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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 21, 2007 - 12:40am PT
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I learned today that Pete Steres died on February 11, 2007 at the age of 54. Pete started climbing at Tahquitz and Suicide in the late 60’s and moved to Boulder around 1980.
Pete is in the middle of this photo, taken at the Joshua Tree party last spring.
He was a quiet, introspective sort, but very warm when you got to know him.
Pete loved climbing and he was incredibly good at it. I remember being awed several times observing his powerful, yet cerebral style on both faces and cracks. In the early 80’s he was in his prime, and had a regular circuit of hard solos in Eldorado Canyon that made me shake my head in wonder.
Pete was a connoisseur of fine wines. I will never forget hiking to a crag in the South Platte, and getting back to the packs after completing the climb. I pulled my approach shoes out of my pack, but Pete pulled out of his a bottle of vintage Cabernet, a corkscrew, and to top it off, two crystal glasses carefully wrapped in white cloth.
Here’s to you, Pete.
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Watusi
Social climber
Joshua Tree, CA
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Feb 21, 2007 - 12:46am PT
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God Bless!! I myself was at that gathering! I recognize him in this shot with Rob Raker and Bob Bolton, and I had the opportunity to meet him myself...What a lovely person, and friend I'd met there to be sure!!
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Feb 21, 2007 - 01:31am PT
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Sorry to hear that Ricky,
What a bummer; all of us tightly woven into this meaningful embrace and another is gone.
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bachar
Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes, CA
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Feb 21, 2007 - 01:32am PT
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RIP Pete buddy...you were not only one of the best face climbers I've ever seen but a true gentleman. It was good seeing you at Josh...
Condolences to Pete's family - he was a great guy we'll always remember.
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Feb 21, 2007 - 01:34am PT
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Robs & Pete.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Feb 21, 2007 - 01:35am PT
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Sad, sad news. I met Pete in the late 70's at Camp fire parties at Joshua Tree, and saw him here and there around So. Cal. I believe he worked at Neptune's in Boulder , and I ran into him in Colorado too. He was always soft spoken, talented as a climber, and his passion for fine wine was well know. When we were all poor climbing bums, I heard stories of prices he paid for certain bottles of wine;....I was impressed with his single-minded drive to get the best and "do it up right." One of Pete's "famous moments" was that he is on the cover of Tim Toula's Rock and Road Book....(cranking down, but ya can't see his face!). Pete was a skinny boy (Although at the Josh reunion, he filled in a bit, didn't he?), and he climbed with power and grace. More Pete trivia;.....he did the first ascent of such Needle's classics as Airy Interlude (1976), Thin Ice (1976), and that awesome chimney The Spell (1976). I didnt' know Pete all that well, but every time I ran into him, I was very happy to see him, visit with him, and I'm sure he will be greatly missed by all his friends who were blessed by his friendship. So sorry to hear this news......
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Jello
Social climber
No Ut
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Feb 21, 2007 - 01:38am PT
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Ohh man, another goodbye. RIP, Pete.
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TYeary
Mountain climber
Calif.
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Feb 21, 2007 - 02:55am PT
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And the hits just keep on comming.
" No man is an Island"
You're on belay, Pete.
Tony
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Feb 21, 2007 - 03:39am PT
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Didn't know Pete, but as another 54 year old, it gives one pause and makes you realize what a gift it all is. Maybe I'll find myself on one of his routes someday and get a taste of it all. Shine on, man...
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Crimpergirl
Social climber
St. Looney
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Feb 21, 2007 - 08:33am PT
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I'm sorry to hear this. But I'm happy we have a forum like this to learn about (for some of us) and remember/honor these wonderful individuals.
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Feb 21, 2007 - 09:25am PT
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I'm stunned. I saw Pete recently and he seemed fine. Ricky, what took Pete out?
Now there's no doubt in my mind that if Pete had been born thirty years later he'd be doing 5.14 because he was absolutely crazy good at steep face climbing long before it was popular. He was skinny as a rail and moved like water. He also did some very impressive solos at Tahquitz many decades ago. Pete was the Real Deal and almost nobody knew as much.
Most of all Pete was a gentle soul. Pleasnat journeys, my friend.
JL
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wbw
climber
'cross the great divide
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Feb 21, 2007 - 10:00am PT
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I got the call on Saturday and was told Peter died of an aneurism. The last time I saw him was crossing paths at Liquor Mart, and as we always did, we stopped and caught up for 10 minutes or so. I used to see him much more often when he was working at Neptune's.
Peter was experienced in the alpine realm, as well as on hard face climbing. Two stories that he told me, years ago, that make my palms sweat to this day involve a solo of Robson, and an ascent of the Bachar-Yerian in which he just barely avoided the huge whip by lunging and wrapping a finger through a bolt. Apparently the original bolt had just been replaced with a modern bolt a few days earlier, and had that not been the case, he would not have been able to get his finger through the hanger.
I'll miss those chance meetings with Peter, and his always-encouraging words.
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426
Sport climber
Buzzard Point, TN
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Feb 21, 2007 - 10:08am PT
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"it's a 5.10 mantle into heaven, brothers"
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bob d'antonio
Trad climber
Taos, NM
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Feb 21, 2007 - 11:12am PT
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Sad...Climb with Pete a fair amount and talked to him even more at Neptune's.
Did Childhood's End with him (5.11+ 10 pitches)about ten years ago. A great face climber...Pete cruise the crux pitch and thought the route was one of the best he ever did.
The night before he drank at least a bottle of wine and felt no pain in the morning.
I have a great picture of Pete on the route and will post it when I can find it.
Really makes me realize how tight the climbing community use (70's) to be...if you didn't climb with someone...you at least knew someone who did.
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Levy
Big Wall climber
So Cal
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Feb 21, 2007 - 11:14am PT
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I had heard about this Sunday night but I had no confirmation so I waited to see if it was true. Pete was a great guy and and interesting character. I'd usually see him in Tuolomne Meadows at the Waugh site and catch up with him.
Too many deaths of friends of mine over the last year and a half. I'm stunned!
Levy
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G_Gnome
Boulder climber
Sick Midget Land
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Feb 21, 2007 - 11:39am PT
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Oh man, not Pete! I am gonna miss him a lot. We at least have had lots of quality time during the summer in Tuolumne the last few years. I have known Pete since I started climbing in 73. He was one of my original mentors at Stoney and taught me a lot about climbing. He was so thin and yet climbed so hard, he was a perfect example of technique being more important than power. We are gonna miss you Pete!
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Feb 21, 2007 - 11:52am PT
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Circa late 70's, my best memory of Pete; Joe Hedge and I were starting up an upper pitch of something like Dave's Deviation above lunch ledge and I see Pete coming up off Human Fright or one of those, being at least 5.10 and he'd soloed it, in a pair of Kronies with green dot soles. The jolly footwork master, when I called him on it just said, "Yup, just solo'd that pup, Howdya like them apples?!"
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Latitute 33
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Feb 21, 2007 - 11:54am PT
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Pete was a tremendously nice guy, fine climber and kind spirit. It had been a number of years since we last met and it was great to see him at the Josh reunion. As John said, Pete was the real deal, both as a person and climber.
