. All expenses paid. To our invitation, Jeff replied that he had just one condition: that Catherine Destivelle be invited also. Possibly Jeff thought he was driving a hard bargain, but we could hardly believe our luck. Two of the world's greatest climbers with one invitation. At the conference I remember sitting across the dinner table from the two of them. They were both so animated and attractive, and then at the height of their abilities.
One has to be in awe of the sheer talent and drive that Jeff embodied. He was a true master. And a very fun person to be around.
Jeff, thank you for all that you gave us in both your climbing and your life.
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shipoopoi
Big Wall climber
oakland
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Aug 30, 2018 - 01:48pm PT
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a great legend has passed away. condolences to friends and family.
i owe jeff a thanks for putting on the world cups that he did in the early 90's. i was able to grab 19th place at the berkeley world cup, which was the 4th american finish. i know these comps put him in debt, so i was always grateful to him for trying to get these big events in our country. steve schneider
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Aug 30, 2018 - 02:02pm PT
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In 1991 Allen Steck and myself were asked to recruit North American climbers for a conference to be held in Florence, Italy. All expenses paid. To our invitation, Jeff replied that he had just one condition: that Catherine Destivelle be invited also. Possibly Jeff thought he was driving a hard bargain, but we could hardly believe our luck. Two of the world's greatest climbers with one invitation.
Which leads to my Jeff Lowe encounter...
You guys also recruited me for that Montagna Avventura 2000 conference in Florence, and, for whatever reason, the organizers asked me to give a kind of keynote address to launch the opening session, which was focused on climbing writing. Of course I was all excited, and my head swelled up enormously, and then...
...and then I looked around the room and realized that almost everyone there was an ultra famous climber, and most of them were equally well known as writers.
All I wanted to do was get down from the stage and crawl out under the door. I was supposed to lecture the cream of climber/writers on climbing writing? I was terrified, but somehow managed to give my presentation without fainting, and then to join the panel that followed.
I knew I'd made an idiot of myself, and was dreading having to spend the next two days hanging out with all those luminaries, but no sooner had the session ended than Jeff (whom I'd never met) came up to me and thanked me for the address. He had nothing to gain from me, and no need at all to go out of his way to cheer me up. But he did, and I have been forever grateful to him for his kindness.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Spoke with Greg.
When the hospice personnel knew the time was near there were vigils. Jeff didn't suffer very much, he had a steady dose of morphine.
Among those with him as he slipped away were his cousin George and Moonlight Buttress partner, Mike Weiss.
The paradox of his unfortunate health and the greatest fortune of being so loved I find touchingly poignant.
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oreo19
climber
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Sep 11, 2018 - 04:09pm PT
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Please let me know if any of you would like to and are able to attend Jeff's Celebration of Life. We are limited to 250 people, so if you'd like to be there and can attend on Saturday, September 22 from 5 to 8 pm in Boulder, Colorado please reply, with the # of people in your party (if more than just yourself) so that I can add you to the invite on Facebook. If you don't have Facebook, I just need an email or phone # and can add you to the event.
There will be a second memorial later this year in Ogden, Utah where my dad grew up so if you can't make it to this one, hopefully we will be able to see you then!
Thanks,
Sonja Lowe
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Sep 11, 2018 - 04:19pm PT
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I was at the base of Latok 1 with Thomas Huber when I heard the news. Kind of bittersweet...the site of one of his notable climbs and Thomas had just made the second ascent of Metanoia! Jeff’s grondbreaking solo on the Eiger.
Jeff will long be remembered for his pioneering climbing but I was even more impressed with the way he dealt with his long and terrible illness.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Sep 11, 2018 - 04:33pm PT
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New York Times published an obit today (?!) in the online edition. Thorough write-up with a handful of well-chosen and representative photos.
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norm larson
climber
wilson, wyoming
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Sep 11, 2018 - 06:10pm PT
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Always an inspiration to me. Another end of an era moment for me. Sad.
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Sep 13, 2018 - 10:29pm PT
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Jeff would have turned 67 today. Climb on, brother.
Edit: 68th birthday. My bad.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Sep 14, 2018 - 12:47am PT
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hey there, say, Gilroy... awww, thank you for sharing that...
very nice to do...
SOME SUPPERTOPO BIRTHDAY LINKS FOR JEFF (JELLO) ...
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=1611769&msg=2873215#msg2873215
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/1267101/Actual-On-Topic-News-Happy-BDay-Jeff-Lowe
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/1927393/Happy-Birthday-Jeff-Lowe
say, Gilroy...
there is a nice note, from jello/jeff, on the LONGEST birthday
thread, and a nice PHOTO that you posted, there, too...
(back when you all 'had hair' , as you said) ...
thought you might like to see it...
happy good eve, to you...
thanks for sharing the reminder of jello's birthday...
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Sep 14, 2018 - 08:05am PT
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Good of you to take note, neebee! Thanks for putting the links together. Don't we miss the mellow Jello presence here?
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ydpl8s
Trad climber
Santa Monica, California
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Sep 14, 2018 - 11:07am PT
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Hey Gilroy, love that pic of Jeff with Philo lurking.
