2008 Climbers Memorial

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Jerry Dodrill

climber
Bodega, CA
Topic Author's Original Post - Jan 13, 2008 - 01:15am PT
**

IN MEMORY, AND OUR HEARTS:


Anton Woperies, 54 (1/1/08)
Slipped and fell while guiding (Mountaineering) on Mt. Cook, NZ.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=509154&msg=509299#msg509299


Dan Leichtfuss, 60 (12/29/07) [date corrected]
Lyme Disease
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=511400&tn=0


Lygon Stevens, 20 (1/10/08)
Disappeared in an Avalanche in Colorado.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=515085&tn=0


Sir Edmund Hillary, 88. (1/11/07)
Cause: time
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=51425


Chris Allport (1/25/08)
Died in an avalanche in the San Gabriel Mountains
http://www.climbing.com/news/passages/2008chrisallport/


Paul Dedi (1/?/2008)
Succumbed to injuries sustained while snow/ice climbing near Vancouver, BC.
See Tami's post on page 3 of this thread.


Susanna Helen Lantz, (2/18/08)
Susanna was skiing in Chickadee Valley (Kootenay Park, B.C.) and was killed by an avalanche.
http://www.susannalantz.com/


Rick Corbin, 45. (3/?/08)
Heart attack
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=552513


Ellen Wilts, age? (3/?/08)
Natural Causes
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=554717


Craigen Bowen (3/?/2008)
Cancer
See Alan Rubin's post, page 4 of this thread


Rick Shilts, 42, (3/6/08)
Construction accident
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=557887


Steve Dieckhoff, (3/15/08)
Cancer
http://www.stevedieckhoff.com/


Alan Nelson, Date unknown
Cancer
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=578170


Iñaki Ochoa de Olza, 40 (5/22/08)
Pulmonary edema on Annapurna
http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web08s/newswire-ochoa-annapurna
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=602360


Kelly Bell, 37 (6/2/08)
(unstated)
http://www.legacy.com/AZCentral/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=110970916


Yuto Inoue, 24 and
Tatsuro Yamada, 27 (6/?/08)
Disappeared on the Cassin Ridge of Denali, Alaska Range after a historic link-up with the Kahiltna Peaks.
http://www.climbing.com/news/hotflashes/climbers_lost_near_end_of_huge_alaskan_traverse/


Eduard Burceag, 31 (6/10/2008)
Succumbed to hypothermia during a storm on Mt. Rainier, Washington.
http://mountrainierclimbing.blogspot.com/2008/06/injured-hikers-airlifted-from-camp-muir.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004470524_webclimbers11m.html


Rodney Curtis Jones (6/16/08)
Slipped off a roof
http://www.rockandice.com/inthemag.php?id=211&type=onlinenews


Paul A. Duval, 71 (6/24/08)
Rappelled off the end of his rope in Custer, SD
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=621382


Ric DeVan, 44 (7/4/08)
Apparently fell near Mt. Goode, Sierra Nevada
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=630277&tn=0


James Nasti, 41, (7/4/08)
Collapsed and died on the summit of Denali, Alaska
http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web08x/newswire-two-fatalities-denali


Pungkas Tri Baruno, (7/7/08)
Collapsed and died while descending the West Buttress of Denali, Alaska
http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web08x/newswire-two-fatalities-denali


Karl Unterkircher, 37 (7/15/08)
Italian, killed in a crevasse fall while attempting a new route on Nanga Parbat.
http://www.climbing.com/news/passages/top_italian_climber_killed_on_nanga_parbat/


Preston Brennan, 48 (7/18/08)
Died as a result of injuries sustained in a climbing accident at Eldorado Canyon, CO.
http://www.climbing.com/news/passages/preston_brennan_1961-2008/


George Gardner, 58 (7/19/08)
Fell while soloing the Lower Exum Ridge, Grand Teton
http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web08x/newswire-flash-gardner-accident-grand


Tony Cousins, 70, (7/28/08)
Succumbed to a heart attack while scaling a route at Smoke Bluffs Park, BC
http://www.climbing.com/news/passages/climbing_pioneer_tony_cousins_remembered/


Dr. Gary Lee, 55, (7/29/08)
Rockfall on Mount Hood, Oregon
Larry's (Chiloe's) tribute to his dear friend:
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=644413


--

Pakistan, K2 Tragedy.
Adapted from Alpinist Newswire. Read the full report with links to more info:
http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web08x/newswire-k2-rescues-fatalities

On August 1, 2008, a massive amount of ice broke free in a section known as the Bottleneck, sweeping some climbers from the mountain, and stranding others just below the 8611m summit. In total, eleven climbers perished on the peak.