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graham
Social climber
Ventura, California
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Feb 21, 2007 - 12:01pm PT
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Wow really shocking news. We was a great guy, I’m glad I got to see him again last year. My condolences to his family and friends, Rest in piece.
Mike
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Bldrjac
Ice climber
Boulder
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Feb 21, 2007 - 02:15pm PT
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That's shocking and very sad.......The last time I saw Pete was when a Pike Howard and I helped him move from Boulder to Gun Barrel just over a year ago. He didn't look good and couldn't help much but he could still wisecrack as well as ever. I have many good memories.
The best climb we ever had together was when we did Break Point in Eldorado. Pete steadfastly refused to ever use camming units. Thought they took the thrill and art from climbing so he led the crux pitch on passive nuts. Problem was that the first part of that pitch requires small nuts and Pete had nothing smaller than a #5 Hex which didn't work.
It took him awhile to finish the lead but he did so mostly using his skill and his extensive catalog and use of profane language to get him to the belay. After I finished following the pitch and got to the belay I was rewarded with Pete smiling more widely then I had ever seen him smile before. He knew he was right and that cams were for "wimps". He had an elegant and light style when he climbed which misled you into believeing that the climbing really wasn't that difficult...........UNLIKE his skiing style that made you think the snow must be in horrible condition.....He enjoyed good wine and music and dancing on tables when he had too much of both. He'll be missed.
Jack Roberts
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Ksolem
Trad climber
LA, Ca
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Feb 21, 2007 - 02:37pm PT
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I only met Pete a few times, usually at the Waugh "compound" in Tuolomne and of course at that JT party pictured above. But a lot of my good friends knew him well over the years and spoke of his amazing ablilies to float up hard climbs with impeccable footwork and style. He seemed like a really nice guy who just loved people and life. Best wishes to family and friends...
Kris Solem
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L
climber
The City of Lost Angels
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Feb 21, 2007 - 02:51pm PT
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I heard about this on Saturday night and just couldn't believe it. I saw Pete at last summer's JT party--he was funny as ever and brought one of the best bottles of white wine I've ever tasted. Not only a wine connoisseur, but a gentleman through and through. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
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bob d'antonio
Trad climber
Taos, NM
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Feb 21, 2007 - 03:34pm PT
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A couple of pictures of Pete...in his element.
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rmuir
Social climber
the Time Before the Rocks Cooled.
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Feb 21, 2007 - 04:12pm PT
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Thanks, Bob... That's the Pete I remember.
Pete was always the purist. Probably back in 1976 or so, Pete and I were climbing many long weekends up at Tahquitz together. Many times, we'd arrange our schedules so that three-dayers were the norm. (Many fine routes were done on those Mondays when everyone else was back at work/school...)
One fine Humber Park Monday, we decided that a rest day was in order. I'm thinking that Hot Henry must have had just reported back about those German purists over in Dresden that were climbing barefooted and, since THEY shunned the soles and were "vera bold", they obviously were In Touch. Remember lads? The Barefoot Era. How many others flurted with that back then? Many times I recall Pete thowing off the EBs at the top of Tahquitz, and walking back down to Lunch Rock barefoot.
Like I said, Pete was quite the purist... And his feet were getting pretty calloused by then.
So for our rest day, we decide that it would be a fine day for a hike. Larry Reynolds, Pete and I decide that quick run up to the top of Mt San Jacinto would be in order. Up from Humber, to the summit via Wellman Cienega to Suicide and return. Now, "Lawrence of Monrovia" was probably wearing a pair of oversized Kronies or Spiders; I had the usual TSes. And Pete decides that he's gonna do it barefoot. The dude was so pure that he didn't even throw a pair of shoes in the daypack! (What is that? Something like fifteen miles and 5,000 vertical feet?)
All the way up San Jac, Pete was earning the new nickname of "Indian Pete". Man, he just floated up the trail, thumbs up, at our blistering pace. Started to slow somewhere around Strawberry Cienega on the Deer Springs trail... By the time we got to the top of Suicide, Pete's pads were a bloody pulp! We nearly carried him down the last bit!
Indian Pete. Rest in peace.
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AKDOG
Mountain climber
Anchorage, AK
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Feb 21, 2007 - 04:32pm PT
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Sad news, way too young to go. Didn’t know Pete real well but had the pleasure of climbing with him in Colorado back in the mid 80’s and I remember his penchant for a good bottle a wine. RIP
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Nick
climber
portland, Oregon
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Feb 21, 2007 - 04:54pm PT
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Oh, man. Pete was one of the first people I climbed at Tahquitz with. He was one of my early mentors. Our first climb togeather was Blankety Blank it was like water flowing up hill, amazing. One of the smoothest thin face climbers I have ever seen. Last few summers in the Meadows, I have had many an an oppertunity to catch up with Pete. He was a climber to the core, climbing was his religion. Pete was a gentle and friendly soul. RIP Pete, you are missed.
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G_Gnome
Boulder climber
Sick Midget Land
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Feb 21, 2007 - 07:10pm PT
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Damn! At least it was quick.
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rbolton
Social climber
The home for...
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Feb 21, 2007 - 07:18pm PT
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Pete was an amazing human being. Pete and Hensel demonstrated what could be done with small holds in the seventies. Nobody could move like those two bastards. He became a huge part of my life in the last 20 years. He was uncle Pete to my daughter Nikki and an old time friend to my wife, Tina. He was an integral part of the Tuolumne medows compound every summer. He was gentle and he was kind, but lets not forget he could shittalk with the best of ‘em. Cheers, Pete.
Searching for Mermaids
Helping keep the campfire lively
Pete and friends (Al, Mike, Mariah, Ricky, Pete)
Last summer
Josh
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G_Gnome
Boulder climber
Sick Midget Land
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Feb 21, 2007 - 10:55pm PT
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Thanks for that last look Bob.
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Russ Walling
Social climber
Out on the sand.... man.....
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Feb 21, 2007 - 10:57pm PT
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Bumped into Pete over the years.... I'll mirror all that was said before... good man! RIP.... damn.....
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L
climber
The City of Lost Angels
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Feb 23, 2007 - 12:19am PT
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Nice bunch of photos, Bob. They really show Pete's great sense of humor, not to mention the wild bunch of loonies he ran with.
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Standing Strong
Trad climber
offices & honkytonks
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Feb 23, 2007 - 12:41am PT
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that's really sad. i'm so sorry for your loss. this hits close to home because my birth grandmother died of an aneurysm when she was around 32 or so. i wasn't born yet, obviously, but i hope it doesn't run in genes. i guess this is just another reminder that we need to live life for the NOW... many condolences to Mr. Steres' family and friends. Rest in peace, dude.
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Anastasia
Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes, CA
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Feb 23, 2007 - 12:49am PT
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I am very saddened for he is really too young.
Sending my condolences to his family and friends,
Anastasia
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Feb 23, 2007 - 02:18am PT
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Both mine and Tucker Tech's mother died also of an aneurysm;....."make the most of what you yet may spend, before you into dust descend......" Live each day to the fullest!
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kimie
climber
Snoqualmie, WA
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Feb 23, 2007 - 01:14pm PT
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Hello there,
Peter was a long time friend of my husband, Joe, and I. It brings tears to my eyes to read all of your comments. It makes my heart sing to hear how he is remembered as such a gifted climber.
