Discussion Topic |
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justthemaid
climber
Los Angeles
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Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 24, 2009 - 12:04am PT
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Jennie has informed us that Curt passed today.
RIP you stubborn curmudgeon. He was a good friend.
Oct 4, 1955 - Aug 23, 2009
Curt with his beloved cat Kittimus a couple years ago.
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S.Powers
Social climber
Jtree, now in Alaska
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:07am PT
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RIP
today has been a bummer...
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:10am PT
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Condolences to his family and all who knew him.
Rick Accomazzo
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bearbnz
Trad climber
East Side, California
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:10am PT
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Very sad to hear, condolences to family and friends.
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apogee
climber
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:11am PT
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Never had much interaction with him, but his influence is clear to me. My condolences to his family and friends, and all who knew and loved him here on ST.
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Slakkey
Trad climber
From a Quiet Place by the Lake
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:12am PT
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Sorry to hear of this, Curt has been fighting a long battle and weather we all agreed with him or not he was a part of this campfire.
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Jim Wilcox
Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:14am PT
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Thank you for including us these last few months at a very personal and private time. Quite the honor.
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nita
climber
chica from chico, I don't claim to be a daisy
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:14am PT
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Good bye Curt, *Rest in Peace* xoxo , nita
Condolences to Curt's family and friends.
Farewell Farewell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-tiGvMqpU8
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dfrost7
Social climber
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:15am PT
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Rest in peace, Curt. Condolences to his family and loved ones.
edit: Beautiful, beautiful offering, nita.
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justthemaid
climber
Los Angeles
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 24, 2009 - 12:15am PT
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Some of Curt's favorite things:
Climbing of course:
His garden and taking pictures of it:
Playing his guitar:
His home made pizza. In his own words "The best in the world"
That darn cat:
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MisterE
Trad climber
Canoga Porn, CA
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:15am PT
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Curt was a tough man, a great musician and cared deeply about all things aesthetic.
Rest in Peace
From dirt we came
to dirt we shall all return
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Conner
Mountain climber
Donnelly, Idaho
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:17am PT
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My heartfelt condolences to Curt's friends and family. I trust he is in a better place, but the loss of his presence in the lives of so many is the hard part.... peace to Curt and those who love him.
Connie Self
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paganmonkeyboy
climber
mars...it's near nevada...
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:18am PT
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Damn, dirt. Sorry to see you go.
My condolences to the family and friends. I am sorry for your loss.
-tom
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Mtnmun
Trad climber
Top of the Mountain Mun
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:18am PT
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He will be missed around these parts.
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jstan
climber
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:18am PT
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54.
When we fall the first thing we do is wonder how we may learn to avoid a fall in
the future.
Curt was a really good friend to us. If we, each, determine to have the needed
medical tests done in a timely fashion, we will become living testament to Curt's grace.
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:20am PT
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I wish Curt all the best on his journey. He didn't want to go, and held on with his strong will, but time defeats us all.
Curt had a reputation for being ornery but one thing we keep learning this year as we lose people is that, in the face of losing their contributions and company, we see their personalities more like spicy seasoning than annoying dissonance.
Curt and I had very different perspectives on the afterlife, God and such, but had a fine conversation or two about it on the phone and I think he had food for thought that didn't go against his own experience or heart. We talked upfront and for an extended time about death, every aspect. I think he forgave some folks where he was holding on and mended a bridge or two.
Still in death, Curt would appreciate Love and Good wishes but not want to be held up as some kind of woosie nice guy. So to honor him, I'm going to post this ornery cartoon. I think those who know Curt well would want some "Dirtinthread" to keep it real
Peace
Karl
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Curt
Boulder climber
Gilbert, AZ
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:22am PT
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I cringed each time I clicked on the other thread. I am unbelievably relieved to hear that Curt's suffering has, at long last, come to an end. RIP.
The other Curt
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justthemaid
climber
Los Angeles
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 24, 2009 - 12:23am PT
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LOL Karl. Add that comic to the "things Dirt loved" list.
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WBraun
climber
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:28am PT
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He'll be back, in 9 months.
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Jello
Social climber
No Ut
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:29am PT
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Curt, you've preceeded us in death, but left us with memories and music to help us get through our days with laughter, love and joy.
Peace and love to all Curt's family and friends.
-Jeff Lowe
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Anastasia
climber
hanging from a crimp and crying for my mama.
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:29am PT
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He fought well. Chemo does things to people... It usually makes them dead before they die. Dirt stayed alive until the last. I will always admire him for that.
Rest In Peace.
AF
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Russ Walling
Gym climber
Poofter's Froth, Wyoming
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:49am PT
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Best wishes to his family and friends......
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Fletcher
Trad climber
Shivasana
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:52am PT
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Peace, Curt... glad you can rest now. It was a cold rainy day in Tuolumne today... part of the cycle of things, of which death is a part too. There is beauty in all things, if you look hard enough. And you really didn't need to look hard at all with dirtineye, in spite of the "orneriness" as Karl noted. Thanks for those photos justthemaid... beautiful.
Eric
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Sebastopol, CA
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:09am PT
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I liked Curt too. Sad to hear the news.
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Jennie
Trad climber
Elk Creek, Idaho
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:10am PT
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My deep sympathy to family and friends as Curt’s earth journey ends.
