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Don Lauria
Trad climber
Bishop, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 5, 2010 - 02:28pm PT
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Although all the details aren't in yet, John Fischer was killed this morning in a fatal motorcycle accident On Highway 395 near Conway Summit. He apparently struck a deer early this morning on his way to meet friends at Virginia Lakes.
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
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I am very sorry to hear this.
My sincere condolences to his loved ones.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Damn.
Hadn't seen him in a while.
Sad.
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Tony Puppo
climber
Bishop
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That sucks!
John was great guy and will be missed by many.
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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This is bad news. There's been alot of deer hits this year. The deer are said to be backed up waiting for the snow to melt to move higher.
Very sad.
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11worth
Trad climber
Leavenworth & Greenwater WA
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Very sad. RIP my friend.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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My condolences to his friends and family.
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TripL7
Trad climber
san diego
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Really sorry to here this tragic news. I met John years ago at B. Harrington's & R. Wheelers house in Bishop one hot August(1978)afternoon. We stocked up on some cold brews, and spotted one another in the shade of various boulders up in the Milks. We had a great time that afternoon...R.I.P. John!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there all, say, oh my, don, and all... i did not know who john fischer was.... i am very sad for his loss of life... :(
later, if you could post a remembrance as to his name, here, i could then learn...
my condolences to his family and loved ones...
very sorry for you loss... :(
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ec
climber
ca
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RIP John...
Neebee, a checkered post including John: POSM
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Roger Breedlove
climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
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That is very sad news, Don.
Please offer my condolences to his friends and family.
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Capt.
climber
some eastside hovel
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Stunned to hear this.So sad.John was the first guy I portered loads for here on the eastside.Always hilarious and full of stories.Just saw him at Keoughs last week too.Wow.Condolences to all family and friends.
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survival
Big Wall climber
A Token of My Extreme
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Very sorry to hear this.
Didn't know the man, but I feel for his family and loved ones.
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CAMNOTCLIMB
Trad climber
novato ca
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NOoooooooo,
shit
Only climed a few times with John and loved every secound of it.
God Bless,
Brian
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jbaker
Trad climber
Redwood City, CA
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This is really sad. I only met John a couple of times, but I learned a lot. A very, very solid human being.
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Enzo
climber
California
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Bye John, I'll miss you.
Plenty of stories but not for today.
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Flanders!
Trad climber
June Lake, CA
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Just saw John on the 31st in Bishop, was the kind and smiley John I'd known for 30 yrs. I always enjoyed walking into Lee Vining Canyon and smelling his pipe in the old days. A nice guy, a good alpine climber, and a great asset to the eastside climbing/guiding community.
The Lord whispered his name and his days here were complete.
Doug
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Maysho
climber
Soda Springs, CA
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Really Really bummed about this...
Condolences to his son, his daughter, his former wife Lois, his many friends.
Peter
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10b4me
Boulder climber
Hell A
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Very sorry to hear this. I took a climbing class from John, and Allan way back in 1978. A few years later, a friend and I were going in to climb the Swiss arete. John was coming out with a client, but he recognized me.
I saw John at the parking lot in LVC about four or five years ago. He wasn't doing to good, and was having to sell his gear to make ends meet.
Then, I think it was about three years ago I saw him at the AAC gathering in TM. He was doing alot better.
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Mark Rodell
Trad climber
Bangkok
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I didn't meet John until the mid-eighties. Saw him in the Pals and once at the Leap and of course when he would pass through Mt. Shasta I'd get a call to see him at Zanger's. I wish him and all those who were close to him peace.
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guido
Trad climber
Santa Cruz/New Zealand/South Pacific
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Sad
RIP John
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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I'm very sorry to hear about John
Although I never met him he was legendary.
I feel a particular angst about his accident since I'm going that way on my motorcycle on Monday.
Fred Glover
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MisterE
Social climber
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Oh, man - more bad news.
Condolences to family and friends. Just awful.
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hossjulia
Social climber
Eastside
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Just returned from some climbing in Tuolumne to this. I did not know John by anything other than reputation, this is tragic.
My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends.
(Now I'm really going to be nervous of deer popping out of the brush while I'm on my road bike.)
"The Lord whispered his name and his days here were complete."
This is beautiful Doug, worth repeating, thank you.
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Alois
Trad climber
Idyllwild, California
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I'm so sorry to hear this. Met John a few times ice climbing at June Lake, at Lee Vining and in the Sierra backcountry. He gave me bits and pieces about climbs to do, ice climbs that were done and generally, was the nicest guy one could ever talk to. RIP John.
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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I remember John from the PSOM days. If my memory serves me right, he was present for Bard's birthday bash at Chaney's Cabin on that long ago night in '77. Gave me grief about havng to hike, very drunk and high, back up to my tent at Sam Mack. He had his share of troubles, but don't we all. Hell'of a nice guy.
My condolences to all of John's friends and family.
Tony
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superbum
Trad climber
Bishop, CA
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John Fischer & Jerry Adams, in July of 1979 stood atop Mt. Agassiz, after seven days of exposed, high granite ridge climbing. They had started at Southfork Pass and could see below them Jigsaw Pass, and the way home.
These men showed us the way. My friend Adam Penny followed them next, as did a few others I am close too, all adding personality and possibility to this route. In August 2009, my closest partner, Cullen Kirk and I added our own chapter. Even though far removed from the gear and experiences of John and Jerry, we still felt the same exposure and touched the same stones. I did not know John personally, but hearing of his passing today made me think about his climb..and how it has become, for a select few, our climb as well. Here's to you John, and all the others who have ridden the big wave that are the Palisades.
Victor Lawson
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, ec... thanks for the crossssss-post, i got to learn about john... so i left a note on his passing, there too...
god bless...
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Fuzzywuzzy
climber
suspendedhappynation
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So long John you will be missed.
Gave me my first job guiding up at the PSOM camp. AB and I were hiking up in the dark one summer night and we run into John. Sat down on the rock steps and bs'ed etc.... as we were getting ready to go he asks me what I'm doing fro the summer. One of the best jobs and bosses I've ever had. Very knowledgeable. An artist. Terrific teacher. Loved the High Sierra.