I remember being 15 years old attempting to climb a boulder at Stony Point. I remeber the gleam of ecstasy in Pedro's eyes as he turned back to me with blood dripping from his elbow and his knee saying something like, "Isn't this great?!!". It was at that point I accepted that I was a 'climbing bunny' rather than a climber. I spent countless delightful hours observing Pete, Joe and maybe many of you in that vertical ballet moving with unconscious intimacy with the rock. I know that one of the reasons I became an ecstatic Structural Integrator was from that experience of observing the fluidity of Pete et al climbing.
That was back in 1971. Peter was our best man in 1976. My maid of honor, Dolores, married his younger brother David who was a dear school mate of mine. Our daughter, Jana, called him Uncle Pete and remembers climbing with him when she was a youngster.
Pete is the first friend that I have had to let go of in death. At the age of 50, I am grateful and blessed to be able to say that. I am sad that he died so young, but I am deeply in the sweetness of memory...being a girl and part of the joy he felt climbing, being in nature and in deep discussions over many glasses of wine over many years.
Blessings be with all of you and may you continue to experience the joy of your art; being in active intimacy with the rock.
Kim Illig.
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Roynan
climber
Big Sur, California
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Feb 23, 2007 - 02:06pm PT
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Hi everyone. I am not a rock climber, but after reading this thread I had to join only to thank you all for sharing your memories and pictures of Pete. Pete was my uncle, and though I didnt know him as well as I would have liked I did know that climbing was his life and his climbing buddies were like family to him. The messages you all have posted here serve as a better obituary than any of us could have written. Thank you for giving me and my family the gift of your memories.
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bob d'antonio
Trad climber
Taos, NM
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Feb 23, 2007 - 02:24pm PT
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Another shot of Pete.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 23, 2007 - 10:18pm PT
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Thanks to wbw for the mention of Pete’s Bachar-Yerian story. It is a reflection on Pete’s modesty and self -deprecating sense of humor that the part of the tale he loved to tell the most, often pausing mid-story to laugh about it himself, was how he got progressively more and more gripped as he approached the bolt after the notorious runout. He would then describe how he, the proud ethical purist (see Robs' story about how he considered shoes to be a taint), gratefully, and with out any qualms, inserted his finger into the bolt hole. It was classic climbing story: full of terror, accomplishment and laughter.
Thanks, Bob, for the gallery of photos of Pete. The last one really captures his playful,impish side.
Roynan-your uncle was a highly- respected and valued member of the climbing community. Please pass on our sincere condolences to your family.
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curlie
Trad climber
SLO, CA
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Feb 24, 2007 - 02:41pm PT
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The first time I met Pete was a momentous day at Joshua Tree. Several of us were wishing Chris Wegener bon voyage by trying to do all of his routes in a day (except the crazy aid ones). We had already knocked off White Lightning and were wrapping up Profundity at Trashcan Rock. White Rabbit was next on our list, and wouldn't you know it? Pete Steres walks up, making our party have 3 of the 4 first ascensionists of the route. With karma like that, it was just meant to be, so off we all headed for the Comic Book. With karma like that, you also know that something will undoubtedly go wrong -- in this case, none of the 3 could remember where the route was! After wandering around for a while, we could finally see the face, but spend another hour scrambling up and down canyons in frustration. Finally, Jim Wilson pipes up with "Oh yeah! We named it White Rabbit because you had to crawl through the Rabbit Hole!" So through the rabbit hole we went and did the route. Chris in a Day is still waiting for a determined party -- I was all set to knock off Walk on the Wild Side as the sun was going down, but then someone cracked a beer.....
Anyway, I caught up with Pete several times since at Tuolumne. He was a cool guy to chat with and share a glass of wine. I'll miss seeing him again this August.
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hossjulia
Trad climber
Eastside
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Feb 24, 2007 - 04:20pm PT
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pierre was one of my best friends. I am shocked at this news. I just spoke with him on the phone a couple of weeks ago.
I was just talking to a friend about him last night, looking forward to seeing him in Tuolumne this summer again. I regret not taking the hike to crystal cave with him last summer. he hand drew me a topo on how to get to it, I will have to go hike it on my own.
he sand bagged me into leading my one and only 5.11 in Eldo 11 years ago. I climbed a route in Tuolumne with him a couple of years ago that he just floated, I loved climbing with him.
Oh Peter, I will miss you so!
Julia White
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hossjulia
Trad climber
Eastside
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Feb 24, 2007 - 10:09pm PT
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bumping to stay on page one.
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Slaughter
Social climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Feb 24, 2007 - 10:18pm PT
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Nice to see a message board for the grief-stricken friends of Peter Steres. In the end, he sorely missed all the good buddies that had shared a hard climb, a campfire, a bottle of wine and the other assorted pleasures of an active life with him. Peter may have been a loner, but first and foremost, he was a people person.
He died on Thursday, February 8th, although his body was discovered on Sunday by a friend. There is no nice way to say this. He died of circulatory complications caused by acute alcoholism. We should not be too surprised. There was no Plan B for his life. After losing both shoulders to surgery, Peter was left without a worthy future, and he knew it. The reality weighed heavily on him.
My wife Tracy and I had climbed at Devils Lake, WI, with our teenage son during his High School years in the 90s. But when Richard sickened from a dose of prescription and recreational drugs, and became fully disabled, we moved to Colorado, looking for some solace from the pain of his premature loss.
Like any good mom, Peter adopted us, and we reciprocated, and discovered that he was suffering like we were. We were not good climbers, but he patiently showed us the moderate classics of Boulder, and we always took pride in the respect that other members of the climbing community extended towards him.
I remember two soloists passed us at the tree belay on the First Flatiron. After a few moments of friendly banter, they headed on, and Peter launched into the second pitch in sneakers, trailing the rope without a belay. He was no longer 100% comfortable making the moves. When I asked him why take the risk, he looked upward at his friends, winked at me, and said 'peer pressure.'
Accordingly, we only know Peter from the years of his disability, not from his glory days on the extreme rock. But I do not feel that we missed out. Instead, we enjoyed the compilation of a life spent pushing the envelope, with nothing held back. Whether you agree with him or not, and I am not sure that I do, going for broke remains a time-honored life strategy.
Apart from climbing, Peter was a prodigious thinker, and in private, an outspoken advocate for the the rights of anyone who was simply screwed, including himself. At heart, he was a political animal, who could spew a rank opinion with the best of them, and still remember what really mattered the next morning.
Having lost my older brother to alcohol, I spent this last few years trying to get Peter to quit drinking. Threats, cajoling, guilt-tripping, you name it, I'm not proud. You could say it all worked, but not the way I had planned.
This was one dog that was always ready to go for a walk. The promise of spring and the outdoor season does not seem the same without him. My toast would be that more rock climbers can find a source of renewal and inspiration in their advanced years... preferably without frickin' dying.
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tonym
climber
Oklahoma
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Feb 24, 2007 - 11:03pm PT
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Sorry for your loss. I didn't know Pete but climbers are a kindred spirit so it's heartfelt when one of us leaves this earth. A good friend of mine Bob Kamps passed away a couple years ago and after reading all the stories about Pete it reminded me so much of Bob and the stories about him.
