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bobmarley
Trad climber
WAS Auburn CA, NOW Seattle WA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Sep 10, 2008 - 01:54pm PT
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My close friend and climbing partner, Ryan Triplett, died Sunday, while soloing ‘Prime Rib’ up at Goat Wall, in Mazama, WA. Ryan is survived by wife, sister, mother, and father. Ryan’s untimely death has devastated the Seattle climbing community. Ryan was a staple of the Seattle climbing community and will be sorely missed. Details of what happened are still a bit fuzzy, but he apparently fell from high up, and was found in his harness, with a rope on his back, presumably with the intentions to solo the route, and rappel off. His loyal dog was found at the base with his body, waiting with him. The route is a 5.9, and well within Ryan’s ability. Considering I have never seen Ryan fall on a 5.9 anywhere, I would venture to guess Ryan must have broken something. I had heard the route was a bit chossy in places.
Ryan was an extremely talented and diverse climber, whether he was climbing sport, traditional, bouldering, alpine, as well as ski mountaineering. Ryan was also an avid route developer and first ascensionist, putting up hard routes in Mazama, Newhalem, Zeke’s Wall, and other areas around Washington. Several of his routes are still unrepeated. Ryan was a hard sport climber, climbing 13c and beyond, yet he had no problem firing off difficult 5.12 traditional and face climbs at Index and Squamish. Recently, Ryan on-sighted ‘The Passenger’, an alpine 5.12, out in Washington Pass. Ryan was also an avid skier and cyclist. Ryan skied the Cascade backcountry during the winter, and did many ski ascents of Mt Baker growing up. Ryan could also hold his own mountain biking and road riding, winning several Seattle mountain bike races, and doing such burly rides as riding Washington Pass, as a ‘casual’ weekend outing.
I moved to Seattle last year and was fortunate to climb with, and have a friend like, Ryan Triplett. Ryan’s motivation was notorious and addicting for those around him. He was always psyched, and tried hard on everything. His persona made you want to do the same. Ryan climbed harder than most, yet seemed to maintain that balance in life, that many of us obsessive climbers struggle with. Ryan pushed himself in his career as a software developer, and was quite successful. Though he was working for the man, he aspired to eventually start his own business, and had several ‘projects’ of his own, on the side. Ryan was also a loving husband, who had a strong connection with his wife Jen, who is a national cycling champion herself. He somehow always found the time for supporting her and her races, and yet managed time for his climbing and climbing projects. Ryan was the coolest, nicest guy you could ever meet, who was forever considerate and giving to others. Ryan had a great sense of humor that reminded you to not take life, or yourself, too seriously. He always had time to throw back a few IPAs after climbing, which both he and I have quite an affinity for. Over beers we discussed future projects and future climbing trips to take together. Ryan took life by the balls, and lived in acknowledgement of our limited time on this Earth. Ryan was a bro, a husband, a climber, and a mentor in life, and I cannot believe he is gone. He will be missed greatly.
-Patrick
Ryan on 'The Quickening' at Smith.
Ryan climbing in Newhalem, WA.
After climbing the 'Roman Chimneys' in Squamish.
Going up to the 'Left Side' in Squamish.
Some runout 5.10 in Smith.
News Links:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008169957_dige10m.html
http://www.komonews.com/news/28122679.html
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dirtbag
climber
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Sep 10, 2008 - 01:55pm PT
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I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.
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Russ Walling
Social climber
Nutsonthechin, Wisconsin
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Sep 10, 2008 - 01:59pm PT
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Wow.... how unfortunate. My condolences go out to all who knew him.
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Crimpergirl
Social climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Sep 10, 2008 - 02:00pm PT
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Super f*#king sad. My thoughts are with you, his friends and family. Really tragic.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Sep 10, 2008 - 02:03pm PT
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My condolences to all of Ryan's friends and family.
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Jaybro
Social climber
wuz real!
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Sep 10, 2008 - 02:17pm PT
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condolences to all who knew him.
I can't shake the image of his dog waiting with him.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, Ca
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Sep 10, 2008 - 02:26pm PT
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Patrick,
Thanks for giving us such a fine testimonial to your lost friend. He was obviously quite a guy.