RIP
TC
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
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f*#k!...guess this is the online memorial for john...? how sad...stunned to say the least...another legend escapes this plane and hopefully enters into a better one..? rj
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R.B.
Trad climber
Land of the Lahar
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I am sad to hear of this ... I HATE hearing fellow climbers being off'ed by something other than climbing. This totally reinforces my opinion that motorcycles are SUICIDE ROCKETS ... use at great risk.
Even thought I never met John, my condolences to his family and friends.
RB
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treeman
climber
mule city
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very sad to hear this.my sincerest condolences to john's family and many friends.
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Annie
Trad climber
Bishop, CA
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My heart is broken from this sad sad loss.
The last e-mail I got from John:
"A & J, 'saw your notice in June Lk looking for a place to rent...good luck on that! Sure was an enjoyable time at the Guides Ball!! It was so nice to meet you tow and every one else. Thanks for the photos! Not such good weather or timing for going for Smokes' Course in the Buttermilk. Later for that. But there is a short 'winter route' that Smoke used to do called Blockey Top an out rigger of the Thungston Hills...Perhaps we can do that after the snow line is at 5K or so? A very wonderful Christmas to you!!!
John F"
Amazing to think this is the last the I'll hear from him and that we won't get to do the 'winter route'. A good reminder to always follow through since you never know if you'll get a chance again.
My heart, tears, and thoughts go to his family and friends.
Annie Trujillo
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jedster
climber
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I was starting to think I knew the Palisades pretty well when I met John. We talked shop ever so briefly, and it was clear he knew those peaks like the back of his hand: "We called that one Winnie the Pooh-nicle" and "in this precise crack near the summit of xxx peak is a bandaid can with an original Clyde register in it." etc... As Annie mentioned above, we all had plans to get out and climb. Shoulda, coulda, woulda just don't cut it. I seem to mourn more deeply the friends that might have been...
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salad
climber
Escondido
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wow. what a bummer. i had the opportunity to climb with john one weekend back around 94 or so. i was just getting into climbing and didnt have any partners so i took a class out at june lake through southern yosemite mountain guides.
clearly one cant get get a true understanding of a person over the course of two days, but i remember leaving that weekend thinking of what mans man john was, dude seemed tough.
lighting one cig with the old one while belaying, that one stuck with me. also i think he told me that he had never taken a fall while on lead.
rest in peace john fishcer, thanks for being the one and only person i have ever climbed frozen water with.
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Doug Tomczik
climber
Bishop
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To echo the last few comments; among other areas of the Eastside, John's knowledge of the Palisades is unsurpassed. He did tell me that he never fell while leading, which pronounces his ability as a climber as he put up and climbed some burly stuff. I was looking forward to roping up with him this summer. Wishing everyone the best. -Doug
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howie doin'
climber
Big Pine, CA
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Rest in peace John. The Eastern Sierra just prematurely lost another one of its great mountain minstrels. Shocking and tragic news.
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ristretto
Boulder climber
Bishop
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Really sad.
Just last week he was in the Black Sheep spinning tales about doing first ascents down in baja at the Gran Trono Blanco with Allen Pietrasanta - Something about 2 or 3 days on some huge ridge climb. Great story.
It's hard to believe that he won't come by again.
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apogee
climber
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So very sorry to hear this sad news. I only knew John by his reputation and legacy in the Sierra, but it will never be matched.
Another thread in the tapestry of Sierra climbing has ended, but his impact lives on in the countless people that he inspired. Thank you, John.
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Mtnfreak
Mountain climber
Epicenter of North California
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John was an inspiration.
Chris
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Fletcher
Trad climber
not very much, recently.
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Lot's of passings this season, I'm sorry to say. My condolences to the many that John touched.
Eric
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Doug Robinson
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Six or eight years ago I ran into John at Paradise Resort on Lower Rock Creek. It was Dana Miller's wedding party. Dana's dad George Miller had climbed and skied a lot with John and me back in the early Seventies when we first lived in Bishop.
John was in great form, not drinking, gracious and full of energy. I was happy to see him doing well. He invited me outside to see his bike.
John had always been into motorcycles. Back in the Haight-Ashbury, he lived in a house that was more defined by the road racing motorcycles being rebuilt in the living room than anything else, even the sidelight of climbing. I was intrigued, so one day I borrowed a race-tuned Ducati with triangle-section tires that made it stick to the pavement better when heeled over at 45 degrees, but when it was upright the narrow tread would skitter over streetcar tracks. I got it downtown on Mission Street before it sank into me what I was riding. The bike was far from street legal, missing such niceities as plates and a muffler. It wouldn't run under 3000 rpm either, loud enough that its racket echoed down the canyon of buildings and causing people a block away to turn and look. I would sit at a stop light trying to sink into my jacket away from the attention this screaming machine generated, and back off the throttle another notch. Which killed the bike and meant that without a kick starter I had to push it down the next block to bump start it. Coming back, I rode the winding road over Twin Peaks, which made the whole thing worth it.
On the mantle of John's communal house, overlooking the cardboard boxes of disassembled transmissions, was a stuffed armadillo named Jeffrey. When John followed me to Bishop in the fall of 1969 and "Crazy Lester" Robertson came along, The Armadillos segued from fast bikes into a climbing group we called the Armadillo Rock Group. We fancied ourselves as similar to the Alpine Climbing Group in England. You can still see us signed into summit registers up and down the Sierra and especially in the Palisades.
At Dana's wedding, John's bike was parked right outside the bar at Paradise. It was one of those hybrid dirt-street BMWs, with high clearance and a big engine. He had ridden over for the wedding from Half Moon Bay, and taken a shortcut up the old Foresta road from El Portal, which was impassable to cars but that machine made short work of it and John was proud of the sophisticated bike.
Apparently John had gotten a new bike within the last year. The last time I saw him, he came to my slide show last November in Bishop. I was glad that I had put in slides of our early routes in the Buttermilk, the ones that first cranked the place into a bouldering area, and other adventures like the Checkered Demon ice gully that John and I had put up together in our first autumn of living on the Eastside. It felt good to honor my old friend.
