Discussion Topic |
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sticks
climber
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Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 31, 2009 - 02:48pm PT
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Yesterday, Sunday August 30, Jeffrey Robert Maurer, 47, died after falling
while climbing the Third Pillar on Mount Dana. Jeff worked at Yosemite
National Park as a Wildlife Biologist for the past three years and before
that taught at the Yosemite Institute. His career included teaching at the
University of California at Davis, and significant research for a number of
conservation organizations. Jeff was an engaging and delightful person
whose enthusiasm and passion for natural resources conservation issues was
enormous.
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Redwreck
Social climber
Echo Parque, Los Angeles, CA
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Aug 31, 2009 - 02:49pm PT
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My condolences to Jeff's family and friends.
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10b4me
Ice climber
the reticient boulder at the Happies
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Aug 31, 2009 - 02:52pm PT
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my condolences to his family, and friends
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Old5Ten
Trad climber
Berkeley, CA
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Aug 31, 2009 - 02:56pm PT
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WOW! That is truly sad news - the Gazelle and I just drove back over Tioga yesterday, returning from the Stonehouse Memorial for Brutus of Wyde. My condolances to Jeff's family.
Elmar
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Colt
climber
Midpines
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Aug 31, 2009 - 02:58pm PT
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Jeff was great people. I did not know him well, but I enjoyed all the times our paths did cross. I am very sorry this happened.
My very very best to his close family and friends.
Colter
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Brendan
Trad climber
Yosemite, CA
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Aug 31, 2009 - 03:05pm PT
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Is this Jeff Mauer who worked backcountry for NPS killing fish to help the Sierra Nevada Yellow Legged Frog?
Is there an accident report, or any more information?
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sticks
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 31, 2009 - 03:08pm PT
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Yes. The posting is from the Superintendent of Yosemite.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Aug 31, 2009 - 03:10pm PT
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Condolences, we drove over Tioga pass yesterday looking at the third Pillar and suspected nothing...
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Tork
climber
Yosemite
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Aug 31, 2009 - 03:13pm PT
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I met Jeff several times, grat guy! He was very interested in the climbing on Wawona Dome as well as checking out the Perigrines that nest there. I am sad that I never got the chance to show him around up there and very sad for his family, close friends, and co-workers.
Jeff Scheuerell
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Brendan
Trad climber
Yosemite, CA
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Aug 31, 2009 - 03:14pm PT
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i am stunned. He was such a sweet man. My most sincerest condolences to everyone who knew him, he will leave a big hole in the community of Yosemite.
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Two Pack Jack
climber
Yosemite, CA
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Aug 31, 2009 - 03:38pm PT
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Here is some sparse information about the accident:
Jeff and partner arrived somewhat late morning at the base of the Third Pillar on Aug. 30, 2009, to find a party on the first pitch. In an attempt to pass the party and get above, Jeff began leading a variation to the right. It is unclear exactly what route he was on. About 50 feet up, Jeff fell and pulled two pieces of pro before hitting the ground. He was not wearing a helmet, and was killed instantly.
Most serious condolences to his friends and family. The only reason I am posting this info is so you don't have to call friends to make them re-tell and re-live this heartbreaking story. Jeff, you will be greatly missed.
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tria
Trad climber
Davis
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Aug 31, 2009 - 04:35pm PT
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Thanks to everyone for sharing this painful information. Jeff was easily the kindest, most big-hearted person I've ever had the privilege of meeting. I'm so heartbroken over this news that I really can't bring myself to say all the things I want to say about him, things that deserve to be said about what an incredible person he was. He will be missed by many.
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Tfunk
climber
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Aug 31, 2009 - 04:50pm PT
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This is devastating news. If you have more details on the accident please post them, so that word can be conveyed to family and friends who do not read this forum. There are soooo many questions...