Dren Mandic,
Serbian, died while ascending K2

Jehan Baig,
Pakistani porter, fell while recovering Mandic’s body

Meherban Karim
Pakistani porter, fell, after the avalanche

Kim Hyo-Gyeong
Park Kyeong-Hyo
Hwang Dong-Jin
Koreans, died in the aftermath of the Serac fall, after reportedly refusing assistance from Dutch, Nepalese and Italian climbers.

Rolf Bae
Norwegian, was reportedly swept away by the initial avalanche.

Jumic Bhote
Pasang Bhote
Nepalese, both perished; the former is believed to have been trapped in the Bottleneck when the rope was sliced by falling ice, the latter is thought to have perished after the avalanche, perhaps in the course of rescue efforts.

Gerard McDonnell
First Irishman to summit K2, perished in an avalanch while attempting to rescue the Koreans.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article4494018.ece

Jean Louis Hugues D'Aubarede
French, perished in the aftermath of the avalanche



Ben Cheek, 28 (Late July?)
Disappeared while solo climbing the North Face of Shimshal Whitehorn, Pakistan. Indications point to an avalanche incident.
http://calpinist.com/site/component/option,com_myblog/Itemid,34/


Vince Bousselaire, 53 (8/7/08)
and
Carolyn Randall
Died on the Matterhorn, Switzerland
http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web08x/newswire-americans-die-matterhorn
http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080811/UPDATES01/80811052


Andrea Basque, 45 (8/7/08)
Fell on Dragontail Peak, Washington
http://www.climbing.com/news/passages/andrea_basque_1963-2008/


Chris Padzer, (8/9/08)
Fell to his death on the south side of Gilkey Tower (12,320'), Teton Range, Wyoming
http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web08x/newswire-teton-fatality


Jeff “the Midge” Siegel, (8/12/08)
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=653889


Ryan Triplett, (9/7/08)
Fell while soloing ‘Prime Rib’ up at Goat Wall, in Mazama, WA
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=672814


Daryn "stymingersfink" Smith (9/13/08)
Died suddenly of an unknown heart condition.
http://www.rockclimbing.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1967474;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;guest=46052306


Paul McDaniel 24 (8/13/08)
Brain aneurysm.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=676848


Joe Christy,
Age? Date? Cause?
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=674826


Ouch!, aka: Allen G. Schrimsher, age 73. (10/16/08)
Natural Causes
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=706796


James Martin Welton, 34 (10/17/08)
Fell while climbing Touchstone in Zion N.P.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=701629


Frank (canine companion of Errett Allen) (10/24/08)
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=706731


Amy Ruth Stine, 49 (10/11/08)
Died in a lead climbing fall at Seneca Rocks
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08288/919761-54.stm


Gerry Bloch, 90, (10/24/08)
Died of natural causes
http://www.crownvic.us/forum/showthread.php?t=8563


Benjamin E. Strohmeier 18 (11/4/08)
and
Laura Fletcher 18 (11/4/08)
Fell when fixed anchor webbing failed at Red River Gorge
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=716856


Chihiro "Cherry" Enoki 33, (11/28/08)
Died in a fall while climbing Mt Shasta
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=734060&tn=0


Justin Pettersen 36, (12/16/08)
See post by mojede on page 4 of this thread

___
58
rev. 12/30/08
**

In chronological order, a comprehensive list will be maintained in this original post. Please post news of peoples passing and include their age, cause, and date of death, and a link to the story. Obits and photos welcome.

2007, 2006


"And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."

-Kahlil Gibran
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Bodega, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 10, 2008 - 08:52pm PT
Bump for Rick and Ellen
Crimpergirl

Social climber
So on my way outta St. Looney!!!
Mar 10, 2008 - 08:52pm PT
Thanks for doing this Jerry.
John Mac

Trad climber
Littleton, CO
Mar 10, 2008 - 08:58pm PT
Anton's last name is Woperies.

Thanks for posting this up.


Jerry Dodrill

climber
Bodega, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 10, 2008 - 09:08pm PT
It's the least I can do. Thanks for the info.
Tarbuster

climber
right here, right now
Mar 10, 2008 - 09:42pm PT
You are a true gentleman Mr. Dodrill.
This is a fine thing you're doing here.
Watusi

Social climber
Newport, OR
Mar 11, 2008 - 02:48am PT
Yes, awfully kind of you Jerry!
SteveW

Trad climber
Denver, CO
Mar 11, 2008 - 10:39am PT
Jerry
Let's hope it will be a shorter list this year.
The Alpine

Big Wall climber
Tampa, FL
Mar 11, 2008 - 11:54am PT
Great memorial idea. Its good to keep folks in our minds.