John Fischer was my first climbing partner when we were in High School. We shared the intensity of early fumblings into climbing, which took so much longer then, when every simple 5.5 climb was a trad lead with chrome-moly angles ringing into cracks for pro and a twisted chunk of Goldline knotted onto your waist.
Yesterday morning John's trajectory up Conway Summit intersected a deer and two sentient beings went down.
I miss you my old friend.
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
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DR,
You obviously were a good friend who understood this man.
I wish I had the opportunity to meet him.
He sounds like a man that was not afraid to live!
His connection with two wheels is something I get.
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the boy
Mountain climber
santa cruz,ca
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RIP, to the deer.
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Carolyn C
Trad climber
the long, long trailer
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I am so sorry to hear this. We ran into him once as we were hiking up to the Palisades, and he was hiking out. I'll never forget seeing the big, happy smiling face heading towards us as he swung those ski poles with his very rapid stride. What a great guy. Rest in peace, Mr. Fischer.
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Moonwatcher
Mountain climber
Sierra Madre
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John was coming to meet my friend Asher and I at the Virginia Lakes trailhead in the Eastern Sierra. We had seen him the evening before in Bishop and planned to climb Excelsior Mountain together. When he didn’t show up we asked some skiers arriving at the trailhead if they had seen any accidents on 395 and they said they had seen emergency vehicles. We went down to highway and it was John. His motorcycle had hit a deer and he was killed instantly. It was one of the most horrible moments of my life. I dealt with the police and called his children and brother. We spent most of the rest of the day with his girlfriend Shawn and friends at their house in Bishop. John was a very special person who always gave more than he took and enriched the lives of everyone he touched. My heart is broken and there is a hole in me that will take a long time to fill. I loved him dearly. Go well dear friend. Climb on.
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Japhy
Mountain climber
Kathmandu, Nepal
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My sincerest condolences to all. This life is precious, and for me, John's life is an inspiration to live fully. Let us honor his spirit by living well.
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Doug Robinson
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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John on the North Ridge of Lone Pine Peak in the late sixties. Mountain boots, skinny Goldline, Rebuffat guide pack.
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Doug Robinson
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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John (left), Jay Jensen and myself, the evening before the first continuous ascent of Dark Star in 1972, in profile behind us.
John (left) on the summit of Dark Star, Temple Crag, two days later. We had dropped acid an hour before, when its winding upper ridge finally began to show us glimpses that we would top out.
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Doug Robinson
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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John styling in PAs on the Grandpa Peabody in the Buttermilk
John and me in the Palisades in the Seventies
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amuirman
Mountain climber
Los Angeles
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Thanks for your photos and your memories, DR.
John was blessed in recent years to have come to terms with old demons and achieve a wise and experienced sobriety, as well as to have connected with a wonderful, loving woman (Shawn) and on his way to making his future as rich as his past.
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sister mercy
Trad climber
Eastside
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Thanks, Doug, both for the pics and the eloquent descriptions. Sad days here on the Eastside. I still can't believe he's gone.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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DR-
I met John for the first time at your slide show in Bishop last November. In fact, you introduced us. We chatted for a bit outside after the show; he was a really nice guy.
Truly sorry to hear this news. I feel honored to have spent the time with him.
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don'thaveone
climber
bishop
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John Fisher is the only man I have met that can do yoga in jeans!
Always smiling. RIP
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dipper
climber
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A little tune-up for a deserving tribute.
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TripL7
Trad climber
san diego
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Dem were da friggin dayz man!!
Life is short...
RIP John & Don!
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Wedberg
Mountain climber
Bishop
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This is terrible news. I just got down from guiding a climb on the East Ridge of Mt. Russell and saw this. He was one of the early guides here in the Sierra. He ran the Palisades School of Mountaineering back in the day. It is a sad day in the mountaineering and guiding world. We lost one of the greats. He used to walk in to my office in Bishop sometimes and chew the fat. Shared a lot of days out on the Lee Vining ice with him.
My condolences to John's family and friends for this tragic loss.
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Feck, feck, feck. This saddens me to no end. My first real "mountain climb", The Swiss Arête on Mt Sill, was with John when he was instructing at the Palisades School of Mountaineering back in 1971. I've only seen him a couple of times since, in the Valley in the 1970s, but...
Condolences to all, RIP John, you taught me a lot.
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buster
Mountain climber
canada
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john fischer,climbed with him twenty years ago along with randall grandstaff and even smoke.randall john and i climbed the old man of hoy in scotland and had a month of great climbing there in unusually balmy weather.i also did trips with him to nepal and patagonia.john was a gentleman in the true sense of that word,a gentle parfait knight.i will miss him,buster.
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ChristyF
Boulder climber
Half Moon Bay, CA
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As a member of the family, I'd like to thank you for the gift of your stories, photos and condolences. My Uncle John has been a source of great inspiration, pride and wonder for us all. The family is still coming to grips with his loss, but hopefully we'll be able to reach out before long regarding a gathering to celebrate John's remarkable life. In the meantime, your posts, especially of pictures and memories, are bringing us cherished glimpses into the warm friendships and great adventures that brought him such happiness.
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Big Dog
Social climber
Rocklin, CA
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Very sad news- John was such a key part of the eastern Sierra climbing and guiding community for so many years. John was the Palisades, as well as one of the forces in developing American guiding, both as a lifestyle and a career. he was a purist and his home in downtown Bishop was a central hub for the climbing scene there for decades. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
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Enzo
climber
California
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One of my fondest memories of John was of us washing and waxing his '56(?) Orange and cream Buick at the old gas station behind the Tecoya dorms.
Pimping it out for cruising the Valley. And did we ever!
A lot like this one: (please note it's parked in a Red Zone; John would approve.)
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Kaleki
climber
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Yes! John would approve of the red zone parking. But I recall that Buick had a bumper sticker, "Safe as Mother's Milk."
Thanks to all who are remembering the many facets of my brother's life and adventures. He was a trail blazer who helped us dream of impossible feats. Yet he had a real commitment to the discipline needed to carry out many of them. I so respect his attention to the smallest detail and his ability to be present to a task at hand.