Curt passed on with his parents, sisters and other family close by.
Curt wrote fondly of his parents, Jim and Sally, describing them as devout and faithful Methodists who didn’t deserve an infidel and pagan in their list of begats. I laughed, knowing he was exaggerating (and while he feigned profound treachery on his own part).
(…. Actually, it took me awhile to realize the humor and good intent behind Curt’s enfant terrible act).
Supertopians laughed when Jeff Lowe posted it was a pleasure meeting Curt’s parents but he kind of wondered “how two such kind and generous folks produced such an irascible curmudgeon…..”
Curt was a world class guitarist. Many in musical field visited Curt or paid him respect in recent days. .
Recently, the ladies at the Johnson’s church had made Curt a beautiful prayer shawl with various vibrant colors and very elaborate and beautiful knitting patterns. I didn’t ask if he had used it. I hope so.
….but Curt will never burn in an eternal hell because the Devil couldn’t put up with his grousing.
I doubt he’d want his curmudgeon legend to fade. But didn’t we admire Curt because he was, behind the bearish role on ST, intimate and kindly and in the throes of cancer pain, indomitable?
Many people loved Curt Johnson and, this evening, many tears were shed by family and friends in the house on Shades Crest Road, south Birmingham. I firmly believe they will meet and rejoice with Curt again.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:11am PT
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justthemaid--those are beautiful photos and really show the spirit of Curt (at least what I imagine it to be).
Godspeed Curt.
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justthemaid
climber
Los Angeles
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 24, 2009 - 01:29am PT
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Great post Jennie!
I was poking around in the "Best Wishes to Dirt" thread looking for the link to him playing his guitar and found some quotes I thought were appropo...
Dirtineye:
QUOTE: "I am not afraid to die, almost did that when I had the reaction to cmeo monoclilal antobidl several yearesa ago, and death is just suprisingly not that scary, even when you KNOW it is coing asn can see and feel it happening, as in. body disconnectl ;ligkt h at endo of tunnle and aoo taht stuff you hear, well it's true, but it aint spirirual at all, and it does not hurt, It;s like a conversation with yourself reviewing your life, and agreeing to try not to die but accepting the very real possibility thtaiit is about to happen. Not jesus, no devil, no god made any appearnce I am glad to say. IT woudl be hard since they do not exist so there, that's that.
reapeat: death is not scary, but I'm really not willing or ready to go, I just hav no choice."
Another funny one:
QUOTE:
"LOL man I am glad god does not throw lighting bolts any more, Ithink I just earned one.
Mock GOd: this will be important. I think if there is an afterlife then there robably would be a hierarcyn adh teh top guy would call himself god. a bit pretentios don;t you think? I will do my best to annoy him, which is alwo how I will wind up ruling Hell shoudl it exist. I will just annoy satan to teh pont where he givesup. I cna be very annoying when i want to. It comes naturalyy, and can be a great asset, at least sometimes. Other times, not so hot, to annoy people without meaning too, which I really don;t want to do.
If I intend to annoy I want it ti be very straight forawrd and unmistakeable, LOL, which is as it should be. but really, usually such activity is a collossal waste of time and effort and not worth dpoing, so I keep it to a minimum, like the use of nukes. dangerous and not for daily use, you know? probably for the best.
Better to be nice when you can, and even when you can't. works better. It's really easy to be nice in fact, more peopel should try it."
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rwedgee
Ice climber
canyon country,CA
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:34am PT
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You will be missed.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:44am PT
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Rest in peace, Curt.
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Curt
Boulder climber
Gilbert, AZ
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:51am PT
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Is any of Curt's music available, like on CDs? I knew he loved to play, but I had no idea he was so amazing. I would love to own some of his music.
Curt
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:52am PT
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A solemn note to end the day on. Peace to Curt, his family and friends.
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Redwreck
Social climber
Echo Parque, Los Angeles, CA
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:55am PT
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Peace out, Curt. You'll be missed.
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Karen
Trad climber
So Cal urban sprawl Hell
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Aug 24, 2009 - 02:05am PT
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My condolences to family and friends, damn it hurts, Curt you will be missed.
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Iron Mtn.
Trad climber
Corona, Ca.
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Aug 24, 2009 - 02:19am PT
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RIP Curt, may you scale new peaks in the afterlife.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Aug 24, 2009 - 02:21am PT
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Goodnight, Curt. Take care of yourselves everyone.
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Aug 24, 2009 - 03:00am PT
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For such a tough guy I'm glad he found the peace to finally just let it all go. He'll be missed.
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salad
climber
Escondido
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Aug 24, 2009 - 03:07am PT
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Man, very very sad. RIP Curt.
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MH2
climber
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Aug 24, 2009 - 03:48am PT
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
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Aug 24, 2009 - 03:56am PT
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go get yer check ups ya'll, Curt wanted awareness raised.
RIP
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Aug 24, 2009 - 04:21am PT
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hey there curt, say, i am sorry to be late here for leaving a blessing---but i did post-up fast on the other thread... (then i was off line for awhile)...
first, my deep condolences to your family and loved one, and my prayers that they will have memories to cherish, that will ease all future pain of missing you...
now, may the newness of god's eternity, continually be more and more as special--as the promise says it will...
god bless, and thanks for sharing your life with all of us at supertopo, you've been a nice brother to all...
and yes, the lord takes the pain, see...