Jeff was one of my greatest inspirations as a free-spirited and whole-hearted person, who cared deeply about his family/friends and montane ecology. My sincere condolences to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Aug 31, 2009 - 04:54pm PT
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hey there sticks.... oh my, sticks... say, this is very sad news again....
each climber that falls just breaks one's heart... :(
my deep concolences to his family and friends, and co-workers...
by sharing this hard sad news, you have let others like me (that don't climb) learn about another good man in the climbing world, and the deeds that they have done through their love of the great outdoors...
thank you for sharing this very sad news....
prayers to the family, and friends, once again...
edit: say, all, i did not know that he was a local el portal folks---me deep condolences to your whole community that loved him...:(
jessem---thank you for the note of the falcons, too---now i will always have a deeper note for remembering him, each time i hear of these birds...
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micronut
Trad climber
fresno, ca
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Aug 31, 2009 - 05:00pm PT
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A very sad day. Sounds like a good guy. May those who knew him have some comfort today knowing that many share in your remembrances of him.
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wildone
climber
GHOST TOWN
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Aug 31, 2009 - 05:07pm PT
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This is horrible. I am proud to have counted Jeff as a friend.
I can't believe it.
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JesseM
Social climber
Yosemite
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Aug 31, 2009 - 05:47pm PT
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Jeff,
I'll miss you so much my friend. I can't stop the great memories from pouring into my head; from the never-ending adventures we enjoyed together in the High Sierra, and Yosemite Valley, to the boogie down dance parties in El Portal. I'll miss working with a human so passionate about every other creature on earth. I’ll miss the way you brought a sense of play and fun to everything you did—climbing, soccer, volleyball, birding, even work (how?)! You've touched so many people here, and your legacy will undoubtedly live on.
Your dear friends the Peregrine Falcons have you to thank for their resurgence in Yosemite over the past decade. Through your passion for these awesome birds, you almost single handedly established a basis for their protection in the park, and helped us see a plan through that worked and was respected by climbers. We now have 12 pairs, when you started this 18 years ago how many did we have...only 2? The Yellow Legged Frogs also will miss you dearly, another species on the brink of extinction that you have tirelessly worked to save these past few summers.
I was told by one of your closest friends that she saw a Peregrine flying over Tioga Lake yesterday evening as she hiked down from the Dana Plateau. The Peregrine must have come to guide you on the next journey (not a bad escort if you ask me!) I know your spirit and energy will be remembered by all of your friends and family and all of life you cherished on earth.
With Love and Huge Hugs,
Jesse McGahey
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JesseM
Social climber
Yosemite
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Aug 31, 2009 - 05:50pm PT
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Ben,
Call me if you want to talk. I'm off to the Rostrum to reflect, I can't work anymore.
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wildone
climber
GHOST TOWN
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Aug 31, 2009 - 05:55pm PT
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Thanks for the offer, and thanks for the words. I couldn't seem to bring any together.
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David Lewis
Trad climber
North Conway,New Hampshire
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Aug 31, 2009 - 05:56pm PT
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To the friends and family
Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family/friends.
David
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Aug 31, 2009 - 06:12pm PT
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Sorry to hear about your friend, Jesse.
From:
http://www.birdchautauqua.org/events.htm
Jeff Maurer is a bird ecologist at the University of California, Davis, where he earned an M. S. in Avian Sciences in 2000, and currently lectures and researches lead poisoning in California condors. Jeff conducted a study of goshawk ecology in Yosemite National Park from 1994 to 1998, in which he investigated the role of forest structure, diet, and forest fires on goshawk nesting and productivity. He has also researched great gray owls and peregrine falcons in Yosemite, and conducted counts of migratory hawks at various locations in North America with Hawkwatch International. Jeff has lived at Crowley Lake and worked for the Inyo NF. Jeff teaches also with the Sierra Institute and the Yosemite Association, and enjoys watching shorebirds in California's Central Valley at the magical spring puddles of water, Mono Lake's smaller cousins, known as vernal pools.
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Aug 31, 2009 - 06:13pm PT
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Very sad. Condolences to his family and friends.