~TM
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hossjulia
Trad climber
Eastside
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Feb 24, 2007 - 11:39pm PT
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Well said slaughter, well said. I spoke with Peter in January, and I was fearful something like this would happen.
I too tried to gently urge him to quit drinking, as I know his closest friends did. He didn't want to.
But, perhaps we should focus on the good stories that I know are out there about Pedro, and use this forum to celebrate his life rather than cry in our beers about how he died.
I'll put together a tale about climbing with him in the morning, I'm too sad about it right now.
Peace
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bob d'antonio
Trad climber
Taos, NM
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Feb 24, 2007 - 11:45pm PT
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I don't think it's so much how Pete died...but how he lived. Seems like he packed a lot in 54 years.
I'm not in Boulder any more and Pete not around. I do remember the few great times we climbed...but more so I remember Pete at Neptune's, bare feet and asking me how I was and what climbing I was doing. His spirit did seem to drop with his injuries and lack of climbing time. We all fight with our demons in our own way...how he fought his was his business.
I did a number of slide shows at Neptune's and I always remember Pete being there...taking it all in and enjoying the friendships that he had in the Boulder area. I hope he is happy...where ever he may be.
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Slaughter
Social climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Feb 25, 2007 - 12:36am PT
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Ahem. I understand that some people prefer a eulogy that recounts the 'positive' moments of a life. Especially those who are not so familiar with the negatives. But when people die, it is often the negatives that bring them down, and I think we do them, and the purpose for which their lives were lived, a disservice by trying to ignore, or discount them.
I spoke with Peter, and/or visited him two or three times every week during the last years of his life. One thing I am sure, it would not serve Peter or his untimely death to gloss over the pain that produced it.
Of course, we all have plenty of heart-warming, inspiring stories to tell about Peter. But I do not encourage anyone to take a superficial cut from the life of this man. Why? Because Peter was a larger-than-life character, and his exploits deserve a more complete review. The purpose of this forum is to bring out the reality of a life lived and died, which so many of us have apparently been, pardon the pun, party to.
Peter Steres was my best friend. I knew there might be a price to being friends with him, but I did it anyway, because he was Peter. I make no apologies for my choice, but I do not have to like the consequences, nor do I feel inclined to make his denouement sound agreeable for public consumption. The person behind the antique gear and the knowing grin was much more than a bunch of fancy footwork and a minimalist ethic. I knew him as well as you can know another, and honored him for it.
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bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
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Feb 25, 2007 - 01:43am PT
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it's odd. february 8th, the day this wonderful man moved on to the next plane, was my f*#king 49th birthday.
furthermore, i've been dealing/coping/struggling with "substance abuse" bullshit since i was thirteen. i've nicked nearly all of them..narcotics, nicotine, coke, aid climbing, pot, acid, mda, you name it, i been "habituated" on it.
if anyone ever tells you that narcotics are the toughest to lose, call bull. 18 year old single malts are the word. THE WORST. that, and really good wine....
i continue my quest, and am happy to report that most of the time i'm winning. (i usually overshoot my limits 'cause all the peeps in my flag bouldering posee are 20 - 30 years younger than me...but once or twice a month i drink way too much, and the next day i regret it.)
i guess my point is this: many of us are still 17 in the mind, but 50+ in the physical. the body simply cannot handle the wear and tear. i refuse to call it "abuse".
take care. live well. we're now entering the place in our lives where many of us will die of natural causes. personally, i'm shooting for 80.......
rip, bro. catch you on the flip side...
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m.
Trad climber
UT
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Feb 25, 2007 - 02:10am PT
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Pete Steres was just a terrific guy- fun, kind, and interesting, always with a ready smile. I am so sorry to hear this news.
mariah.
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bob d'antonio
Trad climber
Taos, NM
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Feb 25, 2007 - 02:40am PT
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The day before Pete and I did Childhood End's we took the back road from Turkey Rocks and got somewhat lost and had great conversation as we managed to find our way to Molly Gulch campground. We set camp, I pulled out a beer and Pete pulled out a bottle of wine. More beer for me and more wine for Pete. We talked, listened to the creek and enjoyed the beautiful night, hitting the sack somewhat early. Me...not much of drinker felt a little off. Pete..looked and felt fine the next morning.
It was a beautiful day. We cruise the bottom pitches. Having done the route three times before. I knew what laid ahead (or so I thought). I got off route and did (what Pete and I thought) the most difficult pitch. Pete took the the crux pitch. Impressive...the man was hanging on for dear life but this was his deal...thin face climbing. Footwork...not brute power. Precise footwork, calmness and little moaning later, Pete call off belay having flashed the pitch (12a).
I took the next lead and then we simu-climbed to the top. A golden eagle flew overhead and we rapped off the back side of this massive piece of granite along the South Platte River. We hiked out, crossing the river on a massive log-jam. The fisherman's trail climbed steeply from the river and we were back at the car, and you guess it...wine for Pete.
We cruise back to Boulder and said goodbye. Knowing that a special time just passed.
Strange...Pete used to date a Andrea...my best friend (Richard Aschert) wife. I think drinking (Andrea said) put an end to their deal.
Where am I am going with this...I don't know. A couple of vodka drinks has made me ramble on...thinking of Pete, Howie, Kevin and the other friends that are gone. I have been lucky...a wonderful wife (best friend) of 32 years and three beautiful children...they have kept me going and given me love.
BVB...take care of yourself, your the sh#t. The world (and I) need you to stick around.
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Rick Steres
Social climber
Monterey, CA.
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Feb 25, 2007 - 09:01am PT
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Pete was my brother. I loved him, respected him, worried about him and I miss him. I want to thank all of you for helping me and other family members see him through your eyes and to find a way to come to grips with this terrible disaster. Some of you have said that he climbed with power and grace, like water flowing uphill. Exactly so. I'm not a climber but I know great art when I see it. He treated it so casually but we all know it was the center of his life. He was lucky to have those pure moments and, as some of you point out, he paid a price for them. He was often lonely. He knew he drank too much but he didn't really want to stop. After his shoulders gave out, life didn't offer too much, no backup plan. All true, but he was a good man. There was much in him to love and admire. I will hurt every time I think of him.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 25, 2007 - 12:23pm PT
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The death of a friend, regardless of the circumstances of his or her death, is best considered with the help of poets and authors. A modern author, Dave Eggers, put it as succinctly as anyone:
“Mortality sucks.”
Shakespeare elaborated a bit more:
Fear no more the heat o’the sun
Nor the furious winter’s rages,
Thou thy worldy task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney sweepers, come to dust.
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Dolola
Social climber
Kingston, NY
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Feb 25, 2007 - 03:48pm PT
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I met Peter in La Canada in 1973. His best friend Joe and I went climbing and camping. As an urban resident, I was impressed by Peter's climbing and nature skills though I must admit I never truly enjoyed camping as much as the Steres family. I later married his brother David--thus making Peter and I in-laws. He was a loving uncle to his niece Raquel and his nephew Alex, and a climbing buddy for his brother David; The writer Simone de Beauvoir says in Force of Circumstance: "Every time a man dies, a child dies too, and an adolsecent and a young man as well; everyone weeps for the one who was dear to him." My condolences to his friends, his family, and to all who broke bread with him.