Jeff was an inspiration to all of us in Gunnison. We would go out and boulder at Hartman's rock and then run into Jeff and hear about his most recent daring doo's; Black Ice Couloir, The Eiger etc. He will be mightily missed.
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Sep 14, 2018 - 07:46pm PT
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That can't be philo, Scott, he's banned.
We're talking about the same person, right? The guy that repaired Jeff's wheelchair until it was a supercharged scourge of the parking lot? The guy that went to ICU with Jeff those many times, designed the ramp to make the house wheel chair accessible?
That can't be him.
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ydpl8s
Trad climber
Santa Monica, California
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Sep 16, 2018 - 05:56pm PT
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Phil, able to live under the radar and make real contributions that take time and energy. Puts his deeds where is mouth is. I know that Jeff meant a lot to him.
Moss
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Sep 16, 2018 - 06:40pm PT
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Phil, despite his kneejerk moments here on the forum, devoted himself to Jeff and Connie when they truly needed help. I shared many fine moments discussing the workings of the cosmos with these people.
"Do you believe in fate?"....Depends on what you mean by that...Circumstantially or existentially speaking... LOL
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Sep 17, 2018 - 11:20am PT
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Don't miss Philo's digital Turret's Syndrome, but he did help out a lot.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Sep 17, 2018 - 03:11pm PT
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I hear there is a memorial in Boulder on the 22nd...any updates?
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oreo19
climber
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Sep 17, 2018 - 06:18pm PT
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There will also be a memorial in Ogden, Utah on November 25 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving).
Thanks,
Sonja
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Sep 18, 2018 - 09:28am PT
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Jeff belongs at the top bump.
Be there or be talked about, Boulderites!
Home of the Lowe Route. One of many Lowe routes.
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justing
climber
Santa Cruz, CA
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Sep 18, 2018 - 11:39am PT
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Can someone tell me how I can watch Metanoia? I was moved to see it with his passing, but I have not been able to find it anywhere.
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johntp
Trad climber
Little Rock and Loving It
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Sep 18, 2018 - 03:14pm PT
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Can someone tell me how I can watch Metanoia? I was moved to see it with his passing, but I have not been able to find it anywhere.
As far as I know Connie has had the links disabled.
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Rollover
climber
Gross Vegas
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Sep 18, 2018 - 03:37pm PT
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Sep 21, 2018 - 11:12pm PT
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Valentina is 8 now.
Word is, the Lowe clan are massing at a huge mansion in Niwot.
(Jeff had 8 siblings with numerous descendants)
Sounds like this could be bigger than the Utah memorial.
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ionlyski
Trad climber
Polebridge, Montana
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Sep 22, 2018 - 12:10am PT
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Hey that's Hayden in the photo with Jeff too. And is that Kyle Dempster? Quite the historical giant is that photo. Love it!
Arne
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Sep 23, 2018 - 01:37pm PT
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A very nice service yesterday, and I got to see people I haven't seen in years.
Didn't succeed on a lot of photography, but here is Jeff;
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Sep 23, 2018 - 02:07pm PT
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hey there say, everyone... thanks for all the shares, here...
:)
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Rollover
climber
Gross Vegas
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Sep 23, 2018 - 06:33pm PT
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F*#k RonO
I needed that.
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L
climber
Just livin' the dream
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Sep 23, 2018 - 06:39pm PT
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^^^^^^^^ Yep, me too.
Jello's laughing with us, I'm sure.
Thanks Ron.
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hamie
Social climber
Thekoots
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Sep 23, 2018 - 06:40pm PT
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The FB page quoted above mentions
"a devastating fall from grace"
News to me. Can someone please provide details about what is being referred to here? Thanks.
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Sep 26, 2018 - 06:06am PT
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The memorial in Boulder was an appreciated opportunity to gather in Jeff's memory.
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J R
climber
bend
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Sep 30, 2018 - 08:57am PT
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Well Jeff,
We picked the cherries today. It was a brisk 30 degrees, but the skies were not the least bit threatening. I live only a few miles from the Black Wall, yet have never been out to climb on it. Road Warrior was the obvious choice, as Nick is on his way to the valley next week to try the Freerider. A little bit of wide at 13,000 feet goes a long way for fitness.
I know what you're going to say, "Too much gear." We really didn't take that much: just a single rack to 5, two 6's, a green bro, and a valley giant. I thought it was just right to keep it fun.
Hiking in, I was thinking about the last time I saw you. You were quite different, as the time had passed, but you were still the same Jeff. Without your voice, communicating was difficult. But, your enthusiasm for life and climbing always carried the conversation. And, only a couple words tapped out on the alphabet card could convey a conversation worth of meaning.
I remember following you into a room with intent on working on a project. You spun around in your chair, and had a serious look in your eye. You tapped out some letters,
"B...L...U...E
B...A...L...L."
Kind of caught off guard, I started to chuckle, then swallowed the laugh. But, you cut me off with the wave of your hand.
"N...A...K...E...D."
You looked up from the alphabet card. I was obviously confused.