Anybody have pictures to go with the names?

What year did Erica (of Realm of the Flying Monkeys w/ Pierre fame) pass?
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Bodega, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 11, 2008 - 06:18pm PT
Is that Erica Kutcher? She's on the 2006 memorial, but died in late 2005.

These people were our family. We laughed, cried, played and worked with them. They made our lives rich.

This thing has sorta taken on a life of its own. I'm not looking for names, just taking note when they come up. In late '06 it just struck me as really sad how many had gone that year and I started writing them down, which turned into quite a list, which I knew was incomplete, so posted it, and it has turned into these memorial threads. I hope it doesn't seem too dark. People's obits were getting lost in the shuffle, so if nothing else, this is an index. It feels like a duty of sorts now and makes me sad, but also makes me appreciate being alive. That quote says it pretty well.

So post up your photos, news, and edits as appropriate.
Clint Cummins

Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
Mar 11, 2008 - 08:36pm PT
Lygon Stevens.
bringmedeath

climber
la la land
Mar 11, 2008 - 08:48pm PT
RIP
http://www.susannalantz.com/
'thelittlebrotherthatcanhighlinelikeamofo'

Trad climber
bay area
Mar 11, 2008 - 09:50pm PT

Does anyone know of a online list compiling rock climbing related deaths/accidents?

Like the BASE Fatality List, ( http://www.splatula.com/bfl/ ) we all could learn from the mistakes of others.

A website should be made. If it has been already, I'd like to hear about it.


Clint Cummins

Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
Mar 11, 2008 - 09:59pm PT
littlebro,

There is a partial list of accidents/rescues in Yosemite at:

http://www.friendsofyosar.org/rescues/rescues.html

Worldwide, it would be hard to compile, I think - a lot more participants than the base jumpers.
Mighty Hiker

Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
May 27, 2008 - 02:41am PT
Iñaki Ochoa de Olza (40) of pulmonary edema on Annapurna, May 22nd 2008.

He had climbed twelve of the world's fourteen 8,000 m peaks.

http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web08s/newswire-ochoa-annapurna
Beatrix Kiddo

Mountain climber
Littleton
May 27, 2008 - 10:46am PT
http://www.stevedieckhoff.com/
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - May 27, 2008 - 11:30am PT
Steve was an amazing person. Wish I had known him.

From his site:
"The beauty in climbing stems from the idea that it might be possible to ascend, through discipline and creativity, a line on the rock or on the mountain which is drawn in the imagination. Our eyes seek the most graceful, tenuous, and audacious connections and we ask ourselves if we can follow that line.

...To sit in contemplation of a person or a tree or a mountain or a rock... and to lose your own sense of yourself in the act of drawing... is to find peace. It is, as T S Elliot wrote, "the still point of the turning world."

In both art and climbing I hope to return to that still point. I return to those conditions that hold the most promise for that lucid peace."

----


Great qoute from Inaki too:

Ochoa had climbed 12 of the 14 8000+ meter peaks, including a new route on Shishapangma, solo, in 2005 and is remembered for being something of a purist, saying, "If you use oxygen, you are not an alpinist, you are more of an astronaut or a scuba diver."
Delhi Dog

Trad climber
Good Question...
May 27, 2008 - 11:50am PT
Not dark Jerry...
They were the light to many and will be remembered as such.
A fine idea and a fine thing to be doing.
From the heart-thanks,

Cheers,
DD
steelmnkey

climber
Vision man...ya gotta have vision...
Jun 2, 2008 - 02:12pm PT
Kelly Bell, long time Arizona climber has passed away.
My sincere condolences to her family and especially her daughter, Taylor.

Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 2, 2008 - 02:51pm PT
Sorry to hear the news. Do you have a link to details? Age, date of passing and cause?

SandyD

climber
Phoenix
Jun 7, 2008 - 12:11am PT
Kelly Bell was 37 and passed away June 1.

It's really sad to hear about Kelly...as one of Phoenix's best early female climbers, she has a huge place in our history.

I'll never forget how the climbing community rallied around me when I had an accident many years ago...and in case you're looking for something to do to support Kelly, there is a college fund for her daughter Taylor...call Dave Sloan at 602-430-7114

http://www.legacy.com/AZCentral/Obituaries.asp?Page=SEARCHRESULTS
Raydog

Trad climber
Boulder Colorado
Jun 7, 2008 - 11:11am PT
I am sorry to hear of this...

but want to take a moment and thank Jerry
for doing this, this thread for our dead
companions, friends, hero's, mentors, etc.