As we all surround John with love and memories, please know that his family appreciates each one.
Gratefully,
Kate
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Tony Bird
climber
Northridge, CA
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dan (and others)--
did john do ski guiding too?
dan, were you there with us on that SMS tour some years back, heading for, i believe, esha peak on a side canyon of mcgee creek? we had a "recently retired" local guide along with us who proved to be the life of the party, and i'm suspecting it was john.
coincidentally, i just recalled part of this excursion on the roxjox appreciation thread. this guide was quite knowledgeable of local geohistory and gave us quite an appreciation of the view of long valley. he also dug a pit high on the flank of esha and talked us into skiing a somewhat safer line. i thought most settled spring corn was safe back then, and his circumspection helped me rethink my own backcountry routine.
the other thing i remember was his making great fun of my leki plastic arrest grip, using it as a vaudeville hook and a back scratcher. to this day, i use it as the best back scratcher you can imagine.
here's to a great mountain fella--from that photo, i recall it was he, and i'm glad to have met him.
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Moonwatcher
Mountain climber
Sierra Madre
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Tony - yes John was a great ski guide, I once did a trans Sierra with him, and yes he came with me on that Esha Canyon ski we did with the SMS and dug that pit and cracked those jokes. Do you remember the super short skis he had on with long thongs made of runner?
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Tony Bird
climber
Northridge, CA
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don't remember skis and thongs--you're opening the door to tempting jokery here, which i'll refrain from in deference to a sad moment. sounds like he had a great circle of family and friends, yourself and asher included. regards to asher from me and mariko, and glad asher took that picture.
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John's brother Michael
climber
Mill Valley, CA
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Thank you to all who have written about John. Especially, Dan, for your assistance in the immediate aftermath of the accident, and for reaching out to our family. Of course, memories--and tears--have been filling my moments since Saturday.
Two short tales to share here, and probably more in the future:
John and I shared our first adventure in the Sierra in 1960, just months after arriving in California from Texas. He was almost 14, and I was 20. As utter novices, we shared 5 days together doing the High Sierra Loop from Happy Isles to Merced Lake, Vogelsang, Tuolumne Meadows, and Snow Creek back to the Valley. We had homemade wooden pack frames without a waistband, and canvas packs loaded with a hatchet and canned food. Canvas tent, canvas sleeping bags. Halfway up the Mist Trail, we had to walk back to Yosemite Village to buy kitchen sponges for the backpack webbing straps--our shoulders were bruised and bloody. But that was the trip that opened up the Mountains for John--several times, I drove him up to Camp IV before he got his drivers license...
Ten days ago, he called me on my birthday. He was at 9500'in the Whites, looking back at the Sierra Escarpment. He spent some time describing the view that was before him: "from Tioga Pass to south of Mount Whitney," saying that "I wanted to give you a gift of beauty for your birthday."
That is a gift I will remember for many years.
Thank you all for remembering the many good things about my wonderful brother...
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Michael-
Thanks for sharing the memories. Do you have more?
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daytripper2
Mountain climber
SLO, Ca
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Spent 6 days in Big Pine Cyn. in June of 1977 or 1978 attending John Fischer's POSM class. Guides for that week were Kim Schmitz, Mike Farrell and John (Chris Vandiver made a guest appearance also). The cook was Sarah Steck (Allen's daughter). I was not aware, at the time, of the heady company I was surrounded by. John was a patient teacher and clearly had the respect of the world's best climbers, as evidenced by his ability to hire and attract those mentioned, and that was for just that week. One remembrance (of many) was after climbing Mt. Sill, that evening, at our high camp, Kim left for about 10 minutes and comes back to camp with... 4 BEERS!! he said they were courtesy of Doug Robinson's cache (formerly Norman's?). Best beer I've ever had and I imagine that incident probably violated a half-dozen County, State and Federal regs./ordinances.
A 33-yr. belated thank-you to DR (if you read this thread) and I'll be glad to pay you back sometime DR at Tom's Place and we'll hoist a toast in memory of John.
I look back on those 6 days and the magic of that week grows with time.
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Mtnmun
Trad climber
Top of the Mountain Mun
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Climbed next to John on several occasions, mostly ice, when he was guiding clients. Chatted him up in the Minaretts one evening. He was always gracious and easy with the beta. We've lost a fine man.
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Anastasia
climber
hanging from a crimp and crying for my mama.
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Wow, I am so sad... He was such a great guy in so many ways.
AFS
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GWiltsie
Mountain climber
Bozeman, MT
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Jun 10, 2010 - 01:21am PT
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I have held off writing this until I could get over the shock and have time to ponder. I also didn’t want to rush anything onto the internet prematurely.
One of the perils of being part of the mountaineering or similar communities are all-too-common surprise phone calls with a stricken voice on the other end saying, “I’ve got some bad news…” I’ve heard those exact words way too many times. It is part of the price of living on the edge.
Allan Pietrasanta’s call to me about John was an especially difficult blow, however. John was one of my most significant mentors and oldest friends. He was also such a rigorously safe mountaineer that I could scarcely imagine him falling off a mountain. It is especially tragic he was killed by a deer, which are so much a part of the mountains and forests he loved.
I first met John and Doug Robinson in 1969, when I was a high school senior in Bishop. They were the first hippies I had ever met and my subsequent visits to their cabin in Cardinal Village scared my parents half to death. If only they had known the whole story!
The following summer, my grandmother told me that if I wanted to climb I had to learn to do it right. She paid my tuition for PSOM, where Doug, John and Don Jensen were waiting to change my life. Later I would spend many seasons guiding for PSOM and – with John’s help - Mountain Travel (which at one point owned PSOM.) A whole new world opened before me.
Just as Doug mentored my early writing and photography, John taught me the mountain skills and rigorous attention to safety that enabled me later to travel the world as a National Geographic expedition photographer.
