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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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