Rick Corbin's death dealt me a major blow.

Am recovering pretty well, wondering,
each and every day how I can better live up
to the expectations of my dear departed brother,
and my folks, mom dad and grandparents, as well.

this is our life...

here we are.

Good god dying is sad stuff, isn't it?

Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 7, 2008 - 10:04pm PT
Sad? Indeed. But that sadness underscores the moments of joy. Someone said that your life is defined by the way you spend your days. So, live full and well. Laugh. Cry. Love. Indulge in life.
SandyD

climber
Phoenix
Jun 10, 2008 - 08:40pm PT
A climber can always count on fellow climbers for help in times of need. A wonderful fellow climber is gone - Kelly Bell. In her absence, we can help her 15 year old daughter Taylor in her quest for college. There is a website set up for just that:

Taylorbellscollege.com.

I know I can count on your help.
dougs510

Social climber
down south
Jun 10, 2008 - 09:01pm PT
I've been hesitant to post up on a friend of mine passing. She was one of the most awesome people I've ever known. Her father is a great friend of mine and a mentor to me climbing and otherwise. Therefore, I've wanted to wait for a time for grieving to give my respects to a wonderful person:

Hibbard, Melanie Ann
Melanie Ann Hibbard 1976 ~2004 Melanie Ann Hibbard, daughter of Susan Taylor and Bruce Hibbard, passed away on November 18, 2004. Melanie was born August 30, 1976 in Oklahoma City. She moved to Salt Lake in 1996 to pursue her passion for rock climbing. She had a deep love and appreciation for nature and
quickly became one of Utah's best female climbers, competing in many regional climbing competitions. From childhood, Melanie expressed herself through painting and drawing. Her love of nature was reflected in her vivid and expressive paintings. Melanie was incredibly humorous and quick-witted; she had a way of making everyone around her laugh.

Those who came though the Black Diamond Factory might remember her, as well as her dog Bean.

She is greatly missed. I'll always remember her telling me "Doug, I do really well masking my southern accent, until YOU come out here!" She was a hoot..... Miss you Mel.

Doug
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 12, 2008 - 10:56am PT
Updated OP for Yuto, Tatsoro, and Eduard. Rest in Peace.

Joe P, thanks for sending me the info.

Doug, thank you for your memory of Melanie. Feel free to post a photo of her.
Jaybro

Social climber
wuz real!
Jun 25, 2008 - 07:45pm PT
No more 'tone of a bell'. Somehow, right now, that one hits hardest of all.

For a time, when I was a vaque part of the phoenix scene, she was ubiqtuous. She had the biggest smile this side of Nita's, she climbed hard, dealt with all kinds of crazy sh#t in her life and was an inspiration to all. At 18 she could climb Paradise Lost (at the forks) with style! She was a clue that there really was another generation coming up, at a time when it didn't really seem likely.

I am profoundly saddened to know this. Godspeed, namaste, inshallah, god bless, or whatever it takes. I will look into her daughter's fund and do what I (a currently unemployed teacher with a daughter starting college in the fall) can.
Jaybro

Social climber
wuz real!
Jun 25, 2008 - 07:53pm PT
sandy, widemonkey, sooze, et al, if you have another link to that kelly bell stuff I'd be thankful to be able to pursue it. The one above seems to have moved on, you can email it.
the museum

Trad climber
Rapid City, SD
Jun 26, 2008 - 10:27pm PT
I'm sorry to post this, but a climber was killed in the needles Tuesday.

The rock climber killed Tuesday in a fall in the Needles apparently had misjudged the amount of rope he had as he rappelled from one of the spires, according to Custer County Sheriff Rick Wheeler.

The victim, Paul A. Duval, 71, of Custer, was a very experienced climber, Wheeler said. Duval climbed almost every day. But he apparently misjudged the amount of rope he had and fell to the ground in Tuesday's accident, Wheeler said.

Duval and his climbing partner were climbing on Moonlight Ridge when he fell shortly after noon Tuesday, Wheeler said.

Duval and his partner were reportedly using a new rope that was not their own and was marked differently, according to Daryl Stisser, co-owner of Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service. Stisser, who wasn't on the scene at the time of the accident, said Duval apparently mistook some of the marks on the climbing rope, leading to the accident.

There were other climbers in the area Tuesday, Wheeler said.

Rescue crew members administered CPR but could not resuscitate him, he said. Duval was dead at the scene.

Duval, who spent much of his life as a teacher in the Boston area, was a long-time member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and was very active as a rock-climbing instructor, according to his brother, Ron Duval of Long Valley, N.J. Paul Duval's climbing experience included excursions to Europe, Africa, Mexico and throughout North America, his brother said.