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redrocker
climber
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Aug 24, 2009 - 06:54am PT
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justthemaid,
Thanks for the link to the video. One man with an acoustic guitar is a favorite form of music for me and that was as beautiful as anything I've ever seen and heard.
Condolences to all who knew and loved him.
RIP Dirt.
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Jennie
Trad climber
Elk Creek, Idaho
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Aug 24, 2009 - 07:29am PT
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Some of the compositions Curt posted on the internet were his own creations.
He was a composer as well as a extremely skilled guitar player.
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Jim E
climber
away
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Aug 24, 2009 - 07:52am PT
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Rest in peace, Curt.
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
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Aug 24, 2009 - 08:15am PT
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I always thought the "rest in peace" thing was sort of a pat response; when there weren't words, you at least had those to say. But for Curt, I truly can wish him to rest. In peace.
He railed til nearly the last of his STopo postings; he did not "go gently into the night" as that poem goes, though his very last posts were not filled with the humourous awfulness he had seemed to enjoy so much to wield. I won't pretend to know what he thought, felt or wanted to say.
He loved words, and I think that, more than that I was a new to the scene climber(and female), was probably the common thread between him and me.
His family has a big loss now to grieve, and it has been such a long travel on the path.
I have some photos to share. And though I did not have an amicable time with Dirtineye for much of the last while, I hope nobody will be upset that I share them.
On a trip to Joshua Tree that he so didn't want to go on. The one thing he did seem to enjoy was the many various plants that were in bloom during that spring(2005).
He took this photo on that trip, using my camera.
He loved plants - EXCEPT Poison Ivy. Here he is pulling down some that he had "Round Up"'d the year previous, on a new route he was working on when I knew him. I belayed him for like 10 hours each day over several days, on two separate trips, while he worked that route, which he finished (I believe) with Shannon Stegg in fall, 2005, and called it Soup Pillow. He called it that because we had cooked a pot of bean soup and had some left over. I had put it in a big ziplock bag for the cooler and it was still warm. I said something about the air-filled warm bag being "like a soup pillow." But maybe he renamed the route.
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Short4Bob
Trad climber
Morgantown, WV
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Aug 24, 2009 - 08:48am PT
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Rest easy, man. You were stubborn as hell and just as giving. The hard part's over now.
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AbeFrohman
Trad climber
new york, NY
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Aug 24, 2009 - 08:53am PT
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RIP.
climb and play on...
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RRK
Trad climber
Talladega, Al
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:02am PT
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Thanks Skip- and Happie (and of course Jennie) post some more climbing shots if you can. Looking down the line at all that gear with the yellow mark is bittersweet - I've got 1 piece of it - a yellow tcu that once was Shannons but which Curt marked over. It stays in the console of my climbing truck - though the karma is undoubtedly superb it is too valuable to risk loss.
RRK
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:25am PT
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Rest in peace, Curt.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Jennie--was the photo with the trumpeters at Red Rock Lakes
NWR? Gorgeous!
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noshoesnoshirt
climber
Arkansas, I suppose
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:32am PT
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Dang.
RIP Curt
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eeyonkee
Trad climber
Golden, CO
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:40am PT
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One of the true Supertopo characters. Life's not fair. Condolences to family and friends.
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Prod
Trad climber
A place w/o Avitars apparently
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:43am PT
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Giving my thoughts to his family and friends.
Guy.
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Chiloe
Trad climber
Lee, NH
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:54am PT
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It's been a tough story even watching his life unfold from a distance.
My best to Curt's family and good friends.
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RRK
Trad climber
Talladega, Al
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:54am PT
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I'll try to do a little photo tribute but am hampered by quite a lot of things so they'll come in slowly over the next few days as I locate them and find a way to post them up. Here's Curt on a 1 pitch route in Alabama (circa 2004) with catch by Scott Perkins. Look at all the gear hanging on him then remember "the fine art of screwing the second".
RRK
ps any pics are appreciated and I am saving all that are posted
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Delhi Dog
Trad climber
Good Question...
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Aug 24, 2009 - 10:02am PT
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Nice Nita,
RIP Dirt.
Peace, love, and support to all his family and friends.
Thanks for sharing yourself with us.
Farewell.
Chris
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Aug 24, 2009 - 10:03am PT
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My condolences to his family and friends.
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justthemaid
climber
Los Angeles
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 24, 2009 - 10:06am PT
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Funny... I'm finding that Curt was always the one holding the camera, so I don't actually have many pictures of him.
I posted this in the "Best Wishes", but I'll re-link it here.
This is an amusing trip report of a trip we took with RRK and Shannon Steg up to Laurel Knob south Carolina. It ended up being the last two days Curt ever climbed.