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KeliRae
Mountain climber
Boulder, CO
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Feb 27, 2007 - 12:50am PT
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A few of us had the honor of sharing Pete's house in the canyon. I loved his itty, bitty television plopped in the middle of the livingroom floor, replete with all the international films I could indulge in while he was away at Neptune's:-) Most of all, we adored the hummingbird nest outside the diningroom window, spellbound as our tiny friends put on a show. That was a very special time, christening his first home with all of our laughter. A toss of desert dust in the wind to ya', dear Petey...we'll be there to join you some day. Blessings to all of us who knew and loved him, we're better for having known Pete. Now is the time to repent our shallow ways and to praise the sky with 'hallelujah', to kiss the earth with a heartful goodbye, touching fingertip to fingertip, dust to dust. Love ya, Pete!
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KeliRae
Mountain climber
Boulder, CO
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Feb 28, 2007 - 12:51am PT
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Hey folks, Peter's passing has hit me hard also. Today, I devoted all of my actions to the memory and feeling of Peter. What does it take for us all to connect to one another in a way that takes all we've got to pay attention? I did what I suggested in the previous email, walked into the hills (outside Winter Park), asked Peter to come with me. I broke down, I opened my arms to the sky, thanks for being here, Pete, touching the ground we wept, offering my fingertips to him, took a handful of snow to offer to the wind...but because it's been warm today, the snow beaded and clumped on my gloves, shaking and cursing..goddang Peter, you're here laughing at the absurdity. The spruce tree gave me solace.
I called to see if he would still answer his phone, "hi Peter, I know you're dead, but let's get together anyway..."
Teaching yoga tonight, I burned a beeswax candle for 3 hours, and we danced, and the singing bowl was all about the harmonics of a love so subtle that rarely did I hear it's voice.
The crisp, still darkness of february listens, always....Keli
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Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
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Wow, this is somewhat shocking...
I spoke with him here in Boulder right outside Wild Oats market maybe a few day's before he died and he seemed fine.
We - people who were close to Pete here in Boulder - all knew his drinking was extreme. But here's what I really want to say about Pete; absolutely one of the best Cragsmen to come out of SoCal EVER, a human being and a gentleman of the first order.
The stories Pete told during the three years I worked with him at Neptune's will remain with me forever.
Very sad news.
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hashbro
Trad climber
Not in Southern California
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Yes Pete was a fantastic guy, inspired climber and had a good sense of humor as well.
It took me awhile to recognize Pete among the crowd at Edchada's last year, but his archtypal smile cleared my memories.
Boy, youth is certainly a fleeting instant in time with which we all need to grasp tightly.
Great knowing Peter Steres!
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hossjulia
Trad climber
Eastside
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hey Ray, Pete introduced us when you started at Neptune's.
My favorite Pete story is when I blew my right ACL in 1996. He had just the week before sand bagged me into leading an 11 something in Eldo. He told me it was a 10b or something. He had really been working with me, getting my confidence up and my lead head in gear. Took me under his wing so to speak and taught me about good movement, etc.
When I told him about my knee, he was pissed! I mean, really pissed! "What the hell are you doing skiing when you are supposed to be climbing with me!" Something like that.
So he agree's to pick me up at the hospital and take me home, pick up my scrips, etc. Funny thing is, a boyfriend I had pretty much written off finds out about my surgery, and shows up at the hospital to do the same thing! (He had stood me up for skiing the day I blew my knee)
Great, I come out of my post op haze to see ole what's his name, complete with a little bouquet of flowers from his garden. (Too cute.) About the time I figure this out, in walks Pete.
I was way more embarassed about the situation than I needed to be, and Pete put me totally at ease over it. He ended up taking me home and getting me settled.
I too have spent some time this past week thinking of Pete while I am out skiing in this beautiful place I live. Pete loved it here, and I have felt his presence as well.
You all may think I'm nuts, but a few days ago, while working on the computer, totally out of the blue, I felt him kiss me.
I know we'll meet again.
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Kingfish
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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I must say I was shocked to hear about Pete but not surprised. As many of you I too was worried about Pete.
I first met Pete at Neptune’s when Gary named me "big Peter" and him "little Peter" on one of my first days of work. I was shocked and thought I had made an enemy, as he really didn't like the "Little Peter" name for obvious reasons.
As time went on I went climbing with "Pierre". He seemed to like this name much more since I showed up. I remember the first day out at the Wall of Winter Warmth in Boulder Canyon. I led the first pitch that was a tad over my comfort level and as I tried to make it up without looking like a total Gumby he cheered me on. The next pitch was harder and he led it quickly and effortlessly with only a few well-placed pieces of gear. As I cleaned the route it was like a museum. I was first introduced to his famous blue sling, which had three old archaic nuts threaded on it. I thought it was fixed gear and cleaned it thinking I had some new booty. It turned out that that sling was his trademark. I loved the future climbs with him and seeing how artfully he placed his gear mostly passive nuts and this blue sling. I learned more about the art of climbing with him than any other partner. He climbed so effortlessly and was a master at keeping his head on long run outs on hard climbing many times far over that blue sling.
He gave me my first tour of Taquites and showed me some of his proudest climbs many being Solos. Later that trip in Jtree he showed us a cave through a giant pile of boulders that he insisted no one would bring a headlamp. I scraped my way banging my head on the roof for quite a while until seeing a glow of daylight. We were on a ledge at the top of a cliff with an amazing view. As he said it wasn’t the same experience with a headlamp I shook my sore head. I now know that it is all about the experience and he was so correct. So much is how you go more than where you end up.
My biggest thanks is for his encouragement in helping me find my way. I was very frustrated after working at Neptune’s for a short eternity. I was talking to him one day about how I wanted to start a photography business. He told me "Just get really into it and learn all you can and it will happen". This sounds so obvious but that is just what I did and I look back on that as a turning point in my life. I now have been running my own Photography business full time for 5 years. I thought about that moment of enlightenment often and thought how I couldn't wit till I saw Pete next to thank him. Time went by and I was busy and I always thought I would run into him at a crag somewhere and have my opportunity. Well I really regret that I won't have that opportunity. Any way thanks Pete You were always an inspiration and a true friend.
I'll honk my horn next time I drive down the canyon and pass your old House. You will be sorely missed....
Peter Holcombe
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ronkat
climber
Bldr
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I just learned today that Pete passed away. Sad, sad. Here's to ya, Pete! Rest in peace.
The Boulder Daily Camera says this:
An outdoor memorial is tentatively planned for March 31st. Please send an email to dksmail@hotmail.com for updates on that and on donations for a memorial bench to be placed in Eldorado Canyon.
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Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
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You wanna know what Pete said to me at Wild Oats day's before he died?
That he was sure the US Government was behind 911.
That it was an inside job - had to be - that the evidence was just too overwhelming.
I agreed w/ him; fire can't melt steel and there's plenty of footage of the Thermite at work before they went down with the squibs blowing in perfect sequence.
And then - of course - there's Building 7.
Pete was smart and unafraid of the truth no matter how hard-core it really is.
I'll miss him.