I have so many stories of our climbs and adventures together that it is impossible to describe in this space. A couple of special ones come to mind, though. I will always remember the longest night of my life, shivering together with John through an unexpected bivouac just below the summit of Clyde Minaret on his birthday in September (some party!). The worst part was when he ran out of cigarettes. Or, the scream he shrieked while jumaring in the dark at 20,000,’ when a piton I had placed popped out and he pendulumed into space over a 3000-foot ice wall on Baruntse.
John was always a dear and trusted friend. In fact, Lois, he, Meredith and I once owned a house together and never had a serious disagreement about it. He could at times, though, revel in being contrarian: whether it was intentionally bringing pepperoni pizzas to vegetarian potlucks or applying his incredible knack for giving brilliantly insightful (sometimes-withering) nicknames. He could tweak almost anyone.
As did many people, John and I did sometimes have our differences, but we always overcame them. I was especially proud of him when he stopped ingesting so many things that were killing him, became more spiritual and entered a whole new phase of his life helping people in other ways beyond mountaineering (but while still remaining just as deft on his crampons.) One of my biggest disappointments in moving to Montana 18 years ago is that I seldom saw John afterwards. He kept promising to ride up on his beloved motorcycle, but then came along the deer.
Still, I have thought of him (and many other Bishop friends) almost every day as pictures rotate through my screen saver. Every one that I took of John brings back memories that are deep and rich. I’ve attached a few of my favorites here.
I extend my deepest condolences to Mike, Kate, Zane and Joy, along with his other friends. May he find peace and wonder in that unknown future that lies ahead of all of us.
Thank you, John, for all you did for me and so many others. You will be sorely missed.
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Jun 10, 2010 - 01:58pm PT
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Gordon, Doug, others
Thanks for bringing John to life.
Fred Glover
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JerryA
Mountain climber
Sacramento,CA
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Jun 10, 2010 - 04:55pm PT
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I meet John in 1976 when my wife gave me a week at PSOM for my 39th birthday . I had never climbed before .She dropped me off at Glacier Lodge and I ran into a much taller guy who introduced himself as TM Herbert and we hiked up to Fifth Lake together . The climbing adventure had begun and I had wonderful times with John in the Sierra and Himalaya. I'm very glad that Andy Selters published a picture I took of John during our Palisade Traverse in "Ways to the Sky".
Jerry Adams ,Sacramento
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Joe Metz
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Jun 10, 2010 - 06:06pm PT
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Very sad to hear this. Spent a week with John at PSOM and occasionally crossed paths with him later on. He always had a good story to tell. I will always carry good memories of him.
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cybele
Ice climber
finally, west of the Mississippi
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Jun 10, 2010 - 11:08pm PT
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"Sad day! He was a nice man who was very cool to me for the brief time I lived in Bishop. Hopefully it was quick, my condolences to his family.
SC "
I drove through there on the 395 the day after and the locals were talking a lot about it and warning motorists to be very careful. There are a lot of deer this year. There are warning signs now posted along the highway. Yes, the word was that it was in fact very quick -- he lost control after hitting the deer and veered into a rock, resulting in an instant death.
I am only reporting the local word on the road near the site, I do not know this to be strict fact.
Apologies if my post is too graphic or none of my business to report on, but perhaps knowing there was not suffering is at least a tiny consolation in the face of a shocking and disturbing loss for those who cared for him.
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10b4me
Boulder climber
Hell A
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Jun 11, 2010 - 01:43am PT
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Gordon, thanks for the heartfelt remembrances. I found them to be very touching.
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Jello
Social climber
No Ut
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Jun 11, 2010 - 02:20am PT
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Very sorry to hear of John's passing. I didn't know him well, but the last time I saw him, in the mid-nineties in Lee Vining, we shared some enjoyable time as we shepparded our respective flocks on the ice. I remember he sent me a nice card, commemorating some achievement of mine that he'd heard about. John was definitely one of the leaders of the guiding art in North America.
My condolences to John's family and many friends.
-Jeff Lowe
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Don Lauria
Trad climber
Bishop, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2010 - 03:12pm PT
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John Fischer's Celebration of Life
Zane and Joy(John's son and daughter)got together yesterday and pretty much decided the Celebration of Life would take place on the weekend of John Fischer's 64th Birthday, Sept. 11 & 12 in Bishop. This will give them time to let everyone around the world know about it and be able to make travel arrangements. He sure reached a lot pf people in his brief stay on this planet.
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MICHAEL HOCK
climber
Albuquerque, NM
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Jun 11, 2010 - 06:10pm PT
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Doug and Gordon, thank you for your words and images about John. It is good to remember him, and I grieve his passing. I had dinner with him and Roger Schley a few years back while he was visiting Zane in Santa Fe. It was good to see him, see the light in his eyes again. Back in those long ago days in the Eastern Sierra, Doug and he inspired me to love the wild, and more, to join and become the wildness that is life. I have carried that learning with me, and use it every day to be bold and courageous, to step out into the storm, inner and outer. Thank you for your gift, John. And thank you too, Doug. My heart is with those who care for him, and with Zane.
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em kn0t
Trad climber
isle of wyde
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Jun 12, 2010 - 01:52am PT
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Early 90's, I had the privilege of a weekend mountaineering course and climb of East Ridge of Mt. Humphreys with John. A clear picture keeps coming to mind of John framed against a starry sky and a crackling campfire, rousting us newbies from our warm sleeping bags long before dawn for an alpine start. A great day of climbing, the joy of the summit.
RIP, John... and thank you for that day
Heart reaches out with sympathy to John's family and friends.
em
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Peter Haan
Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
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Jun 14, 2010 - 05:25pm PT
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Retouching these black & white images that have shifted so in temperature etc.
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Don Lauria
Trad climber
Bishop, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2010 - 11:25pm PT
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Looks like John's Celebration of Life will be held in Bishop at Mill Creek Station on the weekend of September 11th. As things firm up, the exact information will appear on this thread.
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LesterR
climber
Carson City
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Jun 16, 2010 - 01:28pm PT
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Ive' been humming a dirge all morning for no reason, then a call to a friend, brings this great sadness.
