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roddymc
Trad climber
California
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Topic Author's Original Post - Dec 20, 2010 - 03:37pm PT
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Albert Nugue, lately of Oakhurst, California, died in San Jose early yesterday morning. He was a great friend, climbing partner and colleague to many. We are gathered at his home in Oakhurst to be together in grief.
Details of the accident are not available. Roads have been wet in the Bay Area for several days.
Albert was the General Manager of Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, where he led backpacking and climbing trips for years before taking on the job of running the office and managing gear and guides. Outside of work, he is known to local climbers for his energy, enthusiasm, and 170-pound bulldog, Baloo.
I had planned to write something about Albert, as he recently completed the fifth of his famous birthday challenges, leading 36 pitches in a day to celebrate his 36th birthday. I didn't want to write under these circumstances, but I still want to celebrate him. I will try to write a more complete story about Albert soon, because he was an inspiration to me as a person and as a rock climber.
Albert was loved by all of us here today, and many more friends all over the country (and in Thailand, where he climbed several winters). We loved his outgoing personality, cheerfulness, and bottomless energy. He was never happier than when he was cooking for a group of friends. He loved to nurture others. We will miss him more than I can say.
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Dec 20, 2010 - 03:43pm PT
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tragic news, prayers and thoughts out to all of you grieving at this time.
Peace
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tiki-jer
Trad climber
fresno/clovis
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Dec 20, 2010 - 04:03pm PT
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Sad news indeed. I ran into Albert a few times at Wamello and at Tollhouse.
Always enthusiastic and always helpful.
Nice guy...strong climber.
Baloo scared the sh@t out of us one day at Wamello all growling like and Albert calling down from up above to calm him down. You see Baloo was protecting the gear his boss left at the base.
Condolences to his Family and Friends.
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karodrinker
Trad climber
San Jose, CA
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Dec 20, 2010 - 04:04pm PT
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I met Albert up on the Nose last winter, on a trip up to sickle. Really nice guy, condolences to family and friends. Life is not safe folks, live it up while you can.
Kalen
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Dec 20, 2010 - 04:14pm PT
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My deepest thoughts...I hate these senseless tragedies. While it is painful to lose anyone, the loss of these robust, young folks seems the most painful of all.
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Dec 20, 2010 - 04:14pm PT
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If you want details of the highway accident:
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_16903416?source=rss&nclick_check=1
Santa Clara County coroner IDs two fatal crash victims from Los Gatos, Oakhurst
By Lisa Fernandez
lfernandez@mercurynews.com
Posted: 12/20/2010 09:28:39 AM PST
Updated: 12/20/2010 09:57:33 AM PST
The coroner's office also identified Albert Sidney Nugue, 36, of Oakhurst as the man who died Sunday about 1 a.m. while walking across Highway 101 in San Jose. He apparently left his car on the southbound Trimble Road offramp from Highway 101 then walked across the lanes of traffic from east to west. He was hit by a man driving a Subaru near Trimble Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. Officials said the 27-year-old Subaru driver was unable to avoid hitting Nugue, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The Subaru driver stopped at the scene and was not charged.
Investigators have not determined whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident.
-----
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Nate D
climber
San Francisco
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Dec 20, 2010 - 04:18pm PT
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So very sorry to hear this. From all accounts, Albert was a wonderful fellow I never had the chance to meet, though we have a number of friends in common and relished in some of the same quiet crags in Southern Yosemite.
Peace and Sincere Condolences.
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kev
climber
A pile of dirt.
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Dec 20, 2010 - 04:20pm PT
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Albert was a really really nice guy. This is sad.
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phylp
Trad climber
Millbrae, CA
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Dec 20, 2010 - 04:30pm PT
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Roddy, my condolences at the loss of your dear friend. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends.
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Dirka
Trad climber
SF
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Dec 20, 2010 - 04:38pm PT
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Prayers to him and his family.
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sneville
climber
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Dec 20, 2010 - 05:20pm PT
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Wow! This is tragic news. He will be missed.