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Bldrjac
Ice climber
Boulder
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The thing to recognize in Pete and in many other climbers, many of whom we care about, is that when they can't climb, when they physically can't do what they used to be able to and they don't have a PLAN B, well, they waste away.
The climbing lifestyle can be hard on people. Climbing hard day in and day out with partners who are half your age, compromising making money while trying to keep up not only on difficult routes but also in demanding social situations that might require massive amounts of alcohol consumption does take its toll.
Pete was a great guy and climbing was always the number one priority on his list of things that were important to him. People were very important and climbers were probably the most important to him. But he became somewhat isolated. I think we owe it to ourselves and to our fellow climbers to look out for our brothers and sisters when they begin to take a tailspin and look like they might crater.
It pains me to see someone with Pete's spirit go out in such a sad way but if we learn from his departure and look out for each other then maybe we'll become better people.
I always thought that TM Herbert's "Rock of Ages" home for broken-down climbers who don't fit in mainstream society was a streak of brillance and should be taken seriously. I'll be there soon. Sitting in my rockin chair sipping wine with Pete and Warren.
Jack
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Ksolem
Trad climber
LA, Ca
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BVB,
Your above post is so on the mark it scares me. Not that I am afraid, just a figure of speech. Well said, and good luck.
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rmuir
Social climber
the Time Before the Rocks Cooled.
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Mar 24, 2007 - 11:09pm PT
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rbolton
Social climber
The home for...
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Mar 26, 2007 - 03:36pm PT
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Bump.
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G_Gnome
Boulder climber
Sick Midget Land
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Mar 26, 2007 - 04:50pm PT
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It's all been discussed many times before and we decided we're gonna build dormitories at KP's house in Josh and all retire to our 1 room hovels where no one can escape the ridicule of his/her friends.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 28, 2007 - 10:26am PT
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Reminding everyone about the memorial on Saturday.
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G_Gnome
Boulder climber
Sick Midget Land
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Mar 28, 2007 - 11:39am PT
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Hey Bob, I hope like hell Pete hadn't paid his 'public peeing' ticket yet!
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
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Mar 29, 2007 - 02:11pm PT
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I learned of Pete’s death from the flyer sent to me this week with the request for photos and memories to be posted here. I climbed with Pete in his first year along with a small group of kids from the LA foothill communities of La Crescenta, La Canada and Montrose. We were the fading remnants of an explorer Boy Scout group named Post 4 Mountaineering. Being too young to drive our supportive parents would take us to Stony Point, Pacifico and Tahquitz. My mother would often perform the duty and patiently wait for our safe return with a book, her rosary beads and perhaps an occasional beer.
Pete was ahead of his time from the start. He was brash and cocky and was soon alienated from the group given the youthful pettiness of his “elders”. Just how talented and ahead of the times he was would soon be recognized as we would bump into him in our mountain rambles. Regrettably he and I never reconnected, although having received the flyer in the mail told me that my message via Neptune Mountaineering years ago made its way to him, a bitter sweet realization.
I got the old slides out last night and clicked through countless images of rocks and mountains with the occasional picture of an old friend from afar and a few rare close ups. I found myself getting closer to the wall seeking a better look at Pete and others now long gone with a desire to reach in and touch them. Our record of events is understandable given our passionate mountain love and youthful innocents but now in retrospect is regrettable. All those rocks and mountains are still here and we catch a glimpse as they age though deep time on each visit, our lives so finite in comparison. We are ephemeral like a passing cloud or developing sunset and as such I recognize just how valuable these friendships and the camaraderie as climbers truly are.
Each year of the 40 + years since those days with my buddies of Post 4 Mountaineering is another installment with compounding interest. I am truly a wealthy man and can easily cry as I recount days of us boys playing like pirates with Pete and Joe, laughing in the sun of yesteryear.
My sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Pete Steres, I wish you all peace with the recognition of your own wealth and an appreciation of Pete’s amassed fortune. The intangible things are what really count in this banquet of life, a hardy Berg Heil to you all.
Regards,
Charlie Downs
Western Slope, Sierra Nevada Mountains
Pete leading ahead, proudly wearing his Tyrolean hat, circa 1966
Our first hanging belay (from a single piton!), circa 1966
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Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
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Mar 29, 2007 - 02:25pm PT
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Many thanks Charlie D.
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G_Gnome
Boulder climber
Sick Midget Land
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Mar 29, 2007 - 02:41pm PT
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Ray, are you going to be at the memorial? If so, bring a designated driver and have a couple hits of the vino for me in Pete's honor. And don't spill a drop, nothing Pete hated worse than wasted wine.
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Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
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Mar 29, 2007 - 04:19pm PT
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thanks G. Gnome - I'm gonna bow out and think Pete would understand - and I appreciate the thought re designated driver but...I don't drink.
Pete and I were good friends - he was one of the few I trusted to read my prose and understand where I was coming from - one of the few climbers I ever knew who were literary like that.
Still kinda amazing he's gone.
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G_Gnome
Boulder climber
Sick Midget Land
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Mar 29, 2007 - 04:27pm PT
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That actually seems more appropriate. All things in moderation except climbing.
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Dave Johnson
Mountain climber
Sacramento, CA
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Mar 29, 2007 - 05:50pm PT
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I never met your friend, Charlie, but from the posts he sounds like an amazing climber and, most important, an amazing man.
Anyone who began their climbing career wearing a Tyrolean hat while Catholic mothers prayed the Rosary has my respect!
I've known too many people that were so worried about having a "Plan B" that they never took advantage of the opportunities that life gave them. Pete looks like he had a heck of a "Plan A".
Dave Johnson
Ghoulwe Mountaineering Club
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 30, 2007 - 09:56am PT
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My most memorable day with Pete was on Long’s Peak around 1982. Pete was climbing really well and wanted to try the Yellow Wall, a climb with a reputation at the time for being both difficult and scary. The route is located on the Diamond face of Longs, the site of famous exploits, as well as countless inglorious retreats caused by the Diamond’s altitude, difficulty and quickly changing weather.
The Yellow Wall is left of the prominent black corner.
We got an alpine start and the approach and the initial pitches were dispatched without incident.. Around mid-morning, as I set up the belay below the crux pitch, I noticed dark clouds had appeared from the West and were gathering directly above us. When Pete arrived, we exchanged a few words about the clouds, the cold wind that had suddenly arisen, and the need to hurry. Pete was a joy to watch leading that crux pitch, quickly and methodically working his way up, arranging the thin nuts, clipping the tattered webbing on fixed gear, but never hesitating.
I was focused on watching Pete, and so it startled me when the first hail pellet hit my wool cap. Watching the single pellet fall into the depths, I got a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach because I knew we were in for it. Pete ignored the opening salvo of hail as he finished the lead and set up the belay. I focused on cleaning and climbing with numb hands as fast as possible, but still had time to marvel at Pete’s fine lead. I was brushing away hail and sleet to find the holds as I reached the belay.