He had climbed often in the Needles, Wheeler said.

Although a teenager died while climbing without safety equipment near Sylvan Lake last summer, accidents involving technical climbers are rare, according to Steve Baldwin, head of the Custer County Search and Rescue team.

Tuesday's accident was the first serious accident in the Needles area for many years, Baldwin said. "The climbers are generally so good, they pretty much take care of themselves," he said.

But the Needles' granite spires offer a range of climbing that draws serious climbers, Baldwin said Wednesday. "People come from all over the world. Difficulty wise, it's everything from nice, easy climbs to extremely technical."

Climbers may be seen on the Needles virtually every nice day during the summer, according to Craig Pugsley, visitor-services coordinator at Custer State Park. Pugsley said the park doesn't keep track of the number of climbers, who aren't required to register to climb.

Rock climbing is generally a safe sport with relatively few accidents, but like other sports, it is susceptible to error, Stisser said.

The local climbing community is mourning Duval, Stisser said Wednesday. "Rock climbing was a part of life that Paul loved. He loved the people, and the beautiful places it took him. He will be missed."

Stisser added, "Many I've talked to were out on the rocks again today, no doubt being a little more careful."
Mungeclimber

Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
Jul 10, 2008 - 11:34pm PT

Remains found of military personnel in IRAQ

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25631625/

"The three were from from the 2nd Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division."


Though I haven't served in the Armed Forces, I've always appreciated the Mountain Divisions. It has had a strong connection to climbing's history.
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 17, 2008 - 02:42am PT
Bump for Ric, James, and Pungkas. Rest in Peace.
lcoyne

Big Wall climber
Byron Bay, Australia
Jul 17, 2008 - 04:21pm PT
Thank you Jerry for posting this up.

My condolences to the family and friends of the ones who have passed.

I was particularly saddened to here of the death of Steve Dieckhoff. Steve and I wnet back a long way and while we had our ups and downs always remained friends.

Steve was a stoic, wise and brave man who usually saw the bright side of everything. I remember months after having a hip replacement done he had to run down to Denver and show the surgeon pictures of himself climbing as the surgeon had insisted Steve would never climb again.

I admired Steve's attitude at the time of his friend Derek Hersey's death. It could best be described as sad, stoic, respectful and accepting.

Regards,

Leonard
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 2, 2008 - 10:19am PT
Peace to Chiloe and the family and friends of Dr. Gary Lee.
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 14, 2008 - 04:51am PT
I'm sad to have just added twenty one (!) additional names to the list in the original post.

Be safe.

-Jerry
Crimpergirl

Social climber
Boulder, Colorado!
Aug 14, 2008 - 10:08am PT
Jerry - this was updated on the Alpinist site.

The woman climber who died with Vince was Carolyn Randall of Fort Collins, Colorado. She was an experienced mountaineer with extensive climbing experience in Colorado and had also climbed in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and other countries. More information can be found at the Fort Collins Coloradoan at the link www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080811/UPDATES01/80811052
Dolomite

climber
Aug 14, 2008 - 10:31am PT
Thanks for your kind work here, Jerry.

On this topic I think the great British essayist Jim Perrin says it best, writing after the death of his friend Paul Williams:

“ I could have wished them longer lives, but immortality’s not our lot. They, who added to the richness of life, through their deaths remind us how good life is. So on this new morning my companion and I do Nat’s route, Green Gut, which she leads with great enjoyment and application, and then Brown’s Eliminate, which I lead and in which she revels . . . .
Some time later, in sweltering June heat on top of Goliath’s Groove, the woman I am climbing with draws me to her and kisses me. The larches below are very green and stir gently their fronded branches. On the flat top of a boulder a boy and girl dance with exuberant elegance to the faint beat of a radio. The valleys are filling with dusty mauve shadow, the moorland ridges clarifying out towards evening. Form takes precedence over texture, colour and atmosphere intensify, then the sun is heading down. It is all so utterly beautiful. We must love one another and die.”

(that last "and" is italicized)
klinefelter

Boulder climber
Bishop, CA
Aug 14, 2008 - 11:27am PT
Ben Cheek presumed dead on Shimshal Whitehorn, Pakistan. Ben was 28, from the UK, and a research biologist. He was attempting to solo the peak and was likely buried in an avalanche near the base.
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 14, 2008 - 01:44pm PT
Updated for Carolyn and Ben. Thanks for all updates and corrections.

Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Sep 17, 2008 - 11:40pm PT
Bump for Ryan, Daryn, Paul and Joe. Rest in Peace.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Social climber
valley center, ca
Sep 17, 2008 - 11:59pm PT
Jerry, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible memorial you have created! It has been so hard for me to cry, always trying to be strong for family, friends and business. Tonight I'm alone, your Thread came up and I am crying healing tears.... Deep, hard healing tears. Thank you.

I pray that all the family members and friends representing all their loved ones lost and honored here on this site can cry along with me and heal. It is so hard to lose someone you love so dearly.

Tonight I especially remember the family of Inaki Ochoa. God be with you and all the healing/hurting people who so miss the ones they loved. Lynne L.
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Sep 18, 2008 - 12:31am PT
Hi Lynn. Peace to you tonight. Sending you a big hug.

Today my tears are of joy for Rowan and his new lungs!
JOEY.F

Social climber
sebastopol
Sep 18, 2008 - 01:07am PT
I'm kinda speechless,
but,
seems like this is one of the best things about this forum, Jerry, Lynne, the fellow who was holding on to his partner on GP during the avalanche, sheesh...and all who let it out a bit here,,,
Thank you for posting, Inspiring!


That almost full moon is commin up!

Toker Villain

Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
Sep 18, 2008 - 02:17am PT
Recent years seem to be as harsh or harsher than ever, a function of time and friendship I suppose.

A nice homage.
Thank You sir.
Mighty Hiker

Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
Oct 25, 2008 - 03:55pm PT
Ouch!, the unofficial and much loved cartoonist of SuperTopo. 1935 - October 16th, 2008.

Ouch!'s obituary was in the Spokane Spokesman-Review on October 22nd, and is at http://www.spokesmanreview.com:80/obits/?search=on&catID=13&fname=Allen&lname=&keywords=&sdate=&edate

His true name was Allen G. Schrimsher, but for us he'll always be our beloved Ouch!
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 25, 2008 - 04:53pm PT
Updated for Ouch!, Frank, and James Welton.

So sad.
nita

climber
chica from chico, I don't claim to be a daisy
Oct 25, 2008 - 05:17pm PT
Thanks Jerry! You are a gem. I love that you added Frank to the Memorial, he did climb several 14,000 ft peaks....
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 25, 2008 - 05:59pm PT
... with 5" legs, no less! A climber indeed. Wasn't there another 4-legged climber that passed on a short time ago?

JohnRoe

Trad climber
State College, PA
Oct 25, 2008 - 08:22pm PT
Amy Ruth Stine

Seneca Rocks, Oct 11th

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08288/919761-54.stm

Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Nov 1, 2008 - 10:48pm PT
Andrea Basque, 45 (8/7/08)
Fell on Dragontail Peak, Washington
http://www.climbing.com/news/passages/andrea_basque_1963-2008/
Jim Wilcox

Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
Nov 1, 2008 - 11:00pm PT
Alan Nelson. Back in April, I believe
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Nov 1, 2008 - 11:05pm PT
Thanks Jim. Have any details? A link?
Jim Wilcox

Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
Nov 2, 2008 - 08:49am PT
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=578170&msg=657582#msg657582
Jerry, this should work.
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Nov 2, 2008 - 11:28am PT
Thanks Jim. I put him in the April slot, though I didn't see any specific date in that thread. It referenced a point in time three months earlier.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Social climber
valley center, ca
Nov 2, 2008 - 11:29pm PT
Jerry, this Thread is more far reaching than you may realize.

People from throughout the world read the comments on supertopo and your climbers memorial and have made contact with some of us who have lost loved ones.

People connecting with others are together working through their so very difficult grief and slowly processing the, what can be overwhelming, emotional pain, hurts and hardships of losing their very special loved one.

Thank you.....
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Nov 2, 2008 - 11:48pm PT
Wow. Thats great, and warming on a chilly night.

Light a candle for our friends and loved ones who have passed on.

Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Nov 5, 2008 - 09:50pm PT
Bump for Benjamin and Laura.



And I'm just not sure how to deal with this: "[The] disaster was the latest in a deadly season in the Alps. According to figures..., almost 100 people died this summer in the French, Italian and Swiss peaks, most of them in the Mont Blanc range."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/25/france

A similar thing happened last summer as well.
http://www.alpinist.com/doc/ALP20/newswire-fatalities-alps-boermans

The vast number of fatalities in the Alps alone, that are largely unreported in the North American climbing press, show just how incomplete this list is. I have to wonder if anyone keeps global stats on this.
SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
Nov 5, 2008 - 11:15pm PT
Jerry
I would suspect that either UIAA or possibly a French mountaineering organization might, something like the AAC. . .
but that's just speculation on my part.
sibylle

