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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 13, 2008 - 10:48am PT
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My friend and longtime AZ and Yosemite climber Jeff the Midge Siegel died yesterday in east Flagstaff. Alot of people probably remember Jeff from Climbing in Tucson and Flagstaff in the 90's. and Yosemite during the Disorderly Conduct days with Warren Hollinger. Jeff finally let the Booze and the depression get the best of him. So if you have friends out there that you think are slipping down the spiral try and do something for them.
We all will miss him and his laughter!
RIP old buddy
Jeff the Midge has a posse!
Thanks
TED
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 13, 2008 - 02:48pm PT
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bump
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rlf
Trad climber
Josh, CA
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Aug 13, 2008 - 03:26pm PT
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Sorry to hear this.
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L
climber
Flat-faced Buddha Cat City
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Aug 13, 2008 - 04:14pm PT
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Sorry to hear about your friend, Ted.
My condolences to his family and friends.
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bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
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Aug 13, 2008 - 05:06pm PT
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i really don't know what to say. a year ago, the midge and i were definately the two people from the flag posse most likely to die from drinking. i can't say just yet how it is that i became able and willing to stop. for whatever reason, jeff could not or did not.
i know people talked to him about his drinking, but i think the climbing world in general, and flagstaff in particular, has a "hands-off" approach to people in trouble. maybe this is the way it should be. maybe not. every situation is different. maybe not saying much of anything is the right thing to do if the person is not ready to listen. i feel bad. i knew this would happen. i believe he was 35 years old.
it's just sad.
but i still laugh every time i think of the bumper sticker his bros here in flag printed up and plastered all over town: "kill 'em all...let the midge sort 'em out!
via con dios, jeff.
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Crimpergirl
Social climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Aug 13, 2008 - 05:07pm PT
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Sad news for sure. Condolences to his friends and family.
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 13, 2008 - 05:13pm PT
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Hey Bob, was just talking with BK. We have never met but I know about you through our mutual friends. I am real glad to hear you are giving the sobriety a go. keep it up! If you ever come up to Tuolumne look me up. I wish Midge would have just tried. You have to be ready to give it a go and I guess he just wasnt ready. We all had lots of great adventures together! I hope more people in Flag will see this an eye opening thing.
TED
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smc
climber
Delta, BC
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Aug 13, 2008 - 06:33pm PT
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Its a real shame to lose Jeff so early. We had some real good times back in flag when we were all basically flopping at our buddy's house. I'll always remember Jeff's hilarious laugh, limitless generosity, and solid friendship. RIP, Midge.
SEAN
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nature
climber
Santa Fe, NM
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Aug 13, 2008 - 06:49pm PT
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I don't think that in my nine years in Flagstaff I met the Midge. The Doctor had put up a little comic like thing on my refrigerator titled "Beware The Midge". Just the other day I removed it from fridge. I'm not even sure what I did with it but I'll have to go looking for it.
Condolences to all his bro's, friends and family.
rest in peace, Midge.
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Trad climber
San Francisco, Ca
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Aug 13, 2008 - 07:43pm PT
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Super sad. Ted, sorry about Jeff.
T. Dolan
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gershman
Trad climber
San Diego, Ca
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Aug 13, 2008 - 09:07pm PT
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The Midge climbed bold, rocked hard, and drank harder...that sucks that it got the best of him. He will be remembered by many. My best to Ted, the old Flag crew, and Jeff's family. d gershwin
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treeman
climber
mule city
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Aug 13, 2008 - 10:32pm PT
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The Midge stayed at our house when we first moved from flag to bishop. He mooned my redneck neighbor early one morning just to say hello. There was a sticker on the fridge of my camper van with jeffs face and " 5'1" 119 lbs". RIP
Tim Maloney
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the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
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Aug 13, 2008 - 11:00pm PT
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Jeff I hope you have found a happier place.
Rest in Peace.
Albert Newman
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bringmedeath
climber
la la land
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Aug 14, 2008 - 01:06am PT
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Were climbing high, never want to come down, never want to put my feet back on the ground... RIP
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 14, 2008 - 03:15am PT
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Hey thanks to all who have posted, when I know more I will post up. Good to see alot of old friends from the old flagstaff days posting up. Midge would be happy about that. Thanks again Ted
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bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
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Aug 14, 2008 - 11:21am PT
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For as all climbers know, you can't stay high forever.
And as you said, the hardest part
is always the descent: the footwork tricky,
handholds hard to find in the dark
and adrenaline, your old friend, no help at all.
Maybe these words can help you get back down.