I am sorry for your loss, and I will surely think of you and Ryan when today is winding down and I tip an IPA myself.
Kris
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crøtch
climber
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Sep 10, 2008 - 02:40pm PT
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Condolences to you Patrick, and all of Ryan's friends and family.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Sep 10, 2008 - 02:43pm PT
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very sad news. My thoughts are with Ryan's friends and family.
Hey all you out there, please be careful.
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BurnRockBurn
climber
South of Black Rock City
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Sep 10, 2008 - 02:47pm PT
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Sorry for your loss and his family's loss.
Sounds like one hell of a guy!!!
BRB
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t-bone
climber
CA
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Sep 10, 2008 - 02:49pm PT
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Patrick,
Unbelievably sad news. I feel lucky to have met him on your trip to JH. His big smile and friendly laid-back demeanor were unforgettable. I'm sure he will be missed by many.
Tony
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Fat Dad
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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Sep 10, 2008 - 03:08pm PT
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"Any man's death diminishes me
because I am involved in mankind.
Therefore ask not for whom the bells toll,
it tolls for thee."
John Donne
Very sorry about your friend. My condolensces to his wife and family.
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Pewf
climber
nederland
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Sep 10, 2008 - 03:19pm PT
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My deepest condolences to Ryan's friends and family. It sounds as if he were a truely wonderful climbing partner, friend, and husband.
Amanda
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EddieMonet
Boulder climber
Seattle
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Sep 10, 2008 - 03:24pm PT
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So very sad. I wasn't close to Ryan but it was hard not to run into him at Stoney G's. He definitely had a presence that was hard to miss. Funny, down to earth and instantly likable. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
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up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
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Sep 10, 2008 - 03:26pm PT
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Damn. Absolutely tragic. My condolences to friends and family.
Ed
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Prod
Social climber
Charlevoix, MI
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Sep 10, 2008 - 03:28pm PT
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Sad news. My best to all that knew him.
Prod.
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raekwon
climber
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Sep 10, 2008 - 03:39pm PT
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Some more pics.
-Kyle
Sending Buff the Wood, RRG:
Hard at work cleaning a new route in Newhalem, WA:
Ryan's loyal dog, Mekkiah:
At the Motherlode, RRG:
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Marshall
climber
bay area
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Sep 10, 2008 - 03:41pm PT
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patO-
so so sorry to hear about this, man. this is terrible. i hope you and his family are holding up alright.
take care man,
marshall
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Sep 10, 2008 - 03:43pm PT
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We ran into him (and Mekkiah) up at Zeke's a few times over the last two years, and he seemed like a really fine guy. Open, friendly, and happy to be digging out new routes in a beautiful place. I never really got to know him well, though, and now it's too late...
Best wishes to you, his family, and his friends.
David
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Sep 10, 2008 - 03:50pm PT
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hey there bobmarley... say, i am very sad to hear of this... i will pray best wishes for healing for his family, and my condolencess...
a wonderful day climbing, and being out with ones dog ended to fast and too sad....
best wishes for you too, to be strong, at this sad time of loss...
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Carney
climber
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Sep 10, 2008 - 04:03pm PT
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One more...
-Ben
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Anastasia
climber
Not there
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Sep 10, 2008 - 04:13pm PT
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Sending my deepest condolences...
AF
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Chiloe
Trad climber
Lee, NH
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Sep 10, 2008 - 04:17pm PT
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Sad to hear about. Looks like he was living a good life. My sympathy to all Ryan's family and friends.
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Sep 10, 2008 - 04:22pm PT
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Sad. Dying soloing a 5.9 with breakable rock, when young, married with so many good years of your life still in front of you.
Some people have a "close call" near/accident and then cut their risks back and still have a long life with lots of climbing. Maybe this was his first and last time when things went wrong, and he didn't get that second chance.
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scoobee
Social climber
Berkeley CA
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Sep 10, 2008 - 04:25pm PT
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Very sad to hear this.
We're all so impermanent. I should respect and live my days better than i have been.
Best wishes to his friends and fam.
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Shane Chelone
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Sep 10, 2008 - 04:27pm PT
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Its hard to believe he is gone. It seemed like Ryan was the big brother to the rock climbing community, he definitely was a role model and mentor to me. He will be missed.