John Fischer, thank you and bless you , were it not for you and Doug,and Kowles,that cold winter at camp 4 so long ago, i would be lost, thanks
John was a true Man of the Mountains, his eyes were like that first light on a distant peak, after a cold and sleepless bivouac. His love the cold a rocky places, His heros, Gaston,Muir, His old tattered copy of On Ice and Show,the Ropers, guide book we would pour over in prepration for a climb. the time Charley Browns Cat pulled all the lids out of Fischer tent and spread them on the trail. The bikes, Mike, Alex and Barrels. Years past and we met again,,and worked togather for a few months with wood, John was a great carpenter. he was so proud of a harpsichord he built with his father, he loved the clean lines of japanese woodworking.
He was piecing his life together again. His mom needed help and he was off again. Fischer was a hero to me, his patience,wisdom,and clear vision, inspireing, he had a restlessness which was edgy, as side of him i never understood. John, we are all less for your loss. Drink up, sing his song, burn the pyre.
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Don Lauria
Trad climber
Bishop, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 16, 2010 - 02:40pm PT
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Zane just informed me that the Celebration of Life is NOT YET set at Mill Creek. This thread will announce the exact time and place when it is established.
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DrBenway
Social climber
Redondo, CA
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Jun 18, 2010 - 04:56pm PT
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I spent the most time with John in the Haight in the sixties; seen him only a few times in the last forty years of ups and downs, and always thought "this son of a gun is living right - I'm getting old and he follows his heart and stays young and real". And he did, and I wish I'd spent more time with him, and I'm sad he's gone. Thanks to those of you who posted those beautiful photos - especially the one with the Sherpas - a fellow man of the mountains. Love and condolences to all his family and friends. Bob Hill
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Jun 18, 2010 - 05:12pm PT
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hey there say, Gwiltsie....
i just saw this thread afresh, and i wanted to say thank you for posting the wonderful pictures of your dear friend... it helps us learn, too, how special folks are to others...
god bless...
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Conner
Mountain climber
Donnelly, Idaho
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Jun 29, 2010 - 01:20am PT
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Just learned about the very sad loss of John. I first met him in the early 80's while managing the WLA A16 store. Then more in Bishop when working with him and the California Mtn Guides Assoc. He was a constant in the Sierra. Devoted to his craft and profession. He lived a good life with lots of ups and downs along the way, like most of us. I saw him John about a year ago while working in Bishop for a few months. He looked great! Healthy and happy! He was so full of life and still kicking!
My condolences to John's family and friends. The Sierra has lost a dear friend.
Peace Be with you John.
Connie Self
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snake
Mountain climber
sebastopol
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I met John in the late 60s when we were both guiding at POSM. Much to the chagrin of Bob Swift he and Steve Roper got me stoned for the first time in my life and gave me a thorough introduction to the dirt bag climber's lifestyle that summer. Virtually every week the 3 of us consistently drank up most of the wine that had been packed into base camp for our clients Friday night farewell dinner.
My lasting memory of John comes from the late 70s by which time he and Lois owned POSM. John walked down from Sam Mack Meadows (down that hideous talus slope) with me in the dark carrying almost all my gear when I came down with HAPE at 11,000'. I wasn't so far gone yet that I couldn't have gotten out to the road head by myself. John, of course, knew that, but insisted on coming down the mountainside with me until he knew I was safe. He then hiked back up to the Meadows and the next day guided clients on one of the Palisade Crest peaks.
Our last climb together was a few years later, a lazy summers day up the east arete of Mt. Darwin along with Steve Roper when Steve was researching his High Sierra Climbing Guide. We celebrated the summit by trundling a VW bus-sized block off the top into a nameless lake far below. Part of the price of living on or close to the edge is getting the late night phone calls and hearing the quivering tearful voice on the other end of the line.They all hurt,but this one more than most. RIP old friend. Walt Vennum
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David Sweetland
Trad climber
San Luis Obispo, CA.
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John once told me, "Don't just climb the mountain, be the mountain." I'm sure he got this quote from Gary Snyder (Practice of the Wild). 'Nough said.
Hope there are Temple Crags were you are now.
Just a Stone
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Michael Ambrose
Trad climber
Fresno, CA
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Terrible news. He was one of the nicest, coolest guys I knew. Even though I was not much of a climber, he invited me to go first ascent-ing with him up rock creek. We stopped when John couldn't lead any farther without harming vegetation on the route. What a cool and genuine guy who always had a smile and a positive word.
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olivier
Social climber
Hood River, OR
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I worked with John in Mammoth for about a year. He had amazing stories to tell, about the Haight, about climbing, but he was so easy going and down to earth. I remember when he got his moto and how far he would go out, cruising in the desert, exploring.
The pictures I'm posting are from a trip I took with John and my wife (to be), probably in the Spring of 2000. From the warehouse where we worked, or on the way down to the industrial park, we could see a beautiful line on a buttress that gained a small peak on the ridge above Valentine Lake.
We started before daylight and the hike in was longer than I had anticipated. It was a mixed line, mostly 3rd and 4th class with a short roped section, maybe easy 5th. We had never discussed who was leading or guiding but obviously we deferred to John's experience. What surprised me was the relative ease with which he navigated each situation when in reality (for me) the moves were not so easy. He was always relaxed but also very persistent. I was surprised at how much more difficult the route was than I had anticipated while he seemed to know exactly what it would be, even though he had never been there before. We didn't get back to the car until after dark.
The other thing about our climb that struck me was the simplicity of his systems and rigging. I had never seen anything so simple and yet perfect at the same time. Everything went together seamlessly, and the gear never slowed us down.
Thinking about it now I realize just how lucky we were to have spent that time there with him. Working with John was fun, entertaining, and all, but the time we were climbing it was like witnessing a different person. The mountains were more familiar and welcoming to him than any other place.
We miss you John
O and P
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Anne-Marie Rizzi
climber
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Jul 10, 2010 - 02:42pm PT
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I am so saddened to hear this news.
John, Doug Robinson, and Barry (don't remember his last name) were early friends in Camp 4, and instrumental in me eventually moving to the East Side.
John would occasionally visit me when I was attending UC Berkeley, around 1973ish.