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tinker b
climber
the commonwealth
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Dec 20, 2010 - 05:40pm PT
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oh albert...
this is so sad. albert was always a really upbeat and sweet human. i do not understand how this could happen. i camped with him a few times in joshua tree, and worked for him a couple of times as well. he loved sharing good food and good times. i am just sitting here remembering his smile and laugh.
love and healing out to all his friends, family, and baloo.
peace,
jo-lynne
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Dec 20, 2010 - 05:49pm PT
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A cook AND a guide?
This fellow must've been all right!
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Barbarian
Trad climber
The great white north, eh?
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Dec 20, 2010 - 06:05pm PT
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This is truly sad news. Peace and comfort to his friends and family.
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Ezra Ellis
Trad climber
WA, & NC & Idaho
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Dec 20, 2010 - 06:28pm PT
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Albert sounds like a great guy, my sincere condolences to family and friends.
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Prod
Trad climber
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Dec 20, 2010 - 06:29pm PT
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Sad news.
Prod.
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Porkchop_express
Trad climber
Back in the Gunks for the winter
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Dec 20, 2010 - 07:00pm PT
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very sad; condolences and prayers to his friends and family.
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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Dec 20, 2010 - 07:03pm PT
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My condolences to all.
TY
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Doug Robinson
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Dec 20, 2010 - 07:25pm PT
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Albert's boss Ian was in tears last night when he called to tell me. That's the kind of a bright light Albert was, bringing people together, putting everyone at ease.
Yeah, Ron, a cook and a guide. And a committed climber. His devotion leaked into the Southern Yosemite guide house outside Oakhurst. Tick list on the fridge, workout gear, a twinkle in his eye. A great guide because he cared so much about turning people on to wildness.
Recent years Albert had been the kingpin of Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides. It's not easy keeping a dozen guides -- more at peak season -- sorted out and supplied and psyched.
I know that Ian Elman, the founder of SYMG, loved and respected Albert. He said so often. Relied completely on Albert's ability to juggle clients, guides, gear and mounds of provisions. He did it all the time. They worked side by side, and I never heard anything but respect out of either of them. Even if things got ragged, which can happen when you're hosting people to the edge of their comfort zone.
Ian would be right here to speak up himself, but he left a few days ago to take his kids and wife away for the holidays.
Albert, you left a big hole in a lot of our lives. It's going to take a lot of love to fill it up.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Dec 20, 2010 - 07:41pm PT
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God bless him. And condolences to the family.
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Jobee
Social climber
El Portal Ca.
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Dec 20, 2010 - 07:45pm PT
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I did not have the pleasure of meeting, nor did I know Albert.
The image of him climbing in his Super Man attire says it all.
A brilliant light shines outward towards us, from him!
My sincere condolences to Alberts family, to all who knew him, and love him.
Jo Whitford
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blackbird
Trad climber
the flat water trails...
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Dec 20, 2010 - 07:49pm PT
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my deepest condolences to family and friends...
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11worth
Trad climber
Leavenworth & Greenwater WA
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Dec 20, 2010 - 08:48pm PT
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Very sad.
I climbed with Albert this last summer at Shuteye Ridge.
We had a great time. I will miss climbing with him.
RIP old friend.
Jim
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dogtown
Trad climber
JackAssVille, Wyoming
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Dec 20, 2010 - 08:53pm PT
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Very, sorry
My very best from myself and my family .
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Dec 20, 2010 - 09:51pm PT
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Didn't know him.
Condolences to his people.
Do it now.
Death don't have no mercy.
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mucci
Trad climber
The pitch of Bagalaar above you
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Dec 20, 2010 - 10:05pm PT
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Wow!
Spent a day with Albert a few years ago, and Baloo!
Great guy and so funny, I laughed for hours!
Very sorry to hear about his untimely death, both in years and during the holiday season.
Best wishes to his close friends and family.
Mucci
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Dec 20, 2010 - 10:32pm PT
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hey there say, roddymc (edited to spell the handle), my deep condolences to you, his family, and buddies--i will be praying for you all, at this hard, awful time...
i was really awful sad to hear this--but now, sadder still: hit while walking across the freeway, after having to leave the car, for some reason :( ...
:(
tinker b, thank you kindly for the article...
very sad...