What I really down-played in the report was how really REALLY sick he was. Every step of those hikes was torture, and they weren't nice easy hiking trails. Curt, literally, could only walk about 50 feet at a time before he needed to sit down and rest. I'd never witnessed such raw determination in my whole life. He wanted to see Laurel Knob. It ended up being an incredibly important experience for him
At the end of that weekend he was totally psyched. Talked about coming back again "when he was better". I knew with total certainty that Pantertown Knobs was the last climb he would ever do.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=724731
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RRK
Trad climber
Talladega, Al
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Aug 24, 2009 - 10:06am PT
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here's a staged shot lowering off a climb at Palisades, Al. circa 2003 with a "how to rock climb" book clenched in his teeth. (For those who were asking at the time, this was how to keep Curt quiet.) I couldn't get the cover to show up in the pic and it was interfering with having fun so we just canned it. Boy he really loved those big tricams
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Bob D'A
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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Aug 24, 2009 - 10:16am PT
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Sad...I'll miss him around here.
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Zander
Trad climber
Berkeley
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Aug 24, 2009 - 10:35am PT
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I don't think Curt is a rest in peace kind of guy. I'm imagining he's doing something interesting, pushing himself and others, going for it.
Climb on Curt.
Zander
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graham
Social climber
Ventura, California
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Aug 24, 2009 - 10:45am PT
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Sorry to see this.
My condolences to Curt’s family and friends
Mike Graham
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Conrad
climber
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Aug 24, 2009 - 11:32am PT
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To the spirit of adventure. Never met Curt, yet adventure did shine through. Condolences to his family and close friends.
With empathy,
Conrad
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guyman
Trad climber
Moorpark, CA.
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Aug 24, 2009 - 11:36am PT
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Dam....
Rest now.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Aug 24, 2009 - 11:39am PT
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it's an important lesson in perspective...
...my thoughts and best wishes to Curt's family and friends.
Today will go down a bit better because I know I'm living it, what ever challenges that exist.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Aug 24, 2009 - 11:48am PT
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RIP Curt.
After a minor brush with what he's been struggling with, I have alot of appreciation for how hard he battled.
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justthemaid
climber
Los Angeles
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 24, 2009 - 12:00pm PT
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Curt is most definitely NOT a RIP kinda guy. God help the folks who run the afterlife. They'll be searching the clouds...
frantically looking for a copy of that climbing manual to stuff in his mouth.
Thought I'd post some of his garden photography.
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L
climber
a blue ocean full of whales
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:01pm PT
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Light to guide you on your journey, Curt.
Your wicked sense of humor and beautiful photos will be missed.
edit: thanks for posting his photos, skip
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RRK
Trad climber
Talladega, Al
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Aug 24, 2009 - 12:49pm PT
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According to his mom, Curt will be cremated and inurned next to his brother, Mark, at Canterbury Methodist in Mountain Brook, Al. There will be a service, likely on Saturday, but the actual date and time has not been determined. I will post it when I know something definite. The address for cards, etc is 1784 Shades Crest Rd, Birmingham, Al. 35126 (Dr. James C and Sallie Johnson)
RRK
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the Fet
Supercaliyosemistic climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:08pm PT
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If you listen to the wind, you can still hear him play.
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Chinchen
climber
Flagstaff?
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:10pm PT
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Sorry to hear of another artist passing. Death is so f*#ked up and yet so natural all at the same time. Thoughts for Curts family.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:15pm PT
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What a drag....
Rest in peace, Curt!
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Bertrand
Trad climber
SF
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:40pm PT
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I am sad to hear this. Dirtineye and I had one or two colorful exchanges on the poli-threads, and from the esteem he got from the rest of this fine community I knew what a good guy it was who I was arguing with. RIP Bro.
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nature
climber
Tucson, AZ
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Aug 24, 2009 - 01:43pm PT
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rest in peace now, Curt. You fought a proud battle.
Doug
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Aug 24, 2009 - 02:20pm PT
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Peace for Curt now, but still a while before that peace comes to family and friends.
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Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, Ca
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Aug 24, 2009 - 02:30pm PT
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I guess yesterday was a good day to die. I can't believe Curt lasted as long as he did after I called him a few weeks ago.
So relieved to know he is no longer in such pain and discomfort. Re-reading JTM's trip-report (linked up-thread) really
testifies to Curt's incredible determination and will power. Through all of Curt's posts here, the essence of a good man
shined through. My most heart felt condolences to Curt's friends and family. Thanks RRK and Jennie for keeping us up
to date on Curt's situation.
I don't recall if Curt ever mentioned when he was first diagnosed. Does anyone know? I'm seriously considering getting a
colonoscopy one of these days - thanks again, Curt for the head's up, and for telling us what to expect. Now I only have to
get up the nerve and the courage when that day comes.
See you on the other side. You won't be forgotten.
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Aug 24, 2009 - 02:30pm PT
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I'm very sorry to hear of Curt's death, and hope that he's at peace now. He was my first SuperTopo penpal three years ago, when I was new to forums let alone ST, and provided much helpful advice. We often exchanged notes until the last few months, and his advice on graffiti removal was quite helpful. Somehow I suspect the curmudegeonly exterior was a bit of a defence mechanism. His contributions to the climbing community and to music we know of, and his closeness to his family and to Kittimus. We're lessened by his loss.
Curt didn't believe, and so it may be somewhat incorrect to hope that his shade is now haunting LEB/HWD, goading her toward a somewhat more thoughtful life. It's a role he would relish, and he'd have been pleased to see the recent sterling work of Dr. F, apogee and others to combat the Rethuglican menace.