After briefly considering the possibility of climbing two more pitches to reach the escape off Table Ledge, we decided retreat was the better choice and started down. It was a nightmare: rappels to hanging stations secured by small nuts behind flakes, frozen hands, frozen feet, wet ropes that almost wouldn’t pull , and other misadventures. When we got to Broadway, hail and sleet were pouring down and it seemed like mid-winter on Longs. The next urgent task was to locate and dig out the rappel anchors leading down the North Chimney to the ground. This was accomplished with difficulty and we finally escaped, shivering and thoroughly thrashed. But we had survived a fierce storm together and the struggle on the Yellow Wall forged a bond between Pete and me that endured over all these years.
We who shared a rope with him were fortunate to know Pete in his natural element, the mountains.
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Kingfish
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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It was great to see everyone today in Eldo. Here is a picture of the memorial for all those who could not attend.
I really enjoyed all stories.
Peter Holcombe
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G_Gnome
Boulder climber
Sick Midget Land
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I really wanted to be there but it was just too far to go for a weekend. We drank a fine petit sirah in his honor though. See ya Pete!
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john bald
climber
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Many fond memories of Pete's smooth moves in stiff shoes. Master of the "on point" use of those Black Beauties. RIP
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guyman
Trad climber
Moorpark, CA.
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I first met Pete at Stony point way back in 73; I had been a “climber” for about 7 days. Even though we were almost exactly the same age, he was a veteran climber with years of experience behind him, he was always happy to share his knowledge of the sport with me. Little things, like how to stand down on an edge just so, or how to get a finger lock just right so you don’t waste energy. The social side of climbing was very important to Pete and the times spent with other climbers, in cars on road trips, around campfires at night and on hikes to and from the crags was at the core of why he climbed…
A little story: I got invited to a “slide show”, having been a climber for less than a year- I was thrilled to get a call from Pete asking me join him. He gave me the time and place details and finished up by saying….”bring some wine, OK.” So, I show up with some “Strawberry Boons Farm ” ……a couple of bottles of it! Pete takes one look, is horrified and tells me “No, No this won’t do at all” and he proceeds to pore the contents out on the ground! We went to the nearest liquor store and Pete starts the wine lesson. “Wine comes in bottles with corks not screw caps!” - “There are reds and whites, dry and sweet but they all have corks, remember that” …
I spent last Saturday night sitting around a campfire with some good friends. We cracked open more than a few bottles. Pete would have loved it.
RIP good friend. See you soon.
Guy
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 8, 2007 - 11:48am PT
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I was able to locate a few more pictures of Pete.
First two are from Shelf Road near Canon City, Colorado, sometime in the 1980's. The rest are from a marvelous road trip Pete and I took to the Needles of South Dakota in 1986.
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Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
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wow Rick those are really good...
I can imagine Pete being really at home in the Needles.
Thanks.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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The flame that burns twice as bright lasts half as long. A sad and early departure for a well loved and respected climber that I unfortunately never had the pleasure of meeting. Sure sounds like he red lined the fun meter while he was in the game and grabbed life by the nubbins! Rest in Peace.
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Misa
Trad climber
SJ
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Nov 28, 2007 - 11:59pm PT
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Dear Rick,
I was just down in Josh and thinking about the old days. Sorry to hear about Pete, what a nice guy. Condolences to all who knew him. Misa G
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Nov 29, 2007 - 12:12am PT
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hey there all.... i did not know anything about a climber named pete... now i am thankful that i have learned of him, from you...
god bless you all in the loss of your dear friend.... say, an aneurism is an odd thing to live with--with some, it can burst at any time, others make it through the long-haul...
i am very glad that your friend had a live through this hidden "time bomb" and was able to have a full rich life, and the love of friends, and many a wonderful climb... say, the fine wine was the topper for his rich life... god bless to you all, that remember him....
thanks for the share...
PS---i will remember him every time i drinK wine now--as i too, used to like to carry wine glasses (though, it was a rare occasion that i ever had any), padded up, to use in the great outdoors.... and, even tiny tea sets on occasions....
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G_Gnome
Trad climber
In the mountains... somewhere...
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Nov 29, 2007 - 12:41am PT
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Misa! You were down in Josh and you didn't call?! We were all there and wish you could have stopped by for a visit.
Hope all is going well!
Jan McCollum
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 2, 2007 - 03:13pm PT
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Hi Misa,
Thanks for the thought and rekindling the memories of Pete.
And Neebee, I am sorry you didn't get to meet him. He was quite a character.I'm glad that what people wrote here touched those who did not know him.
Rick
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Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder Colorado
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funny,
Pete be on my mind a fair bit these days...
I really and truly miss him.
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Stacy Davidson
climber
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Mar 29, 2008 - 09:18pm PT
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Hi
I am not a climber
However Peter was truly the love of my life.
Last night I got this urge to contact him again.
Much to my suprise that will not be happening.
What a shock, and today is been very hard for me.
I first met Peter in the late 1970's
I needed my house painted , and saw his add in the Daily Camera
For me it was love at first sight. After the house was done, I never thought I would see him again. Then next semester at CU we were in a class together. He invited m=e over for dinner, and of course, I was introduced to the world of fine wines.
We became occasional lovers and good friends. I know that he loved me, but was not in love with me, but it didnt matter.
Even after I moved from Boulder in 1987, we kept in touch over the years.
The last time I spoke to him- was about 3 years ago after my Mom died. He so wanted me to come see him, but I never did, and now never will. I take comfort that so many of you knew what a truly special person Peter was. In reading all the tributes I couldnt help but notice there seemed to be not one woman who was in love with him.(maybe im wrong)I just thought some one out there should know
that at least one( that being me )was very much in love with him, and always will be. I thought he would be in my life forever, but nothing is forever except for feelings.
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Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder Colorado
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Mar 29, 2008 - 09:21pm PT
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Stacy, I'm very sorry.
RE:
" today is been very hard for me. "
Stacy you can email me.
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SteveW
Trad climber
Denver, CO
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Mar 30, 2008 - 01:09pm PT
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I never had the pleasure to meet Pete or climb with
him. And I only saw this thread today--in any event,
RIP Pete. I feel everyone's loss as if it were my own.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 30, 2008 - 08:59pm PT
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Stacy,
I am sorry you just learned of this. There was a fine memorial in Eldorado Canyon and I wish you could have been there.
Thanks for your very touching post.
Rick
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Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder Colorado
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Mar 30, 2008 - 09:12pm PT
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I sent her an email -
she responded.
she's hurtin'.
Ray
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hossjulia
Trad climber
Eastside
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Mar 31, 2008 - 01:48am PT
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Stacy, you are not the only woman to ever have loved Pierre. I dated him for a little while, and loved him in my own way. But in self defense, I had to let him go, his drinking was too much for me.
His death hit me really hard, he was the first close friend I have lost. I had just spoken with him a month prior, and was looking forward to seeing him again this past summer.
He coached me on my first hard leads, and our climbing together was just starting to really jell when I blew a knee skiing. He was pissed.(1996)I ended up moving to the Sierra's and we lost touch for a few years.
We ran into each other, of all places, on the approach to the Hobitts Book in Tuolumne about 6 years ago, and re-kindled our friendship. I had hoped he had sobered up some, for I truly cared for him, but alas, no.
He was a sweet man who was fiercely protective of the earth and it's wild places.
I cherish the 3 summers I met him when he came to Tuolumne, and meeting his Cali friends, listening to their stories around the fire.