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Dec 20, 2010 - 11:45pm PT
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Really so sorry to hear this....
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Dec 20, 2010 - 11:56pm PT
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My heart goes out to his loved ones, family and friends. My prayers are with you this evening. I know how very difficult it is to have a loved one leave our life.... especially during this season of the year.
But your Albert left us with a grand and glorious message we need to heed each day of our lives. Live life to the fullest, follow your dreams and most of all live each day. We only have today. Tomorrow is not a given. So let us live, love and give and forgive. Peace, lynne
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em kn0t
Trad climber
isle of wyde
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Dec 21, 2010 - 12:11am PT
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Albert sounds like a wonderful man who left this life far too soon.
Wishing strength and love for Albert's family and friends in the days ahead, and also for the driver of the Subaru.
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JOEY.F
Social climber
sebastopol
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Dec 21, 2010 - 12:46am PT
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Heartbreaking, condolences to the family and friends of Albert.
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mooser
Trad climber
seattle
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Dec 21, 2010 - 12:54am PT
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So very, very sorry to hear about the loss of your close friend.
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nicolamartinez
Big Wall climber
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Dec 21, 2010 - 01:37am PT
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My heart goes to family and friends. I never met Albert but can relate to what his loved ones are going thru. My condolences. Much love. Nick ---
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susu
Trad climber
East Bay, CA
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Dec 21, 2010 - 03:06am PT
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John and I are so saddened by the news. Life is so short. Though we only met Albert a couple of times, what an impression he made on us! We met him at a great venue out camping, climbing, and getting carried away around a campfire at Shuteye Ridge. From that short weekend, we enjoyed his great energy, sense of humor, and sweet spirit. He seemed to get on so well with a diverse group of folks...and seemed well suited to his role in SYMG... with a great attitude one night he hiked all the way back to Wing Feather to try to help some friends late coming back to camp from the climb... just one among other expressions that weekend of his sense of responsibility and care for folks.
Had hoped nothing but the best for him and to again see him out there. This is truly tragic. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Dec 21, 2010 - 03:54am PT
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Albert was a friend. He sometimes instigated a few folks to meet at Halloween at Red Rocks as sort of an annual trip.
He's a great being. Friendly, supportive, totally energized and enthusiastic. I was impressed with his friendly relationship with an ex-girlfriend type.
I'll miss him but wish him well on the greatest epic he's embarked on. I'm sure a lot of people are going to miss him as he inspired goodness in people in rare ways.
And always good to be the rope gun!
Rock on Albert!
Peace
Karl
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mucci
Trad climber
The pitch of Bagalaar above you
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Dec 21, 2010 - 04:02am PT
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kc
Trad climber
sj, ca
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Dec 21, 2010 - 11:30am PT
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I met Albert at the old Santa Clara PG back in '05. Took my lead class from him at that gym. He was so happy to move down to the valley and begin his adventures there. He was an amazing guy, loved by all, and enemy of none. I can't believe he is gone.
To his family and friends, I am so, so sorry. He will be missed.
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c_vultaggio
Trad climber
new york
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Dec 21, 2010 - 11:39am PT
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Albert was the first guy to put me on rope years ago, as a close friend of his brother in NY. I don't know if it was his infectious spirit or positive enthusiasm about the sport to propel me deep into climbing, but I owe him quite a debt.
I can only imagine how much he has affected others if he did this for me in just one outing.
A tragic loss so young, but his eyes have seen more summit views than most, and he probably found a peace in the mountains many can only hope for. For that I am thankful to know my friend truly lived while he was among us.
You'll be missed Albert, may the four winds carry you home.
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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Dec 21, 2010 - 11:54am PT
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To the Angles.
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Tork
climber
Yosemite
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Dec 22, 2010 - 01:21pm PT
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Had trouble sleeping last night. Thought a lot about Albert, his friends I knew, Baloo his dog, and climbs we shared. Thought about climbs we won't share.
Albert being gone hasn't fully hit me yet, although now thinking and writeing it is hitting me more.
Can only imagine the pain of his family, who I never met, and the pain to his closest friends.