By the time I moved to Bishop (1979?), he'd married Lois, had the PSOM thing going, and I didn't see him much, just occasionally at parties. I remember his sister Kitty. Eventually, I moved other places and never saw John again.
He had a lot of exuberance in him, and so much love for the mountains, one of those people that always radiated energy.
Condolences to all.
Anne-Marie
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Mitch Parker
Sport climber
Miami, FL
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Jul 16, 2010 - 11:48am PT
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Just found out last night from my Dad that sadly, John is gone.
I was 14 years old in 1976 when I asked my dad to take me to climbing school after learning to rock climb at a summer camp in North Carolina. Fortuntely my dad found PSOM and I attended the basic mountaineering course with my father.
My first encounter with John was meeting him on the way down from base camp above 5th lake while we were struggling our way up. Keep in mind that we are from Miami where mountains and altitude are not a factor. John was literally running down the mountain when we first spotted him about 100 yards above us on the trail. He ouf course stopped to introduce himself and with a big smile on his face told us to keep going, that the hardest part was over and we would be there soon, all of which was untrue. In fact after grabbing some last minute supplies at the trail head, he caught us before we reached base camp. On day one, my very first impression of John was of awe.
Over the next week I had the pleasure of climbing with John, Mike Ferrell (Mike's Dog) and a the only female tug boat captain/mountain guide (cant recall her name)in the US. That week was a real turning point in my young life. I met my first hippy, made a bunch of good friends who I climbed with years later, was treated as an equal (not a kid), made my first lead climb, got mountain sickness, saw the most beautiful skyful of stars ever, and bonded with my dad.
Throughout it all, John was an inspiration. He was a perpetual free spirit that I had never encountered in my life before. He even convinced me to eat pea stew (I still hate peas) when I had mountain sickness at high camp.
My dad and I became good friends with John and returned the next year for the Advanced rockcraft course where thanks to John and Alan Rouse I really excelled and was forever attached to the mountains. Both my dad and I continued to climb with John and Alan for years to come.
Partly because of John and PSOM, I went to the University of Colorado to be in the mountains and to continue my climbing. I even made a side trip after graduation to climb with John and my best friend. Even on that one day climb, John made a lasting impression on my buddy Frank. I think he scared Frank a little when as I lead the climb, John free climbed next to us chatting, hanging out, and laughing when I couldn't make a difficult move, where the solution was of course right in front of my face.
Although I didn't keep in touch often with John as I grew up, had kids, and fell into the working life, I did follow him through my Dad. I am truly sad that I dont have the chance to bring my sons on a climb with John that would have changed their lives as well. I will definately miss him, and will always remember his smil and love for life. RIP John, I know your smiling down on us all.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jul 17, 2010 - 12:09pm PT
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Rest in Peace, John.
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Mikie
Social climber
Portland oregon
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Jul 19, 2010 - 01:40am PT
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I first met John in 1973 at PSOM...Smoke was still there, his last year I think? Having the students partake of the agonies of the "kitchen wall" to the delight of all the others was entertainig as the sun set over the fabulous Palisades. I was so taken by his quiet but self assured manner, his devotion to climbing safety and his complete professionalism. The Swiss Arete on Sill was just a joy and John opened up such an appreciation of the mountains for me. Another year, after a traverse of Thunderbolt, spent a night with John bivouaced on North Pal enjoying the hum and flashes. Traveled with John and Lois to Ecuador where all peaks were ascended with their fine leadership. A Mountain Medicine and rescue course further cemented my repect for this marvelous teacher. My younger son worked for John at PSOM as a grunt and a second ascent of Sill with he and John is one of my favorite memories.
He was indeed one of the stars of the long and glorious history of Sierra mountaineering but even more than his mountain prowess, what I especially appreciated about John was his quiet and confident way of taking life like it is which has remained an aspiration-not very well fulfilled-of mine since. I, too, thought the photo of Gordon Wiltsie's of John with the Sherpas was "perfect". He will be missed. My condolences for their loss to his family and many friends and boon companions.
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
climber
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Jul 21, 2010 - 03:14am PT
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Great tribute olivier , I used to run to the lake alot and did some bouldering and off trail stuff up there too . I think I know which peak you are talking about . Kick down some more photos or writing whenever you are ready . We really appreciate it .
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Tony Bird
climber
Northridge, CA
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Jul 21, 2010 - 09:08am PT
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i'd like to hear some of those stories about the haight. i never got to be a california hippie in the 60s, and when i came here in 1980 it seemed all the hippyness has disasppeared. i had no choice but to get back to working my buns off.
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John's brother Michael
climber
Mill Valley, CA
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Jul 25, 2010 - 07:02pm PT
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A note from Bill Holsman, long-time friend and Sierra backpacking partner of mine, about John: "I'll always remember the one trek we were on with John. It was so impressive to me, struggling up the first days of gain, and having John walk calmly back and forth from the front of the line to back, encouraging us to get in gear and keep moving. It is very clear that few of us will have an outpouring of love that has been expressed by those who have been touched by John. It is also very clear to me that his spirit will be with us forever. I could never go to the Sierra again without thinking about him, and the good life he led despite any number of obstacles..."
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mbt
Social climber
Sacramento, CA
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Jul 28, 2010 - 07:16am PT
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I appreciate reading all the posts here. I was with John our last year of high school and when he was at the art institute for a semester. That was so long ago, but I see that he continued to be exactly the person he was then, a climber and an artist. Here are a couple of photos from that time.
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silverlynx
Sport climber
moss beach, california
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Aug 26, 2010 - 03:04pm PT
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I've been thinking about John a lot lately. Never climbed with him after the PSOM/Mountain Travel years although we were a home away from home when he came to the coast (Moss Beach). He often "base camped" here, using our sauna (a groovy cedar cabin with a window) as home.
He gave me a job guiding at PSOM, where I'd cooked and climbed for years. (Hi Mitch, I'm the tugboat captain) He and I shared a hilarious drive to Mexico City to guide the M.T. Mexican Volcanoes climb one year. Through all the stages and changes, John remained a conundrum. Unique doesn't come close... We miss you John.