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tradclimber14
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Sep 10, 2008 - 05:18pm PT
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I always remember looking up to Ryan. He was indeed the biggest local role model and inspirational leader I have ever met while climbing. We will all miss his smile, genuine attitude, and beta from all the hard climbs :)
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flyingkiwi1
Trad climber
Seattle WA
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Sep 10, 2008 - 05:46pm PT
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Clint wrote:
"Sad. Dying soloing a 5.9 with breakable rock, when young, married with so many good years of your life still in front of you.
Some people have a "close call" near/accident and then cut their risks back and still have a long life with lots of climbing. Maybe this was his first and last time when things went wrong, and he didn't get that second chance."
Yeah. Still, my guess is that anyone who has devoted any serious part of their self to trad climbing struggles with defining acceptable risk. Personally, my struggle was made easier when I became a father a while back. Nothing like having a baby boy at home to make you think twice about putting air beneath your feet while unroped. I've even convinced myself that danger is a means to focus, but it's the focus that I need, not the danger.
Nevertheless, I am struck by the fact that I was myself soloing Sunday, at Index. On the Great Northern Slab, albeit, solid rock, and some would call it third class. Still. At the end of the day all rock is breakable, and fifth class is fifth class no matter how you'd like to redefine it.
Ian
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Beatrix Kiddo
Mountain climber
Littleton
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Sep 10, 2008 - 05:46pm PT
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So sorry for your loss. That was a nice write up you did there for those of us who never met him.
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Orion_Sonya
Sport climber
Burien
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Sep 10, 2008 - 05:47pm PT
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Patrick, thanks for starting this thread. Losing Ryan is a huge.
Ryan was one of the strongest climbers out there. But his strength did not come from being naturally gifted with steel tendons or a huge ape index. His success came from within. He always worked and tried HARD. Lack of effort was never in the equation. I will always admire that about him.
Siurana
Index
Touring at Baker
Rest Day near Barcelona
Ryan's sh#t eatin' grin
We love you and miss you Ryan
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GRJ
climber
Juneau AK
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Sep 10, 2008 - 07:36pm PT
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I climbed Heaven's Gate in Index last summer with Ryan, he was good guy and great partner. My condolences to his friends and familly. He was a hell of a guy.
Peace
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divad
Trad climber
wmass
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Sep 10, 2008 - 08:06pm PT
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Sorry to hear this. Best of thoughts for family and friends.
Dave
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HighDesertDJ
Trad climber
Arid-zona
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Sep 10, 2008 - 08:17pm PT
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This is a bummer :-(
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tr4
climber
Jah Meadows,ynp,ca
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Sep 10, 2008 - 11:06pm PT
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So So sorry to read this! yet another of our friends pass on. I hope you guys are doing ok. Great shot of ryan cranking Poca de elephant 13a en Siurana! From the photos and post it looks like Ryan really enjoyed life!
TED
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Sep 11, 2008 - 01:23am PT
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Condolences to family and friends (and dog) and may he rest in peace.
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Double D
climber
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Sep 11, 2008 - 01:31am PT
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Patrick, I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. May God bring comfort to all his friends and family.
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Lasti
Trad climber
Budapest
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Sep 11, 2008 - 11:42am PT
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My condolences to Ryan's family and friends. Being in a similar situation myself, I can only tell his wife to remember the love, not the loss.
But words are mere echoes of the emptiness.
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juiicy J
Trad climber
thousand oaks ca
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Sep 11, 2008 - 12:10pm PT
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We met Ryan, when Bob and I moved to Washington for a
year with Boeing.. He remind me of a young Bob. Very sweet
and what a strong climber. (smooth) We ran into him alot climbing.
and Bob would met him at exit 32.. He seemed to really enjoy
climbing with Bob. Bob was just trying to represent So Cal..
Boy, "those young kids are good up there".. So, sad to hear
about his lost.. We met his wife, a beauitful girl.. God speed.
with love, Janey and Bob
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bobmarley
Trad climber
WAS Auburn CA, NOW Seattle WA
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 11, 2008 - 12:58pm PT
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Ben G asked me to post these up. Thanks for the shots Ben!
working 'Van Halem' out in Newhalem, WA.