Sorry for our loss, he is missed by many.
Albert taking Dan up Captain Wingfeather
Baloo
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Proudest_monkey
Trad climber
Oslo, Norway
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Dec 22, 2010 - 04:07pm PT
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When I first heard the news, It was hard to let it sink in that Albert could be gone. My family and all have fresh memories from this past summer. Hanging out at the guides house at barbecues, getting ready for trips, and my kids hanging out with Baloo and the puppies Albert took under his wing when they were left abandoned by the side of the road. Looking back, I think the episode with the puppies best defines for us what kind of person Albert was, always giving of himself and looking out for those around him. We will definitely miss him the next time we are in California.
SYMG guide
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howdy
Social climber
Donner Lake
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Dec 22, 2010 - 06:58pm PT
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What a tragedy. Albert was one of the good ones. I haven't seen him in a few years, but I will never forget him.
-(Former) SYMG Guide
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Colorado Krasnow
Trad climber
Buena Vista
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Dec 22, 2010 - 07:14pm PT
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Albert was my best friend since the age of 5. He was my brother from another mother and his passing has affected me more deeply than I could have imagined. Albert was a highly energetic and outgoing person. His love for the outdoors and adventure was contagious, and he loved above all else sharing his passion with others. Many people will remember Albert for his huge smile, his incredible feats of endurance, and his all-round good will. I will forever remember Albert as someone who deeply cared about his friends and family. Albert was always encouraging and supportive of any endeavor I or anyone close to him undertook. He made you feel good for trying. Few people could keep pace with Albert, which is why so many of us got the chance to share adventures with him. Albert leaves behind hundreds of friends, one enormous dog, and thousands of stellar memories that will forever be cherished. RIP brother.
Mark Krasnow
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Ain't no flatlander
climber
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Dec 22, 2010 - 07:35pm PT
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Ah, poor Baloo. The rest of us have words to express feelings.
Condolences to all.
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habitat
climber
grass pass
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Dec 22, 2010 - 07:38pm PT
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Sorry you lost your person, Baloo
Who will take care of you now?
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Dec 22, 2010 - 07:43pm PT
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Ah, poor Baloo. The rest of us have words to express feelings.
Ah, man. I didn't consider that. How sad...
Hopefully someone close to Albert and Baloo take him in.
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tinker b
climber
the commonwealth
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Dec 22, 2010 - 09:09pm PT
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thanks for the picture mark. my heart goes out to you, and everyone else close to albert.
oh baloo. i hope that people are loving you up and feeling better from it.
i am also thinking of the guy who drove the car. may that burden be gently lifted from him.
peace,
jo-lynne
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zeker
Trad climber
bishop
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Dec 23, 2010 - 04:44am PT
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Doug R,
Hope all is well with you and your family this holiday season. Man this is tough. I miss Albert so much, I talked to him just hours before the accident, then Ian called me, asked me if I was sitting down, I said come on man, whats wrong, then he told me Albert died. I really didn't want to believe it!
Maybe you wouldn't mind writing something about Albert and posting on the SYMG facebook page, you being the pro-writer, and knowing him and all. I think it would mean alot to Ian and the crew. Thanks for considering it.
Also a memorial service for Albert is being held @ Planite Granite Sunnyvale Dec 23, @ 1:30pm. Also, by way of influence from Albert's friends, PCGI has also established the Albert Nugue Memorial Scholarship Fund, as Albert was the president of PCGI and was dedicated to guide education.
Stay Alive Doug! Feeling like my friends are dropping off the planet.
Take care,
Zeke
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kc
Trad climber
sj, ca
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Dec 23, 2010 - 12:34pm PT
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Thanks for the info on the memorial today, Zeke; I'll be there. Karen
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nick farley
climber
bishop
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Albert was a brother to me. Like many here.
Miss you bro.
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kev
climber
A pile of dirt.
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Jan 10, 2011 - 01:03am PT
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If it wasn't for Albert the whole gray eagle crew wouldn't exist. About 7 years ago he let me copy Spencers book of lies - which is what started the me off at shuteye and lead to the grey crew. Albert was a great dude and this is a huge loss for us all.
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