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ZFischer
Mountain climber
Santa Fe, NM
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Sep 11, 2010 - 08:04pm PT
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Thanks so much for all the memories and thoughts--it's been both heartbreaking and heartwarming to eavesdrop here the past couple of months.
Dad's ashes were scattered up at the Palisade Glacier this past week and, as many of you know, we'll be celebrating tomorrow (Sept 12) at Mill Creek in Bishop from noon to 5 pm.
All are welcome.
There's also a discreet descanso to the west of 395 immediately south of Conway Summit...something to look for, care for, etc.
Peace,
Zane Fischer, John's son.
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
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Sep 11, 2010 - 08:27pm PT
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Zane...i drive that route often and will look for the descanso..i look at john's crash site everytime i drive up conway....the deer were suicidal and prolific this spring and i had several close calls with these large rodents...i worked with john back in 80 cutting firewood...the tedium and physical exhaustion of the job left your dad and i in a delirious state of laughter...i suppose i will miss his humor and personality....best wishes....rj
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DrDeeg
Mountain climber
Mammoth Lakes, CA
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Sep 14, 2010 - 02:08pm PT
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John Fischer’s family and friends organized a wonderful memorial ceremony last Sunday, September 12th, one day before John’s 64th birthday. The remarks from Alan P, John’s sister and brother, sister-in-law, and many old friends were both illuminating and different from each other. The food and drink were great, and thanks to Roger and Mary Lou for letting us all use your place. It was just a shame that John could not be there, as he would have enjoyed the party.
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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Sep 14, 2010 - 03:07pm PT
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Indeed it was a wonderful gathering in honor of John's life. So many folk's lives were touched/influenced/altered by by John. I saw several old friends and made some new ones as well. All were eloquent in recounting the facets of John's life. But none more so than his son, Zane. I was deeply touched by Zane's eulogy. How ironic is it, that we try to walk in others footsteps to find insight. Yet, in the end, we must forge our own individual paths to enlightenment. It was this journey, this road, that John was squarely on. Knowing that the trip IS the goal, and not the destination, he lived his life accordingly.
Thanks, John, for helping show me the way.
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10b4me
Ice climber
Happy Boulders
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Sep 15, 2010 - 01:20am PT
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I enjoyed the memorial service, and was moved by many of the eulogies. fitting tributes to a really nice guy.
p.s. good meeting you Cragman
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klinefelter
Boulder climber
Bishop, CA
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Sep 15, 2010 - 03:47pm PT
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Maysho
climber
Soda Springs, CA
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Sep 15, 2010 - 05:58pm PT
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It was a wonderful event, and thanks again to the hosts and organizers.
Someone should post that photo of all the Palisades School of Mountaineering Guides spanning 40 years. It was great to see some of the elder statesmen of our little world coming out to pay their respects: TM Herbert, Al Steck, Bob Swift, Don Lauria, Dave Beck, as well as so many others. John was a great man and great guide, I feel lucky to have been one of his many friends.
Peter
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silverlynx
Sport climber
moss beach, california
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Sep 17, 2010 - 04:56pm PT
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Kaleki
climber
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Sep 17, 2010 - 09:54pm PT
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My deepest gratitude for the supportive friends who came to honor my brother, John, last Sunday at his memorial service. What an amazing assembly that represented decades of John's friends and mentors!
It was an awesome afternoon, filled with bright light, fluttering prayer flags, and sometimes profound silence during (even the long) speeches.
Your respect for John by coming and standing witness to his memory is a comfort to our family who will continue to miss him for many long days to come.
John was a guide in many ways: whatever the goal, John would urge you to reach it, not necessarily to accomplish it, but for the stretch of body, mind, and soul it would require.
Thank you all for being there, for finding the time, the words, and the heart to honor and appreciate John Fischer!
Kate
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Swifter
Social climber
Flagstaff, AZ
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Sep 18, 2010 - 09:38am PT
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John Fischer wasn't the sort who'd forget someone simply because they hadn't seen much of each other or climbed together recently. (In my case "not recently" means we hadn't climbed together for something like 40 years, and our meetings since had been sporadic.) Nevertheless, he made it a point to stop by my place in Flagstaff last spring for reminiscences and catch-up on current activities. Some of us will recollect specific climbs with John, but every one of us will remember him as an individual with all the qualities that define a truly fine human being.
Bob Swift
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Schaps
Trad climber
Bishop California
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Mar 31, 2011 - 03:04pm PT
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Having just moved back to Bishop, I was deeply saddened to hear of John’s tragic death. He was, in my opinion, the finest, safest and most knowledgeable climber with whom I’ve ever had the privilege to partner. How well I still remember our days on the Sun Ribbon Arête and left side Mendel couloir ( Ice nine) which he climbed in total confidence and style, there never being any doubt as to our successful outcome. I know his soul is still out there in the High Sierra, now unencumbered by physical limitations- he is putting up new routes and watching over us. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Tony Schapera
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
bouldering
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Jun 10, 2011 - 04:32am PT
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Was thinking about this in the last couple days, as it's been a year now.
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Sep 12, 2011 - 01:40pm PT
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A couple of us were talking about John yesterday. Didn't realize it had been a year. A good man.
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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Sep 12, 2011 - 01:56pm PT
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RIP, John. I will never forget that evening at Chaney's cabin, many, many years ago.
TY
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BCK
climber
Maryland
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Oct 18, 2011 - 10:27pm PT
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How Strange... I was just cleaning out some old photos/slides of my PSOM climbing trip--tonite--a trip of 1976 and I found a classic picture of John relaxing after our first climb. I just decided to "google" his name and was shocked to find this this site and this news. That week at PSOM-John the lead, but meeting TM Herbert, Galen Rowell, Kim Schmitz.. was just an incredible climbing experience. Even after more than 30 plus years.. I sometimes find myself daydreaming about that trip- Thinking about climbing Mt. Sill still makes me smile.. John had the patience and love of the mountain that he shared with our group... inspired us all...... Thank you John....
Barbara CK
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Chinchen
climber
Way out there....
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Oct 18, 2011 - 10:35pm PT
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Barbara, Please scan and post your pictures!
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