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gavilanz
Trad climber
Davis, Ca
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Aug 31, 2009 - 06:39pm PT
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I just heard this devastating news. I was lucky enough to have counted him as a good friend. I am so sad... everything being said about him is the absolute truth. Easily one of the most sincere, happy, carefree and generous people I've ever known. We met on a god-forsaken ridgetop in eastern Nevada while counting migrating hawks. He hired me to help with his goshawk research in YNP a couple years later (with a bit of Tuolumne climbing thrown in for good measure) and we also spent an autumn counting more hawks in Veracruz, Mexico. It didn't really matter where he was...life was good and fun wherever that might have been. I would and do think about how I need to live more like Jeff did. His life is a great example for me and I think for most everyone who knew him. It is heartening to see the outpouring on this forum. The world is a lesser place without him in it.
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Ray-J
Social climber
east L.A. vato...
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Aug 31, 2009 - 07:24pm PT
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So sorry to hear this.
Losing a friend or loved one
suddenly is a major thing.
Very sad.
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Two Pack Jack
climber
The hills
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Aug 31, 2009 - 08:59pm PT
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I still can't believe this. I keep re-realizing all the events that have transpired, and every time it is just as painful as the last. I still can't believe in my mind that he's gone, and I woln't see his sweet, charasmatic smile again.
In his own way, I think he brought out the best in people. Echoing a sentiment above, the world is worse off without Jeff in it.
I don't know about you all, but over the past few hours since I have learned about this tragedy, the world has looked different. I can't waste one minute of my life, when something so sudden as this can happen. Jeff was a great guy, and his spirit will live on in my own life, as well as all the majestic and endangered frogs and birds that he has given a second chance.
Like the Peregrine Falcons in Yosemite, I feel like this event and Jeff's life have given me a second chance to stop and appreciate what a true joy it is to be alive. In the mountains. Breathing the clean fresh air. Loving every minute of it.
Every time I see a SN yellow legged, or a peregrine, I know you'll be there with me.
Rest in peace jeff. I'll miss you man.
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mucci
Trad climber
The pitch of Bagalaar above you
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Aug 31, 2009 - 09:26pm PT
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I don't know Jeff, yet he obviously led a selfless life. Offering instead his hard work and time to maintaining the magnificent land that so many of us enjoy.
Mother nature will not forget your work Jeff
sincere condolences
Mucci
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Sean Jones
climber
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Aug 31, 2009 - 09:56pm PT
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Wow, what an epic year. Enough to make one want to stop climbing all together. Wildone, sorry for the loss of your friend, Jo Lynn....sorry to you too, and to all Jeff's friends and family.
Sean Jones
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Aug 31, 2009 - 10:08pm PT
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My sincere condolences to Jeff's family and friends.
This year has been unending and so unkind.
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Kayterade
Trad climber
Yosemite
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Aug 31, 2009 - 10:35pm PT
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From teaching us about yellow-legged frogs and great gray owls, to dancing passionately at the Mobil Mart, Jeff's enthusiasm for life was contagious...I am so sad to hear this news.
Big love and prayers for his family and friends...Jeff, you will be missed.
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Maysho
climber
Truckee, CA
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Aug 31, 2009 - 10:39pm PT
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Really sad...He was a totally sweet, present, and kind man making big contributions to our world.
I know so many of my El Portal soul friends are really devastated right now.
Condolences and love to all,
please be careful out there...
Peter Mayfield
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cleo
Social climber
Berkeley, CA
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Aug 31, 2009 - 11:12pm PT
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Wow, sympathies to all of Jeff's friends and family. Sorry to hear this.
Val Zimmer
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nita
climber
chica from chico, I don't claim to be a daisy
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Aug 31, 2009 - 11:36pm PT
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Sad news... Way tooo young to leave this earth.
Sincere condolences to Jeff's family and friends..
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prc
climber
Davis, CA
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Jeff is my good friend and former house-mate. He was one of the kindest, most humble, and genuine men I knew. I appreciated his dedication to conservation and love of the outdoors. He was a bee-keeper, educator, and experienced outdoorsman/climber. He showed me that you can age gracefully and keep your free spirit alive. He broke the mold for what "a man" is in today's society. And for that and countless other reasons I will miss him and always love him.