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Mimi
climber
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Aug 24, 2009 - 02:36pm PT
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So many nice comments about Curt from both friends and complete strangers. A testament to the climbing community to which Curt so strongly belonged. Curt, your presence will be missed.
Condolences to his family and friends. The long and painful ordeal is finally over for them too. God bless and may you be at peace.
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JBoydston
climber
Deep South
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Aug 24, 2009 - 02:43pm PT
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I posted this on the SCC website and thought I'd share here... he was also known as OC for his name 'Oldclimber' on the SCC message board...
Anyone who knew Curt know's they broke the mould after OC.
I first met OC at the Boulderfields in BHAM. He said he'd climbed 70-something days the past year.... it wasn't until we'd embarked on a 4 day roadtrip to T-Wall, Sunset, and Foster's that I learned he'd begun climbing 7 months ago!!!!!!!
As you can imagine, hilarity ensued over the course of the trip as he griped about chalk I'd left on holds making them slippery......you know the drill.
And the whisk broom.... the whisk broom was legendary.
And the rack, man that guy rolled with a lot of gear.
RIP, Curt! I'm glad the pain's over. You put up one helluva fight!
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Jingy
Social climber
Flatland, Ca
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Aug 24, 2009 - 03:25pm PT
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oh man...
Rest in peace
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Ricky D
Trad climber
Sierra Westside
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Aug 24, 2009 - 03:42pm PT
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In honor of our friend I propose that we declare a moratorium on death for at least the rest of this year.
Too many good people have left us - feels like the tribe is thinning a bit too much.
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justthemaid
climber
Los Angeles
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 24, 2009 - 03:53pm PT
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Thanks for linking the SCC threads guys. I was having a lot of trouble logging in there and kind of gave up, but I knew there were some good stories. Perhaps you guys can link this thread in there for some of his friends to read?
Edit to add a funny side not on my first encounter with the whisk broom.
Curt drags me out to Lost Wall (of course) on my first visit out there. He's handing me gear- points at some gritty crack he's sending me up then clips the broom on me. I'm like... "what's that for?" He's says "Cleaning". OK. A get a few feet up then start realizing the entire crack is full of spiders and webs. I get all girly and squeamish...not wanting to put my hands in there. I'm doing a fair amount of whining. Curt's hollering..."WHISK!!! WHISK THEM!!! DAMN YOU MUPPET...USE THE BROOM!!!" Thought I'd be cleaning dirt...not spiders.
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JBoydston
climber
Deep South
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Aug 24, 2009 - 03:59pm PT
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If you make it to page 4 on the SCC link, I get Curt super riled up, you know how he'd get mad and his typing skills go way downhill, and it sadly degrades to a poo slinging fest.
Curt would love to know we're honoring his ability to throw quite a wobbler on the internet. He was a really nice guy in person.
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Brian
climber
Cali
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Aug 24, 2009 - 04:06pm PT
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RIP Curt. Sincere condolences to the friends and family left behind.
His music is truly incredible. To those of you who were close to him, or to whom he gave copies of his music (both when he was well and, later, when ill). A compilation CD of his work would be a truly fitting memorial. I don't know what Curt would have liked in terms of memorial, but I'll bet lots of folks here would pony up some cash for a copy of the CD, and the proceeds could be used for a fitting memorial. Just a thought.
Brian
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mister t
climber
nowhere special
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Aug 24, 2009 - 04:25pm PT
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sad to see you go curt
one of the most talented musicians I've ever heard
RIP
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dougs510
Social climber
down south
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Aug 24, 2009 - 04:53pm PT
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So sad. RIP friend. Condolences to family and friends.
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drljefe
climber
Old Pueblo, AZ
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Aug 24, 2009 - 04:55pm PT
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R I P
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mark miller
Social climber
Reno
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Aug 24, 2009 - 05:14pm PT
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Sorry we've lost another in the Tribe....Best thoughts go out to his Family and Friends. Curt and I talked a few years ago about him getting healthy and coming out west . I've been eyeing some interesting Choss piles he may have enjoyed putting in a few FA's on.. Hope Werner is right and we can keep that date in about 19 years.
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville
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Aug 24, 2009 - 05:19pm PT
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My sincere condolences to Curt's friends and family.
-wayne
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Les
Trad climber
Bahston
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Aug 24, 2009 - 05:34pm PT
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namaste, bro. didn't know you, but caught some of your posts in the climbing ether for a while. Condolences to family and friends.
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jstan
climber
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Aug 24, 2009 - 05:48pm PT
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While untrained I have read Curt's description. The cesum is an unusual
location and his condition was almost asymptomatic. Very unusual. The
colonoscopy showed clear and it is a speculation as to what a cat scan would
have indicated. At this point you wonder whether the cell type was also very
unusual.
An unassociated and ignorant observation, if you will. Most of the principal
investigators on the Manhattan Project have passed as a result very unusual
and opportunistic cancers.
I have no real information to offer.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Aug 24, 2009 - 06:04pm PT
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Tami, I think the miracle was the way he lived through this,
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Ezra
Social climber
WA, NC, Idaho Falls
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Aug 24, 2009 - 06:50pm PT
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My condolences to his family and friends.