Trad climber
On the road again!
Nov 8, 2008 - 12:06am PT
I have several photos of James Welton climbing at City of Rocks. They're on my blog at:


http://funclimbsaroundtheworld.com/?p=494
http://funclimbsaroundtheworld.com/?p=310
http://funclimbsaroundtheworld.com/?p=544

Due to my technical ....incompetence .... I can't seem to post the image on ST (I'm in Yosemite without my son, who helps with computer stuff).
Once he explains again, how I do it, I'll post them here.
survival

Big Wall climber
A Token of My Extreme
Nov 8, 2008 - 12:26am PT
Thanks again Jerry,

Really gives us something to think about, besides all our insignificant day to day stuff.....
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Nov 8, 2008 - 01:22am PT
Here you go Sibylle
Lynne Leichtfuss

Social climber
valley center, ca
Dec 29, 2008 - 11:52pm PT
In Memory of all those that left this planet during 2007-2008.

We think of your loved ones and remember them in our thoughts and prayers. I have indeed gone down the list and remembered each one. I hope many do likewise.

Especially Inaki Ochoa de Olza whose life was lost on Annapurna. LRL
survival

Big Wall climber
A Token of My Extreme
Dec 30, 2008 - 02:31am PT
Thanks again Jerry, and Supertopo
Clint Cummins

Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
Dec 30, 2008 - 04:37am PT
Gerry Bloch, age 90, died of natural causes on 10/24/08.
http://www.crownvic.us/forum/showthread.php?t=8563

He climbed El Cap at age 81 in 1999, breaking his previous age record from when he climbed it at age 68 in [edit:] 1986.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1999/06/13/SC59SUN.DTL&hw=daunte&sn=115&sc=476
survival

Big Wall climber
A Token of My Extreme
Dec 30, 2008 - 10:06am PT
Clint, no disrespect, but Gerry couldn't have been 68 in 1970 and 81 in 1999. That would have been a really neat trick, to only age thirteen yrs while twenty nine went by for the rest of us.

Pretty damn amazing either way though. Tip of the hat to the record holder!!
sunshinedaydream

Trad climber
the big granite bubble
Dec 30, 2008 - 11:19am PT
Bump again for Carolyn Randall...

I miss you dearly...


....May we all continue to celebrate all these loved ones, may they always influence our lives, our climbing, and give us cause to smile each day...
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Dec 30, 2008 - 11:37am PT
Updated Gene Bloch and Cherry Enoki.


Alan Rubin

climber
Amherst,MA.
Dec 30, 2008 - 11:47am PT
I'd sadly like to add Craigen Bowen's name to this list, as it appears not to have been posted earlier. She passed away from cancer last January. She was a resident of Lexington, MA., worked as an art restorer at the Fogg Museum in Cambridge and was the mother of Andrew and Anna. She was a long time and very active member of the Boston climbing community, particularly with the AMC group. She climbed extensively in the eastern and western US, with an ascent of the Salathe Wall as likely her most significant of many climbs. Most of all however she was a wonderful person and great friend to many.
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Dec 30, 2008 - 11:50am PT
Sorry to read this Alan. I'll add her to the list. Do you have a link to the story or an obit? Peace, Jerry
Alan Rubin

climber
Amherst,MA.
Dec 30, 2008 - 12:35pm PT
Hi Jerry, There were several obituaries, probably the most complete was in the Boston Globe 3/22/08 (I'm sorry but I'm not tech. competent enough to do the link directly). I see from the date that my memory is off and that she passed away in March not Jan. It is also worth noting with extra sadness that she was a good friend of and had been a frequent climbing partner with, Paul Duval, who's name also unfortunately appears on this list. It has been a very sad year for a close-knit part of the Boston climbing community (even though Paul had lived for years in South Dakota and Mexico his roots as a climber were in Boston and he retained close contacts with us.) Also I wasn't on this site last year, so I don't know if you did a similar memorial for 2007, and, if so, whether or not it contained mention of Kathy Kiker-Snowman of Amherst, MA. Kathy died of ovarian cancer last year. She was an instructor at the Hampshire College outdoor program for many years, having previously worked for Outward Bound. She was an incredibly energetic and active person with boundless enthusiasm that motivated all around her. She climbed extensively, with an early free ascent of the West Face of El Cap as just one of many climbs that she accomplished.
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Dec 30, 2008 - 01:11pm PT
Thanks Alan. I added Kathy to the 2007 memorial.

I noticed that I mistakenly have Dan Leichtfuss on the 2008 list. I'm leaving him here, but correcting the date.
ChampionSleeper

Trad climber
Phoenix, AZ
Dec 30, 2008 - 01:22pm PT
Nice work Jerry. It looks like you've put a lot of work into this.