Pete
It is my hope that memories of Jeff can be shared in person and in more open forums. Please feel free to e-mail me if you would like to help organize this.
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general
climber
Davis
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I just wanted to reiterate that Jeff was such a kind and passionate guy. I'm sure that this must be very hard for those who were close to him. He seemed to do a lot of good in this world.
my condolences
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Fluoride
Trad climber
Hollywood, CA
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So sorry to hear. He sounded like a really special person.
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RMLeahy
Trad climber
Yosemite
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Jeff you were a truly inspiring biologist and friend. I am deeply saddened that I will never boogie with you at Sal's again. My best memory of you will be that beautiful December day on the Old Big Oak Flat road in a foot of fresh snow for the annual Christmas Bird Count. You spotted a pergrine on El Cap that none of us could see without a spotting scope. You knew every single bird by its song and we all would have been useless without your expertise and overflowing excitment to teach us how to identify each one by sight and sound. I will walk that same route each year during the count and remember you as you were that day.
Ryan
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swied
climber
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I am so so saddened to hear this news. Jeff was a good friend of mine from Davis. We kept bees together at my farm, watched raptors over beers, put up owl boxes, laughed, danced. He was one of the most amazing, kind, knowledgeable, inspiring people I know.
I really can't believe this happened. I drove through there just yesterday mid-day, thinking of Jeff the whole time as I discovered the beauty of Yosemite for the first time.
I love you so much Jeff, and you will be terribly missed. I will always see you in the hawks and falcons flying over the fields....
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Melise
climber
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I am in shock, I can't believe this has happened, Jeff has always been one of the most vibrant and happy people I know... So sad,
Michelle
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Iron Mtn.
Trad climber
Corona, Ca.
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Sadness, too many have fallen this year.
Condolences.....
R.I.P.
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Risk
Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
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If only briefly, I was fortunate to get to meet Jeff years ago, but I remember his kind soul vividly. Everyone he met was his friend. He shined as a bright star of a person. This is truly sad news. I give my condolences to his family and loved ones.
Chris Runner
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GDavis
Trad climber
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What a terrible thing... condolences. Who would have thought?
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seamus mcshane
climber
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The Horror!!!
I think I know where this may have happened...
Known Fear = Really Bad.
Unknown Fear = Not so bad without Rastafarian meds.
I read the Farmer's Almanac for '09 and saw nothing about a SH#TSTORM of death...
RIP to Brother Jeff :( , and the countless/needless others from our past.
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Condolences to family and friends.
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Condolences,
I'm really beginning to dread Mondays.
This is just getting numbing.
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msiddens
Trad climber
Mountain View, CA
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really sorry to hear this horrible news. While I didn't know Jeff, he was a climber and as such, a brother.
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graniteclimber
Trad climber
Nowhere
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Condolences for the friends and family.
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Fletcher
Trad climber
Shivasana
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I'm so sorry to hear about Jeff's death. It seems he will be missed in many circles.
Eric
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JakeW
Big Wall climber
CA
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I've been low since before Caro called and told me yesterday, and now it all makes sense, especially the exceptionally strong gusts of wind thrashing me that whole day, elsewhere in the Sierra. A strong soul was loose.
I've loved Jeff since I met him in the Davis climbing gym about 13 years ago. His hairdo was a mirror of mine and he was just as out of place as me.
I'll always remember him scampering off to the summit of McClure like Tom Bombodill...leaving Caroline and I too drag our tired asses back for a mere 25 miler, without his energy to buoy us along anymore.
His binoculars were like teleporters for the eyes.
What a great place to die...but why didn't he wait another couple of decades...