In 2005 I followed him up Shagadelic, fulling expecting to lead most of it, his shoulders were so bad. Good thing he was up to leading it, it was steep and slick.(for me)He floated it in perfect style, making it look easy.
I never did the Crystal Cave hike with him and am not sure I can find it with out him, which may be all well and good that I have to wait until he can show it to me on the other side.
Rest in peace love.
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Stacy Davidson
climber
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Mar 31, 2008 - 11:06pm PT
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To Rick A
Many thanks for your message
You guys blow me away
I guess ive forgotten that there are still
such fine people in the world
I dont what else to say except
Im just BLOWN AWAY
Makes me wish I still lived in Boulder
Hossjulia
I was really glad to read your message
and totally understand your letting go
I ended up marrying a drinker and
also couldnt take it
(and I think I felt more for peter than i ever did my x)
Please know how sorry i am for the loss your feeling
and how glad I am that Peter had you in his life.
As I said I am not a climber, but did work for several years in Giant Forest (Sequoia)There is a crystal cave there. Is that the one you are talking about? If so I may be able to help you get there.
Thanks again
Stacy
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Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder Colorado
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Mar 31, 2008 - 11:23pm PT
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RE:
"You guys blow me away "
dats 'cuz we badass...
What would my dead friends like Pete and Rick Corbin want?
They would want me to live well,
and to remember them well,
and so I shall.
Ray
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KeliRae
Mountain climber
Boulder, CO
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Jun 25, 2008 - 02:03pm PT
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Thanks, Charlie D, for the 1966 photos of Pete. Makes my heart sing and hug like he's still here in our midst.
Yes, Ray, we been thinkin' on youngster Pete too lately. Dan and I shared his house in Boulder Canyon, just had the opportunity finally on the full moon last weekend to have our own memorial...at an all-night climbing party. We took our wine to the top of Eldo hill under the moon and invited Pete to join in the festivity of welcoming summer.
Stacy, hang in there...we all still feel him present:-) Missin' his class and warmth.
-Keli & Dan in Boulder
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 11, 2009 - 01:11pm PT
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I was in Eldorado Canyon with Gerry the other day and we saw for the first time Pete's memorial bench. It is located at the start of Rattlesnake Gulch and Fowler trails. The inscription was paraphrased from this thread.
Thanks to the family for making this happen. It's a very fitting tribute to Pete.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 12, 2009 - 04:01pm PT
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Bump for Pete.
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Oct 12, 2009 - 04:33pm PT
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Rick,
My thanks to those who donated the bench and plaque, indeed he flowed like water. Rick I met you briefly at the JB memorial this summer, you did a great job that day as the MC despite the hard duty. Thanks for this posting and a reminder of the way we were. Let's hope we all reach a ripe old age doing what we love, being in the mountains.
Charlie D.
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sunnyside
Big Wall climber
boulder
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Oct 14, 2009 - 10:28pm PT
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Somewhat new to supertopo and its works and while browsing some old friends and thier memorials I thought I'd add some photos in their memory.
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Bldrjac
Ice climber
Boulder
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Oct 14, 2009 - 10:51pm PT
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Funny,
I must have just missed you and Gerry.
I was up there with my dog Pisco and wandered by Pete's bench then Rob Slater's bench and then finally sat down on Clean Dan's bench and spent some time reflecting on climbing and still being alive. Definately a sobering walk.
Jack
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hossjulia
Trad climber
Eastside
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Oct 14, 2009 - 11:48pm PT
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Thanks for posting that Rick, hope to see it in person sometime.
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Cindy
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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I just found out today. I hope you're loving it up there Pierre! You are truly missed. Sorry I couldn't have been more timely but I've been working on my Plan B and it's working out for me, but at the price of losing touch with the likes of you and a few other amazing souls. I'm just starting to reconnect in the climbing community after a few years away.
Just the handful of times you and I climbed together had a profound impact on me. I remember them so clearly, your grace on that 11+R/X in Eldo and my nauseau at the very thought of simply following the pitch. How you snaked me our first time out by "bringing the rack". Bastard, you know I said it to your face, handed me all those nuts and hexes. At least you did me the courtesy of showing me the hex I'd need for the sandbagged 9+ crux and telling me how to place a hex was thoughtful too. Haha! It was great I felt like a hero afterwards and was forever smitten with your sparkling blue eyes. In awe of your comfort on the rock.
I'm sorry I never had the guts to really haze you hard about the drinking. Yeah, I know, it probably wouldn't have made a difference. But you deserved it, I mean you were so exceptional in my eyes, I owed you that much. But I was too afraid to do it. Sorry man.
I hope we can send a few more exciting lines together on the other side. You are truly gifted in the art of subtle sandbagging and cajoling so I can't wait to see what you talk me in to leading then. Thanks for getting me those guiding gigs while I was searching for Plan B. I felt we were more in the same place than ever at that point, a real kindred connection. I miss your great stories, amazing smile and beautiful climbing.
RIP Pierre
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G_Gnome
Trad climber
In the mountains... somewhere...
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Hard to imagine it's already been 4 years. We sure miss him in Tuolumne every August. I haven't met many people that had the grace when moving over stone that Pete did.
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Patrick Oliver
Boulder climber
Fruita, Colorado
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Pete actually declared once to the world that he thought I
was, at least for a few days, possibly the best free climber
in the country... Well I had a few moments in the sun,
and my best didn't last long, and few ever saw it, but I think
he might have been around then. That Pete would even suggest
such a thing meant the world to me. He was a really fine climber,
and he knew the climbing world back and forth, the Yosemite scene,
the east, and Colorado. He would make fun of me, when I had my
first daughter. I passed by him one afternoon sitting on a bench near
Neptune where he worked, and he was resting, taking a little
break from work, and I remember on this occasion
telling him I was on my way to the store, just a short walk
from Neptune's, and he said something like, "Goint to buy diapers?"
That stung, because, yes I was moving into the family life thing
and, by definition, fast away from any type of star status as
a climber. Yet when he said it he had a big cynical smile,
and I think he knew the transience of life and of our days of
glory. Pete was too young to go, but sometimes life just
gets too difficult. I kind of feel his spirit near, these days.
I have my own delicate existence and can better relate to where
he must have been, my friend Pete, at the end.
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hooblie
climber
from out where the anecdotes roam
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what a thoughtful bunch we were back then.
thanks folks, for shedding good light ... and persevering
time well spent pickin' up a few missed stitches
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Bldrjac
Ice climber
Boulder
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Just was thinking about Pete the other day as I drove past his old place in Boulder Canyon. Going back through the posts, I couldn't help but be struck by the losses since....Jack, Pisco (our dog), Raydog...and probably more on the thread. Sometimes the march of loss and the inevitable grief is almost too excruciating. But I guess all of us remaining carry their lives, love, and idiosyncrasies with us..........and I find some comfort in that.
pam
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guyman
Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
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Every time I open up a bottle of wine I think of Pete and Peater....
Last time with Steres was after I helped him get his VW Van running better, cracked open a really good bottle and shared it while it got dark in the TM campground.
Last time with Peater. Camp ground on Walker Pass- he was traveling on his motorcycle and we hung out shared a few bottles and talked about old times, old friends.
Hug your friends
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