I do wonder if there is any way to include a quick blurb about what the person did while living in addition or as a replacement to the blurb on how they died.

I always think it's more useful to remember how people lived than the circumstances in which they died. Could this be added or included in a future list?
mojede

Trad climber
Butte, America
Dec 30, 2008 - 01:25pm PT
Unfortunately there is another name: Justin Pettersen.

Lurker extraordinaire here and poster on rcdotcom as lunabruandabby, Justin took his own life on Dec. 16th this year. A Missoula climber for years, Justin left his mark on the cragging scene, as well as the boulders of Lolo and Lost Creek. He was 36.

He will truly be missed, RIP, amigo
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Dec 30, 2008 - 02:14pm PT
Mojede, I added Justin. Sad to hear this.

Champ, you raise a good point. I try to provide basic info about the person's passing with a link to more information and a formal obituary or memorial. I think its interesting to see the cause of death, which is often not included in obits. This raises some sensitive issues occasionally, like in the case of a suicide or overdose. In that case I am vague or omit it. A couple times people have e-mailed me with more detailed and/or sensitive information and we have decided not to post it. I'm not sure what the appropriate thing to do is and am willing to omit this detail entirely if that is the consensus of the group. (Comments welcome.) At this point though, I'm not leaning toward adding additional information to the list, but encourage folks to participate here, or in the in-depth individual memorial threads as they see fit.

-Jerry
Lynne Leichtfuss

Social climber
valley center, ca
Dec 31, 2008 - 01:04am PT
Jerry, Thanks so very much for all you do and personally for your very touching words !

I did get a wonderful post from Mary Absolon, sister of Pete Absolon (wife is Mary Absolon) regarding Dan. I think Pete needs to be included in the Memorial. (Did I miss it ?)

Wife Mary wrote, "Life is short, and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk the way with us.... So be swift to love, make haste to be kind, and peace will be always with you."
Jerry Dodrill

climber
Sebastopol, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Dec 31, 2008 - 01:10am PT
Thanks Lynne. Pete was killed in August of 2007 and is listed in that year's memorial.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Social climber
valley center, ca
Dec 31, 2008 - 01:14am PT
Noted. Thank you ! LRL
Crimpergirl

Social climber
Boulder, Colorado!
Jan 1, 2009 - 02:17pm PT
So sorry to hear that Sewellymon. Thanks for sharing that fantastic photo of your dad. My condolences. :(
ron gomez

Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
Jan 1, 2009 - 02:22pm PT
Right on Jeff, yer Dad is a lucky guy to have a son as you!
Peace
and Happy New Year
WanderlustMD

Trad climber
DC Area (it's as bad as you've heard)
Jan 1, 2009 - 03:25pm PT
Bump for Daryn!
Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber
Will know soon
Dec 29, 2009 - 03:29am PT
At the end of this year, 2009, I'd also like to remember all those that have gone before us since I entered this forum in 2008. I especially remember today, December 29, Dan, who died two years ago.

As my daughter Leah has reminded me. "Dad left you a wonderful legacy in the climbing community." Thanks, and Peace to All who have experienced loss ...... lynne
Jaybro

Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
Dec 29, 2009 - 11:38am PT
Virtual hug, Lynne
emma

Trad climber
collierville, tn
May 1, 2010 - 01:03am PT
Paul McDaniel, our son died of a stroke Sept. 14, 2008 but it seems like only yesterday! A post was made with photos of him while he was on his favorite climbing trip to Boulder, Co in August of 2008--it would be his last climb, except his journey to Heaven. He loved rock/ice climbing more than life itself iit seemed at times. He lived a full life during his 22 years. His brothers have started a foundation in his name to help promote awareness of strokes in young people and to especially promote organ donation. We have heard from three of Paul's recipients thus far, and his heart recipient and his family are planning a trip to Collierville, Tn to meet Paul's family this October 23, 2010!!! We can't hardly wait. thank you for allowing us to share about Paul. His foundation site is:
http://www.paulmcdanielfoundation.org and all his climbing photos are at:
http://web.me.com/paulandrewmcdaniel.
StephNV

climber
Elko, NV
Oct 17, 2014 - 12:42am PT
Bump for Jamie Fields
JOEY.F

Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
May 30, 2019 - 09:43pm PT
Thanks Jerry.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber
moving thru
May 30, 2019 - 10:45pm PT
Me too, thanks Jerry! What you did was awesome. Just wish I could have had it together to take over after you retired. I am OK now....took @ 9+ years. No telling how loss plays out. A person must continue to figure out how to live....really live....after loss. It can happen. Don't give up.
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