Once we were insatiable, fearless as Vikings.
It’s someone else’s turn now.
--Donald Nitchie
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 14, 2008 - 02:24pm PT
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bump
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quartziteflight
climber
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Aug 14, 2008 - 05:23pm PT
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Im sorry to hear about your friend. Maybe in his 35 years he did more actual living than someone who passed at 70? The candle of life eventually burns outs...so burn it bright!!
"Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived, or he who stayed securely on shore and merely existed?"-HST
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malabarista
Trad climber
San Francisco, Ca
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Aug 14, 2008 - 05:37pm PT
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whoa, expected this to be about some old codger past his prime not a 35 yr old, seems too young.
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the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
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Aug 14, 2008 - 08:18pm PT
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Ted,
Who's takin' care of the dog?
Is there going to be any kind of memorial service?
Albert
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Anastasia
climber
Not there
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Aug 14, 2008 - 08:31pm PT
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Condolences, may he be both honored and remembered for his love of life.
Anastasia Frangos
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scuffy b
climber
Elmertown
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Aug 14, 2008 - 08:59pm PT
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I'm saddened to hear this. So young.
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the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
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Aug 15, 2008 - 01:43pm PT
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This is from todays Flagstaff paper:
Dead man ID'd
The man found deceased in a Flagstaff motel room this
week has been identified as 31-year-old Jeffrey Siegel.
Police said Siegel was last seen Sunday. His body was discovered Tuesday in a room at the Western Hills motel, 1580 E. Route 66.
Police reported no signs of foul play, but the case remains under investigation by the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office.
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 15, 2008 - 03:06pm PT
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Hey everyone we are planning a BBQ and party in the honor of Jeffy. More like a party then a service. People are already planning on coming from all over the US and Canada. It is going to be Sept 13 At either wheeler or thorpe park in Flagstaff then at Alpine Pizza downtown. I will post up more when I hear more. I dont think the family is planning a service so we will have our own!
T
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juliedejesus
climber
flagstaff
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Aug 15, 2008 - 04:01pm PT
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I remember Jeff during an extended stay on my couch when I lived in the O'leary house with Ted Roberts and Tim Dolan. Entertaining house guest, Jeff was. And real clean and tidy . . . always did all the dishes. Then I left Flag for awhile and didn't see him much until I moved back to Flagstaff and heard the occasional "Midge sightings." Jeff's a real Flagstaff legend, we're all going to miss him.
Julie de Jesus
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Trad climber
San Francisco, Ca
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Aug 15, 2008 - 04:17pm PT
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Hi Julie-
I was just yesterday reminiscing about the S'Oleary days after seeing this thread. Viva Jaliscos! Jeff was a character for sure.
I ran into Ted last summer in TM- he gave us a ticket!!
Tim D.
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 15, 2008 - 06:14pm PT
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Sorry Tim, it wasnt you I gave the ticket to but your buddy. Didnt want to but the boss made me
Love TR
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Trad climber
San Francisco, Ca
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Aug 15, 2008 - 06:28pm PT
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I know- just teasing. Again, I'm sorry about Jeff.
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ann hilton
Trad climber
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Aug 18, 2008 - 01:43pm PT
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Hi Ted....Ann and Allan and fam here.
Hey, wanted to let all of you know that we got the word from Bob and have been feeling it.
Lot's of memories of Jeff. He always was full of so much contagious laughter and energy.
Allan and I are trying to make Flag work for the 13th.
I was glad to see something out "there" for Jeffy.
Ouch.
Ted...I am glad to see you are making your dreams happen. Seems like a long time ago we were all in the Bonito St. house.
If you're ever in SLC....we have an extra room. Allan is always up Little Cottonwood too.
AAA&R Hilton
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 18, 2008 - 11:03pm PT
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Hey Ann! great to hear from you guys. I really hope you guys will make the Sept12 and 13 party. I sent you an email. say hi to elena and Alan for me
ted
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Bon grovelly
climber
FLAGSTAFF
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Aug 18, 2008 - 11:18pm PT
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Midge,
You are one tough little bugger. I can hear your huge belly laugh even now. Remember how we prompted each other up those highballs in Kelly Canyon, or that one chilly winter evening we kayaked blissfully down through the depths of Chevelon Canyon.
Godspeed, Good Buddy
J. Govi
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salad
climber
Escondido
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Aug 18, 2008 - 11:25pm PT
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So young. So sorry to all involved.