Curt sounded like the real deal, in an utterly BS filled world!
-e
ps All you older trad dads and ladies need a colonoscopy at 50, or earlier if your body tells you so!
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cintune
climber
the Moon and Antarctica
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:21pm PT
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Curt saw very clearly and told it like it was. Unforgettable character and integrity all around. Condolences to his friends and family; the world is a lesser place without him.
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Nohea
Trad climber
Sunny Aiea,Hi
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:22pm PT
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Rest in Peace Curt. You were an enjoyable crusty fella and likely you have added years to my life by telling me what I have ahead in the means of testing and having Dr's becoming too familiar with me.
Keep climbing Bro, Thank you,
wil
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Ray-J
Social climber
east L.A. vato...
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:28pm PT
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Wow this is way sad man...
Curt was a good dude.
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bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:46pm PT
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is it just me, or has this been a hard, hard, hard year? maybe it's just that there are so many more climbers now than there were 35 or 40 years ago, and stuff like the internet and the now-routine nature of interstate climbing travel makes it so much more likely that you'll meet so many people outside your immediate posse...i don't know. but to me, right now, stuck inside my head, it just really seems like our clan has taken a real beating this year. it's painful. i genuinely don't know what to say anymore.
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charley
Trad climber
nw pa.
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Aug 24, 2009 - 09:56pm PT
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My condolences to his family and friends. You have lost a fine man. I spent a month with my sister a cpl years ago when she was suffering with final stages of cancer. I am glad that his pain and suffering has ended. I hope he is in peace now. I will miss him.
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nature
climber
Tucson, AZ
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Aug 24, 2009 - 10:00pm PT
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bvb - I think you hit on two things that are very valid. There are more of us and we're closer because of sites like supertopo.
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10b4me
Gym climber
Happy Boulders
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Aug 24, 2009 - 10:11pm PT
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sorry to hear this.
best wishes to his family, and friends
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The Mad GIO
Social climber
vestavia, Al
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Aug 25, 2009 - 12:55am PT
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Please excuse my interloping on your site but I am trying to connect Curt's many groups of friends as best I can. My name is Dale, I was a friend of Curt's in high school and have had the priveledge of spending much of the last few months with him. I was with him untill about 45 minutes before he died. He was stubbornly in controll till the end, refusing to die with us gathered around him despite the nurse saying he only had a couple of hours left that morning. His father was the only one in the room.
Brian: his friend Wayne spent days with Curt struggling to get his music recorded to Curt's exacting standards. I believe they recorded the final track 2 weeks ago. The CD is called "Over and Done" after one of the tracks. We hope to distribute it as widely as possible and his family has requested memorial donations go to his Hospice or to maintain the local Boulderfields that many of you know so well. We have sent this request with the announcement:
Friends of Moss Rock Preserve
attn:Curt's Ascent
c/o Kenneth Wills
2253 Rock Creek Trail
Hoover, Al 35226
I hope naming it "Curt's Ascent" isn't a butchery of "tribal" terminology but it sounded fitting to me. If you approve, I propose naming his favorite (face?) in the Boulderfield Curt's Ascent. As a map geek I think I can get it added to the digital park map the city distributes. Also I don't know if there are any climbing areas in the 40 acres the Preserve recently acquired but the Friends of the Preserve plans to work closely with SCC on any expenditures. Any SCC members reading this - keep us honest.
A non-chapel memorial will be held this saturday at 1:30 in the audio visual center of his parents church. Elizabeth, another old friend and brilliant film editor (google Obama McCain dance-off on Utube) is preparing a photo montage set to Curt's music for the event. I will try to make that available to anyone who requests it - somehow. The memorial location is:
Canterbury Center
Canterbury United Methodist Church
350 Overbrook Rd.
Mountain Brook, Al 35213
Could someone make sure this is posted on the SCC forum? Thanks. Again, no flowers. Lets build him a rock memorial. As tough as he was.
One of you came up with the best closing I can imagine.
Peace out, Curt. You'll be missed.
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Bill Mc Kirgan
Trad climber
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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Aug 25, 2009 - 01:07am PT
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Farewell Curt. Sending out prayers of comfort and healing to your friends and family. Thankful for your time here on the TacoStand. RIP.
Bill Mc Kirgan
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up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
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Aug 25, 2009 - 01:12am PT
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Curt fought hard and suffered plenty these last few years. He will certainly be missed by our community and others that he visited, but I'm hoping he has found a meaningful peace.
Ed
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murcy
climber
San Fran Cisco
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Aug 25, 2009 - 01:25am PT
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Dirt, I blame you and your recordings for rekindling a passion for playing fingerstyle guitar. You had a great ear for tone and musicality, and a sappy celt's knack for heartstrings. I figured, if this so-and-so can sound so good, what's to stop me from trying? I had hoped to record something for you, to show you what a mess you'd wrought and to get some tips, but you seem to have slyly dodged that bullet.
We fill to you the parting glass; good night and joy be with you.
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Redwreck
Social climber
Echo Parque, Los Angeles, CA
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Aug 25, 2009 - 01:45am PT
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Dale/Mad GIO: thanks for the information about the memorial, and about Curt's music.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Aug 25, 2009 - 02:20am PT
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Peace.