"E...D...G...E."
We both laughed. I forgot I had mentioned I had climbed the Naked Edge that morning.
"PITCH 2, AROUND CORNER"
"BOMBAY CHIMNEY"
A better memory than me. Got it.... Blue Ball Nuts around the 5.10 corner and below the bombay chimney. I already forgot my morning, and you remember the exact gear placements on a route you probably haven't touched in over 30 years. I guess it was your favorite Eldo route.
Well cheers buddy. Here are some photos I promised.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Thomas Huber recently sent me a photo of some of Jeff’s gear that he found while doing the second ascent of Metanoia during January 2017. He later gave the gear to Jeff at the Piolet d’ Or when Jeff received his Lifetime Achievement Award.
N
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Larry
Trad climber
Bisbee
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Jeff was definitely an inspiration to me in my early years of climbing. I managed early repeats of a couple of his Wind River routes. Unfortunately, that's pretty much where I peaked out.
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johntp
Trad climber
Little Rock and Loving It
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Unfortunately, that's pretty much where I peaked out.
Hey, you climbed in his footsteps. Good on ya,
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clifff
Mountain climber
golden, rollin hills of California
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Oct 15, 2018 - 11:31am PT
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Last Words of Alpinist Jeff Lowe
https://www.outsideonline.com/2347676/jeff-lowe-last-words-worlds-greatest-alpinist
We live in an age where more unskilled climbers appear to be taking impatient risks all for the sake of a social media boost. Lowe’s view of risk hadn’t changed, he said. “I have always felt that no climb is worth losing the tip of a little toe. A parallel thought is that if I had died during a climb, it would put an asterisk on all my climbs. Being willing to risk it all for any given climb will inevitably end at some point in disaster.”
“I mean any fool can hurl themselves at a climb that is beyond their abilities to safely negotiate. You may get away with such an approach nine times, but the tenth time you don’t come back. That includes what climbers call objective risks such as avalanches and rock fall. Many climbers use the term ‘objective hazard; to denote something they aren’t to be held accountable for. I held myself accountable for the mistakes I made over the years.”
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Jim Clipper
climber
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Oct 15, 2018 - 01:53pm PT
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Poignant coming from Jello. Maybe... although ultimately mortal, the climber is of more consequence than the climbs. Thanks to Mr. Jello for letting us see, however briefly, that sometimes, humans can be a match to the mountains.
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Mad69Dog
Ice climber
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Oct 26, 2018 - 02:47am PT
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When I was in school, Jeff taught an ice climbing class that Holubar put together for Colorado State University. He was concerned that every student got his personal attention. The next time I ran into him was at Indian Creek. He was climbing with Catherine Destiville and she was trying to loosen him up by pushing a bottle of Jack on him around the camp fire.
I also took an ice climbing class from him at an EMS gig in New Hampshire ('98?). It was a blast. He and Marc Twight gave slide shows. Twight made fun of Lowe, like he was some old man and I guess he was but he shoulda shown some respect because Lowe fired back during his slide show and burned Twight into a puddle of quivering goo. Lowe talked about going to do a route with Twight in the Andes and realizing that Twight was a climber that didn't enjoy the actual climb, he enjoyed having done a climb. It brought the house down. Paybacks are hell, you little bitch...
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Oct 26, 2018 - 07:53am PT
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When Twight tied in with Jeff on Nuptse, Mark simply was not up to the task.
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Old Stienfel
climber
Ogden Utah
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Nov 23, 2018 - 09:16am PT
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Hello everyone,
Longtime lurker first time poster.
I had the pleasure of knowing Jeff in high school and the early days of the Steinfels club in Ogden.
The last time I saw him was a funeral for one of our mutual friends. We talked about getting together to make notes for an article or book he was thinking about doing on the early days of climbing in the Ogden area. Unfortunately it never came to be.
I noticed a mention of a gathering in Ogden on November 25th but have not seen anything else about it. I would like to pay my respects if anyone has any information.
If it is not for public information I understand.
KM
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johntp
Trad climber
Little Rock and Loving It
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Nov 23, 2018 - 10:47am PT
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Hello everyone,Longtime lurker first time poster.
Glad you have posted up. Can't answer your question. I won't be able to make it. Hopefully there will be a thread on it.
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Old Stienfel
climber
Ogden Utah
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Nov 23, 2018 - 12:12pm PT
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Thanks jstan. That was what I was referring to. Just looking for a time or place if available.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Nov 29, 2018 - 12:50pm PT
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It was a nice ceremony at the Talia Events Center attended by 60-70 people.
Jeff cast a broad shadow. It will be good to see his contributions appreciated in the years to come.
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Old Stienfel
climber
Ogden Utah
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Nov 29, 2018 - 03:44pm PT
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I'm sure it was. So close to home I'm sorry I missed it.
I was friends with both Jeff and Greg. The whole Lowe clan was amazing.
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Bale
Mountain climber
UT
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Jan 25, 2019 - 02:15pm PT
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Scored this today at Moab Gear Trader, awesome on so many levels! RIP Jeff Lowe.
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