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Sunwardbound
Social climber
Chico, ca
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I am deeply saddeded and shock at the loss of Jeff. I feel very fortunate to have known Jeff and gotten the opportunity to work with him. He was a very caring, loving person with a free spirit and sharp mind. Jeff was an animal, he could hike faster and stronger than anybody I have ever met. He belongs to Sierras... I want to go back to last summer with him eating trout quesadillas and enjoying a sunset over chocolate at Hutchings. Everytime I see Dippers, I think of Jeff. I am very sorry that such an unfortunate event has happened to him and I wish love to all of Jeff's family and friends.
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Chiloe
Trad climber
Lee, NH
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This is just a heartbreaking story. I never met Jeff but he was clearly making the world a better place.
My condolences to Jeff's family and hundreds of friends, even to the birds that fly because he cared.
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Conrad
climber
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A friend of the animals is a friend of mine. We never met yet we have many shared friends.
With condolences empathy for family and friends.
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Rhodo-Router
Gym climber
looking nervously up at Foresta
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A two pound jar of honey: that's a lot of teacups to think on. We've barely started into it.
Kind soul.
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nita
climber
chica from chico, I don't claim to be a daisy
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My buddy, Katy, who's on the right on Ryan's posted picture, was Jeff's co-worker. This is from the e-mail she sent me...
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"A friend sent me the link to super topo about Jeff. I am so saddened by his death ( I heard about it yesterday morning). The posts from Jesse and the photo from Ryan (of our xmas bird count in the snow) have me crying now...He was one who truly knew how to live. I liked how he would defy the powers that be and make decisions based on what was best for the park's plants and wildlife. I have no doubt that he is soaring with the goshawks and peregrines now..."
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hossjulia
Trad climber
Eastside
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I met Jeff a bunch of years ago in Lee Vining Canyon when he was doing Goshawk research. He was great fun to have around as he knew all the birds by their calls, even the different owls.
We observed Red Tails trying to be goshawks in the forest, cruising and diving through the trees with their wings half cocked becasue they were too big.....he thought it was really funny and interesting and had us in stitches making jokes about them.
I was very saddened to hear it was him on the Third Pillar.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends, I wish I had known him better.
I saw a Peregrine in Tuolumne today and thought of him instantly.
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Lightgirl
climber
Mendocino/Yosemite
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This is so sad. What a huge loss. I heard the news this morning.
Condolences to many. Jeff will be greatly missed.
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Anastasia
climber
hanging from a crimp and crying for my mama.
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I am extremely saddened. My condolences to his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Anastasia Frangos
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Double D
climber
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My condolances to all of Jeff's family and friends.
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JesseM
Social climber
Yosemite
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Here's a photo of Jeff on our way to check out a Peregrine Falcon aerie on "Fifi Buttress". You can see the "Leaning Tower" on the left hand skyline, Fifi Buttress is right above out of view to the right.
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leet
climber
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Jeff was my officemate for almost a year, and a friend ever since
He was fearless and warm at the same time
His peregrins were all over the park this weekend--I saw them too.
Maybe they miss him....I do.
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RMLeahy
Trad climber
Yosemite
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Jesse, thanks for such a great photo.
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Jan
Mountain climber
Okinawa, Japan
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My condolences to friends and family as well. His contributions to humans and wildlife, especially birds, will long be remembered.
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Domingo
Trad climber
El Portal, CA
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This is absolutely awful news... Jeff was easily the kindest, warmest person I met in Yosemite, and that's saying something. He smiled so readily and made everyone feel welcome. I felt lucky to be a friend. I guess everyone was his friend... Jeff never met a stranger.
From volleyball games to dance parties to wildlife surveys to barbecues, I'll remember him as someone who was ready to tell a joke, share wonderful conversation, and give a huge hug. He had a huge heart so full of compassion... And he loved his bees! My dad was a beekeeper and Jeff and I first bonded, I think, when we had a conversation about bees.
It's assuring to me that it went fast and painless, at least.
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TradM
climber
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We were climbing the last pitch of the Third Pillar at the time of the accident. Sorry for your loss. I think this photo is of the two climbers on the hike in. It was a very windy day on the ridge top. Down below on the climb it was calm and beautiful. We couldn't get a cell signal and went to the ranger station to report the accident. Other climbers went to the bottom to help out. I looked at the little dipper early that morning - I believe he was scooped up for somewhere he's needed more.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yV99BT0M7xOdy5_wQ74dqg?feat=directlink
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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How sad.