JL
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Jennie
Trad climber
Elk Creek, Idaho
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Aug 25, 2009 - 07:03am PT
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Unforgiven
Mountain climber
Dirt
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Aug 25, 2009 - 07:31am PT
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RIP Curt
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WBraun
climber
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Aug 25, 2009 - 01:15pm PT
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Now that's a great photo of Curt.
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Dick_Lugar
Trad climber
Indiana (the other Mideast)
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Aug 25, 2009 - 03:08pm PT
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I was thinking the same thing Werner...have a good journey Curt, and thanks for the music.
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Aug 25, 2009 - 04:24pm PT
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RIP you crusty old bastard.
That was a tough go to be sure.
There was a spell, while I was working and taking a long walk commute through Boulder to the office, where Curt and I would talk on the phone for a good half-hour at a pop.
On certain threads here on the Taco we tag teamed with giddy enthusiasm; and for a while we had a common check-in point about both getting well enough to do the Left Side of the Hourglass in Yosemite.
I figured the chances were slim to none for the unlikely partnership to see its plans to fruition; yet I must say I applaud his enthusiasm for the vision.
Thanks for the flower pictures, the sweet guitar playing, and hold that whisk broom tight to your side...
Hang 10 Brother!
Roy
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Chiloe
Trad climber
Lee, NH
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Aug 25, 2009 - 04:27pm PT
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Werner is right, Jennie, that's a wonderful photo.
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Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, Ca
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Aug 25, 2009 - 05:44pm PT
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+3...
Dirt was knott bad looking!
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Aug 25, 2009 - 05:45pm PT
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Yes, a lovely, evocative photo.
Not sure about the tie, though. :-)
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GOclimb
Trad climber
Boston, MA
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Aug 25, 2009 - 06:51pm PT
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Curt and I mostly got into it back on rc.com, before he decided to hop over here. I always enjoyed the banter he and I had, and I think he did too. It got heated at times, but he liked to get scrappy - he was a fighter. While I didn't know him personally, I bet that fighting spirit really served him well as he fought the good fight against his cancer. Whenever he got really angry, I often suspected it was really just a reaction to his health problems taking a turn for the worse, and I didn't take it too personally.
I will always respect and admire the good fight he put up lo these many years. If I'm ever in his place, I hope to do half as well!
I also appreciate how, despite all that, he was so good at appreciating his blessings - particularly the climbs he got to do, and the people he did them with. His writings on the subject always helped me appreciate the same in my own life. That's damn cool.
Anyway, Glad he no longer has to suffer, and I wish peace to his friends and family.
GO
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TYeary
climber
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Aug 25, 2009 - 06:54pm PT
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Godspeed, Curt.
We talked many times about this. My inlaws family is riddled with this umentionable afliction. I have buried many over the years to Colon Cancer. And now I say goodby to you. Thanks for being my friend. Thanks for your courage and sensabilities. As I write this I have tears, perhaps it's dirt, in my eyes.
Peace to all.
Tony
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nutjob
climber
Berkeley, CA
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Aug 25, 2009 - 08:31pm PT
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I like how his crusty responses would still make me smile :)
Good luck in your next adventure, Curt.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Aug 25, 2009 - 08:45pm PT
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Jennie,
Thank you for posting that beautiful picture of Curt.
I never met him, but did have a few interesting interactions with him on this site, one of which meant a lot to me. So seeing his face like that is good.
I am really sorry he got dealt the cards he did. Very sad.
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jstan
climber
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Aug 25, 2009 - 08:56pm PT
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Thanks for posting Lois.
Sometimes in the excitement we forget we all have a lot in common.
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Aug 25, 2009 - 10:39pm PT
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Aloha, Curt - RIP.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Aug 26, 2009 - 12:10am PT
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hey there jennie, say, thanks so very much for posting the nice pic of curt... something happy for us to remember...
god bless...
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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Aug 26, 2009 - 12:44am PT
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Funny, Curt really got under my skin with a few of the things he said. Then, as his illness became even more acute, I became more aware of his person showing through.
Hard to keep a positive attitude when things around you (and within you) are going sour. But I saw Curt doing just that. And that takes a real awareness that not everybody has.
Escape Dirt. But we still will miss you.
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MisterE
Trad climber
Canoga Porn, CA
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Aug 26, 2009 - 12:47am PT
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I feel particularly bad, as some of you may know.
Through no fault of my own, however - so that helps...
The man seeked mastery to fanatical ends, and shared the fruits of his copious energy with those he cared about.
I hope he finds his peace finally - a Warrior spirit to the end.
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Curt
Boulder climber
Gilbert, AZ
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Aug 26, 2009 - 12:47am PT
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"...Now that's a great photo of Curt..."
Post a pic of yourself in a coat and tie--I dare you. Haha.
Curt
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WBraun
climber
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Aug 26, 2009 - 01:07am PT
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Curt -- "Post a pic of yourself in a coat and tie--I dare you. Haha."
The the clothe do not make the man.
The photo projects, Curt Johnson aka "Dirtineye"" a certain human "sweetness" that was rarely "seen" here.
I believe in that photo we see the real Curt Johnson aka "Dirtineye".
