Ann Krcik RIP

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dfrost7

Social climber

Long Beach, Ca

Topic Author's Original Post - Oct 15, 2018 - 09:45am PT

Last night I saw Free Solo. Amazing. At the end, there was a list of three 'In Memoriam'. Ann Krcik was the middle name. I'd just felt the elation and cheers in the theater and an impact reading her name which took my breath, for a moment.

If you don't recognize her name, she's a worth while search. There are many who work to promote efforts in this world, but few who pioneer.

I met Ann as she was beginning a visionary path connecting climbers to society in a way not to be ignored. She was probably the first to take the dirt bag slide show to the highest levels possible in public speaking - Apple's annual corporate sales keynote speaker. She did this 25+ years ago for a certain dirt bag I knew, no longer with us.

And so, time does this thing. Where you remember that smiling face, having no idea she had already gone. She was so great to me, as I had been building my design business in the climbing industry. She didn't know me, until we met at an Outdoor Retailer. She was one of those people who could make things happen fairly quickly - which was invaluable for climbers struggling for gear, funding, whatever. So much of what she did is beyond an inventory.

But Ann, you were wonderful. I was elated to see the movie, and grateful to see you acknowledged in an industry to which you were invisible to the outside, for a large part. Love you, thank you.

If you're interested in what an amazing woman Ann Krcik was and her contributions, click here. https://www.snewsnet.com/news/ann-krcik-obituary

dfrost7

Social climber

Long Beach, Ca

Topic Author's Reply - Oct 15, 2018 - 11:27am PT

'89 Todd Skinner. She got that speaking gig for him, and a loads of other connections she made for many. Left names out because I just wanted to honor her. She was an undisputed pioneer in this way. And, making branding connections long before trends.

She and I were a couple of chicks making some things happen and mostly invisible. Ann took the little Great Pacific Iron Works / REI / A16 slide show to a whole new level 20 years ago. She had the vision, stamina, hustle and pitch, at a time it wasn't that easy to pull off. Climbers want to climb. Not necessarily into making those connections. She was a valuable liaison, and never quit.

You can read Conrad and Alex's thoughts in the link I copied in OP. I'm still bummed. It's very important to see people when they're not well, especially when they've done something really special for you. She did for me.

couchmaster

climber

Oct 15, 2018 - 02:09pm PT

Sorry to see cancer take another good person from us. Best to all:

dfrost7

Social climber

Long Beach, Ca

Topic Author's Reply - Oct 15, 2018 - 04:13pm PT

@MGuzzy She was special. I realize she passed in February, but didn't know until the credits of Free Solo last night. She was so invested in the climbing / mountaineering / outdoors world, just thought she deserved a shout out. Alex said it in his piece 'she led from behind'. She was always promoting everyone. Need more Ann's in this world. So great, as she moved others forward, she moved forward as well.

neebee

Social climber

calif/texas

Oct 15, 2018 - 05:32pm PT

hey there say, dfrost7... oh my... such a wonderful share, as to this
this gal... and for teaching folks like me, that would not otherwise know
of her...

very sweet thing to share...

i will go read more about her...

thank you!