Ryan, Jesse H, and wife Jen.
Orion and Ryan
Ryan: forever joking around :)
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wonderwoman
Trad climber
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Sep 12, 2008 - 09:59am PT
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Very sorry for your loss. Sounds like an amazing guy. Positive thoughts to him, his family, and friends.
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phillygoat
climber
portland,
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Sep 12, 2008 - 07:46pm PT
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My heart goes out to Ryan's wife and family. When I first saw this thread I had a nagging feeling that I'd seen his face before. I didn't think much of it beyond the obtuse sorrow we feel for people we don't know, but sympathize with. Then the recollection hit me that I HAVE met him once while he and his wife were in Portland.
It must have been three or more years ago at a scrappy local crag. I had only been climbing for a couple of years and, while excited about what I'd accomplished so far, was still a bundle of nervous energy that couldn't wait to get "THERE"- whatever that meant. While I forgot most of the details of that day I honestly remember seeing in Ryan the kind of climber I'd like to become. He exuded calmness and competence.
As fruitless as it might be in my case, I still struggle to carry those qualities with me when I climb and I just wanted to let those close to Ryan know that he's had a positive effect on me.
sincerely,
phillip
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Sep 12, 2008 - 10:43pm PT
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Condolences.
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L
climber
Just surfin' the tsunami of life
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Sep 13, 2008 - 12:48am PT
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So very sorry for the loss of your friend, Patrick--and heartfelt condolences to his wife, family and friends.
From the photos and your commentary, he seems like one heck of a good guy, and will truly be remembered with love and gratitude.
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Dirka
Trad climber
SF
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Sep 14, 2008 - 03:12pm PT
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Sorry... It's all I can think of.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Sep 14, 2008 - 03:32pm PT
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My condolences. Seems like a great guy and fine climber.
Rick
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Dr. Rock
Ice climber
Castle Rock
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Sep 14, 2008 - 04:30pm PT
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Very sorry to hear this, he is in a better place and is in good hands.
I wonder if he had a heart problem act up or something.
With the rope on his back, he was on an easy section.
A broken hold on an easy section is no big deal if you have a couple more to work with, sounds like this guy could hang from one dime grip only.
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bcfj
Boulder climber
seattle, wa
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Sep 14, 2008 - 06:39pm PT
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Wow. What a loss. Ryan was always the easiest climber to talk to and a great guy to share a laugh or some beta with. How sad...I feel like it was just yesterday that I saw Ryan at the gym. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
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Walleeman
climber
Bellingham
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Sep 21, 2008 - 02:05pm PT
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I knew my cousin Ryan better when we were much younger, it is good to hear how much he was loved and respected by his friends. Our hearts and pain are with everyone who Ryan touched especially his Wife Jen, his Mother Trish and his Father Gary who has lost his only son.
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Pahaluctun
Gym climber
Ferndale, WA
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I've never climbed a mountain, like Ryan, but I did lose my best friend on Mt. Baker in 1969. I knew Ryan's mother, more than I knew Ryan, but I knew him well enough to know he became a great man.
The mountain's spirit moves deep within a man. Only the rocks live forever. Still, when a man climbs to find his spirit, his spirit becomes the mountain of clarity, and for a brief time, he can overcome the mountain. The mountain needs to know from the man, it's own name for it's own sake. Being alive for an eternity, it's pace of life can is hardly noticeable.
In looking down from the top, at the houses where men live, it hardly seems we could be the same people. In truth, perhaps we are not, for at that moment, we are more the mountain, than a man.
Once I lost my best friend to the mountain, I could never again look at the mountain, the same.
I bathed there in a stream during the late fall, and built a sweat lodge of vine maple to cleanse my fears, and to come to know that part of me the mountain had taken.
I came to realize that a man's soul can live side by side with mountain, giving me life once again.
Rest in peace, dear Ryan.
If you should happen to visit, or want of anything, I shall provide you a meal in ancient ways, singing the songs of Old Fiery Man. We'll join you soon enough. Until then, I'm reminded of the great life you instilled me, and my grateful to you for your great and wondrous life.
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Watusi
Social climber
Newport, OR
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May god bless and keep you, RIP...
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