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Curt
Boulder climber
Gilbert, AZ
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Aug 26, 2009 - 01:20am PT
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No, indeed they don't and I agree that's a great photo of Curt.
Curt
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
the ground up
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Aug 26, 2009 - 04:23am PT
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I remember he called me on one of my early posts or threads .
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jbar
Social climber
urasymptote
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Aug 27, 2009 - 02:41am PT
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Just got back from a funeral today. With so many looking for a job I keep having to take one I do not want. That of a pallbearer.
Rest easy now friend. You couldn't climb in the end but now you may soar.
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Esparza
Trad climber
Westminster, CA
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Aug 27, 2009 - 09:38am PT
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Love an peace to Curts family. RIP mate.
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justthemaid
climber
Los Angeles
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 27, 2009 - 09:53am PT
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I feel like I've kinda been at a loss for words at points this week...then again...I did some of my best writing with Curt as my editor. He edited my book and a published article as well as some comedic stuff here on line. He was a relentless art critic concerning my art(whether I wanted it or not), but as I've gotten older I've come to prefer this sort of frank honesty over the candy-coated conversation so common to LA culture.
I'll miss my friend and mentor...even if his mentoring often made me want to stuff a #5 in his mouth and hang him from the ceiling from it.
That picture in the tie... Priceless. He claimed he never wore them and didn't own a suit. Might as well have caught a photograph of a unicorn.
I'm glad his long painful ordeal is over.
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
San Diego
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Aug 30, 2009 - 12:40am PT
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Rest in Peace Curt (aka Dirtineye).
Too many of us are leaving. You will be missed.
Glenn
(aka Klimmer)
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Aug 30, 2009 - 02:56am PT
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hey there mighty hiker, say, thanks for the link for the obituary and guest book...
here is a bump, so that others may see, read, and/or join in...
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Aug 23, 2010 - 03:10pm PT
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A reminder that our irascible friend left us a year ago today.
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Gene
Social climber
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Aug 23, 2010 - 03:37pm PT
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RIP Curt.
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Jim E
climber
away
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Aug 23, 2010 - 04:26pm PT
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RIP, Curt.
A funny thing is Facebook keeps telling me to reconnect with you. Wish it could be so.
Cheers
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Jennie
Trad climber
Elk Creek, Idaho
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Aug 23, 2010 - 10:34pm PT
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This photo taken the day he ordered his Blanchard guitar…a happy and transcendent time for Curt. After weeks of unpleasant chemotherapy treatments, he felt hopeful of recovery and positive about his future.
Sadly, his renewed vitality was temporary. But he seemed determined until the end. Determination to live …or to shed the skin of this life?
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Aug 24, 2010 - 01:16am PT
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Thanks, Jennie - a nice photo. Poignant, too.
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Aug 24, 2010 - 02:38am PT
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Ah, it's been a year...
Dirt is deeply missed along with any number of souls who helped make ST what it is, but whom have moved on. I think they're all still here with us in spirit and words.
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labrat
Trad climber
Nevada City, CA
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Aug 24, 2010 - 02:58am PT
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Bye Dirt! ; (
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Curt
Boulder climber
Gilbert, AZ
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Aug 24, 2010 - 03:18am PT
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Tipping a wee dram of Macallan in your honor tonight, Curt.
The other Curt
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justthemaid
climber
Jim Henson's Basement
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 24, 2010 - 11:13am PT
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Thanks for the bump Anders.
Just a picture of Curt with good freind Shannon Stegg on his last climbing trip. Taking one of many rests at the base of Laurel Knob.
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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Aug 24, 2010 - 12:55pm PT
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A fresh start for Dirt?
Nice pic Jennie, of Curt awaiting a newly ordered Git-Box.
Way to live Curt, hope the pain is now gone.
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Jun 28, 2011 - 02:13pm PT
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Bump, I was just thinking about the cantankerous hole in the taco.
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Dirka
Trad climber
SF
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Jun 29, 2011 - 12:21am PT
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R.I.P.
Blessings to him and his family.
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Jello
Social climber
No Ut
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Jun 29, 2011 - 12:37am PT
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I'm glad I got to spend a few days with Curt before he left us. He was cantankerous, yes, but behind his pain there was a surprisingly kind and gentle light.
-Jello
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mcreel
climber
Barcelona
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Jun 29, 2011 - 03:45am PT
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Hah, treez, takes one to know one I guess! I bet dirt would get a laugh out of that!
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Disaster Master
Social climber
Born in So-Cal, left my soul in far Nor-Cal.
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Jun 29, 2011 - 05:38am PT
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I will ask him soon.
Check back.
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Jun 29, 2011 - 05:46am PT
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Missing all of our departed ST brothers and sisters. And you hang in there Disaster!
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Aug 23, 2012 - 12:11am PT
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Well, it's a touch early, but I may be busy on Thursday. The third anniversary of Curt's leaving us. He was the first ST poster to send me an e-mail via the ST system. We shared some good laughs, and he was quite welcoming behind his gruff, and perhaps pained, exterior.
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Curt
Boulder climber
Gilbert, AZ
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Aug 23, 2012 - 02:01am PT
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Was Dirtineye the "Curt" of rc.com (who's avatar was of a hand holding a cocktail)?
No.
It was Macallan, by the way.
Curt
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