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Bon grovelly
climber
FLAGSTAFF
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Aug 18, 2008 - 11:43pm PT
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It was winter 05. lots of snow, lots of water. Me, John, Bammy, Meudt, Suzanne, Jeffy and Jeffy's dog, Abby, packed up and headed to the Gila river: to boat it, not to hike it. There was a bright moon and at some point we all pulled our vehicles off in a parking area, probably for a pee break. The Midge had music blaring from his truck--excellent, loud electronic music. We all ended up in a circle, under that bright, round moon and started to dance. And how we danced! We boogied HARD in that parking lot until that music ended. Then we all jumped into our vehicles, with big smiles on our faces, and headed toward those outstanding days we shared on the Gila. Heres to you Jeffy.
Alison Govi
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Double D
climber
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Aug 19, 2008 - 12:54am PT
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Ted, sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. My condolances to out to all family and friends. Perhaps his passing will help others not wallow down the same path.
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Bargainhunter
Mountain climber
Los Angeles, CA
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Aug 19, 2008 - 04:09am PT
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Wow 31! So sad...
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the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
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Aug 20, 2008 - 11:49am PT
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From the Arizona Daily Sun:
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Jeffrey Allan Siegel, 36, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, in Flagstaff.
Mr. Siegel was born May 5, 1972, in St. Paul, Minn. He was a free spirit who truly enjoyed the challenges of climbing the rock walls of Yosemite and Zion National Park. He loved the thrill of running the big rapids of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, and yet he also enjoyed the peace and tranquility of floating down the Verde River. His family and friends will remember the laughter he brought to all. Mr. Siegel is survived by his parents, Lois and Allan Siegel of Olympia, Wash.; sister Suzanne (Jeff) Simonton, of Seattle, Wash.; and many relatives around the country.
His friends will hold a celebration of his life the weekend of Sept. 12. (in Flagstaff)
For details call Bryan Smith at ---. His parents will hold a family gathering in Olympia, Wash. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com.
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collarbonejim
climber
flagstaff, az
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Aug 20, 2008 - 02:00pm PT
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Midge dude, what happened? you were always there to make us laugh, whether a climber or biker, you treated us with respect. i will miss you, and so will the big walls! ( it said september 12 for the "friends" memorial, in the local paper, is this true?) climb on midge! collarbonejim
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gershman
Trad climber
San Diego, Ca
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Aug 20, 2008 - 02:12pm PT
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Ted and Albert, thanks for keeping us updated. Looks like September 12th and 13th is gearing up to be a heck of a celebration of the life of one heck of a good dude. The Midge: friend to many, missed by all. Look forward to seeing you guys. David Gershwin
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Flex
Trad climber
Flagstaff, AZ
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Aug 21, 2008 - 12:19pm PT
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Oh Sh#t, I just got back from Canada yesterday and heard about Midgie. I couldn't believe it yet at the same time I wasn't all that surprised.
The last time I saw him was a little over a year ago while still living in Flag. I ran into him at Charly's and brought him & Abby back to the house to take up residence on the couch for a few days. We spent some time looking through old climbing books in my library, swapping stories (and lies!), and then he donated some of his books to me because they were getting trashed in his truck. I just recently moved again and came across them and wondered when I would get the chance to return them to him.
I first met him in 2002 while working on a forest thinning gig in Flag. I instantly liked him and his calm, unassuming demeanor. He was the best guy to swamp behind because he worked on Rez Time! On that job he taught me a valuable lesson-"Make sure you sh#t at the job so you get paid for it!".
Any news on who will take care of Abby the dog?
RIP Jeff, We'll miss you.
Felix
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 21, 2008 - 06:57pm PT
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Hey felix, thanks for the post. I remember when that photo was taken jeffy and I cam over for the dog party. Hope all is well with you. We are having a party on Sept 12 13 for jeffy in flagstaff. I will keep everyone posted.
TED
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AnnaBanana
Trad climber
Durango, CO
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Aug 22, 2008 - 01:41pm PT
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Hi all,
Got the news a few days ago up here in Durango. What a sad thing to hear. But it helps a little to see upwards of 40 posts here and to know he was loved by everyone who met him. He created a niche for himself in Flag that no one will ever be able to fill.
I won't be able to make the BBQ in September, but I'll be sending my thoughts on down to Wheeler Park.
Also wondering what became of Abbey the Dog...
Anna
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Robert 560
climber
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Aug 23, 2008 - 11:13pm PT
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Sorry for your loss to all those who new Jeff. Sounds like he was quite the climber. What were some of his greatest sends? If no one else is going to take his dog let me know. I didn't know Jeff but he sounds like someone I would have been proud to call friend. My condolences to all.
Robert
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 24, 2008 - 08:40am PT
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Hey thanks for the great offer. The dog Abbey who is loved by many has gone to Live with Jeffy's parents in WA.
Jeffy was a great climber and partner, super tuff, born to suffer. He was a great wall partner for me. We did lots of stuff in Zion in the 90's.
He did Tis-a-Sak on Half Dome here in Yosemite , the Nose and bunch of grade V stuff around here to. He really had a lot of determination when it came to big walls stuff. He was also a great free climber back in the Tucson days. He and John Dosckiez pit up a new free route in Levithan dome that went at 10d or harder called "three d whitch hunt". that guy was tuff.
thanks again Ted
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murph39
Gym climber
lafeyette, co
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Aug 24, 2008 - 11:28am PT
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hey ted,
its been a long time. sorry to hear about jeff. remember when he was the posses personel photographer in bishop. i hope your doing well. i posted on mp. lets talk sometime, love to catch up.. kevin
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Owlman
Trad climber
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Aug 28, 2008 - 03:29pm PT
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Ted,
It was great to see you in Yosemite.
You looked way young and fit.....the meadows have been good to you.
Was thinking about the Midge today. Thinking about how hard he made me and Bammy laugh on Tis-sa-ack. Saw J. Govi and Allison's posts and really drifted back to Flag and all the crazy times we had together at Alpine, not to mention all that climbing.
I have this wild memory of me and Jeffy swinging out on jumars over the void on Half Dome...clawing our way up to join B. Smith and get the hell off that wall. Jeffy wondering around sensless and tired on the summit...then trudging down the trail with huge haul bags...drinking and laughing back on the valley floor. Midge blasting off to visit a woman at Wiwona. His pictures of that route were fantastic. He loved to tell the story of me crying on that last pitch...and my tirade about sand baggers.
Back in 2000, I took one of those "Midge has a Posse" stickers to Fairbanks, copied it, then pasted them all over the northland.
Jeffy, I hope you are resting bro. Gearing up to come haunt me and make me laugh so hard I puke. I miss you man!
Ted, are we gathering in Flag on the 12-13th? I'll try to get a ticket and join you! We need to scratch some sentiments on the walls at Alpine for the Midge.
-Dave Willey
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east side underground
Trad climber
crowley ca
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Aug 28, 2008 - 03:43pm PT
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Didn't know the "Midge", but spent a bit of time climbing in the Stronghold with my AZ bros, maybe toasted a brew with him at a beanfest. RIP
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Owlman
Trad climber
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Aug 29, 2008 - 08:21pm PT
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Bump for the Midge.
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 29, 2008 - 11:42pm PT
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Dave, great to see ya and spend time with ya this summer up here in TM. You are always welcome here anytime and I hope you come back next summer for an extended stay!
The party is going to be in Flag on sept 13 at Kiwanis park from 1-5. then down to the alpine. Alot of folks are traveling in for this one. Jeffy would be proud. I really hope ya make it call me if you need further. i will send you a message to your email.
looking forward to seeing every one and telling tales of the Midge!
TED
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smithers
Boulder climber
truckee
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Hey, Jeff wassup? I never addressed you as the midge because I knew it bummed you out. I was hoping to ride my bike to Flag and bum a rollie from you at the stand & stare ( pay n' take for all you non-locals) and laugh about the squawlerdome and your stint at PRO. Your porn stash still lives there. All my bikes still sport your sticker. Later dude, Smithers.
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 8, 2008 - 11:05pm PT
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Smithers! you gonna visit this year on yer cycle?
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 8, 2008 - 11:08pm PT
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The big party for Jeffy is gonna be at Kiwanis park in Flagstaff this SAT the 13th around 1pm. people are coming from all over the US! Pre-Party at Alpine on FRI night. see you all there. email me if you need further info.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Social climber
valley center, ca
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Really, no one knows the heart issues that torment and cause some to, perhaps, make poor decisions which leave loved ones and friends behind to grieve and wonder.
I don't know if these thoughts are of any comfort, but I believe the creator of life knows the hearts of those created. He knows their inner struggles, the demons that conflict their minds and hearts and the sadness and depression they perhaps cannot share, and hide in the deep places.
Before they leave this earth, this planet of their birth, it is my belief they have a last conversation with their creator and this is the most important one of their life.
"Love bears all, believes all, hopes all, endures all, Love never fails." I Corinthians 13:7.
Peace, Love and Hope to all that loved and knew this young man, Jeff Siegel.
With my Sincere Love and Condolances, Lynne Leichtfuss
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