Rest in peace, Jeff.
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philo
Trad climber
boulder, co.
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Such sad news. My deepest condolences to family and friends.
I did not know him but he was contributing back to the world in ways i greatly admire.
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Link
Trad climber
Yosemite, CA
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Late at night, on the other side of the globe, Jeff, my thoughts are with you.
 Link
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tinker b
climber
the commonwealth
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time has traveled in strange ways since sunday, and i do not know what to make of this world.
it feels strange to be writing anything on a computer and on this forum, but i know how much this place helped me through micah's death earlier this summer and i want to share with those of you who need more info.
it was so windy on sunday on the top of the plateau...
i am realizing i am not ready to write this yet.
i do want to correct one piece of information that bothered me.
we did not start up the other crack system to pass the other party. we started because we thought we were on linticular limbo (which we both realized we were not on really quickly). partly because there was a party climbing and two more parties coming down to be behind us. and partly because the cracks looked really pretty.
jeff's death was instant.
jeff filled his last days with so much. it is amazing how many people had so many quality experiances with jeff during his last few days.
he wasted no daylight.
and during the process of the boched rescue i was really frustrated at being out there all day, but i know now that jeff just really wanted to spend one more day out and another night under the sierra stars.
jeff was someone i always looked forward to. his smile and hugs energy spirit. he touched so many people. although we have talked about climbing together for years, sunday was the first time we climbed together.
i am still really sad about it all, but beginning to recognize the honor it was to be the person to be with jeff as he transended to the next world.
thankyou chris for that picture...i'll try to find someone's computer that can print it. and thankyou for being there, and joe and cathy too, and for all the prayers.
peace,
jo-lynne
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splitclimber
climber
Sonoma County
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My deepest condolences to his friends and family
Working in the same field as Jeff with a love of birds hits home even more. I'm suprised I did not know him.
Sounds like a great guy who will be missed and remembered.
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Chugach Man
Mountain climber
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I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Jeff, I did not know him, but it sounds as if he was a wonderful guy. My deepest condolences to Jo-Lynne, and all of Jeff's friends and family.
I do not know if this is the route that Jeff fell on, after reading this, and having a very scary experience leading a route in the same area a few years back, I decided to post this today.
http://www.summitpost.org/route/548792/the-choss-the-moss-and-the-lichen.html
As I said before, I DON'T KNOW if this is the route Jeff was on (though it sounds as if it was in the area if it wasn't), but I do want anyone eying these cracks from below to know that the climb becomes difficult and very serious higher up (R/X) so as to hopefully avoid a similar catastrophe in the future.
Rest in peace Jeff, I hope you are flying high with the falcons and wildlife you so loved,
-Robb
UPDATE - The link to the route above was removed, as it was found to be partially a repeat of "One that almost got away".
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Quercus douglasii
climber
Shingle Springs CA
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On Jeff's Wings
Oh! To soar like a falcon
High above the Range of Light
Upon strong wings that carry you
On inner character you taught the world
The importance of these natural places.
You circle upon thermals
Viewing a landscape
Of habitat degraded and fragmented
Of narrowed islands of corridors of life
Of habitat with too much change
You spoke your mind.
On wings of determination
You sought to teach the world
The importance of preserving these natural places.
On winds of change
You sought to teach one person at a time
The joy of life
The joy of camaraderie
The joy of learning
The joy of nature
The joy of preserving species that could cease to exist.
Your free spirit and passion for all creatures of Earth
Inspired many and will be missed by all.
They say the wind blew strong the day of your passing
Like a strong soul breaking free
You left Earth too early.
A peregrine flew over Tioga Lake the night you passed
In the evening light waning over the Dana Plateau
To guide you gently and kindly on your next journey
Like you, compassionate.
Earthly constraints no more, you soar with your dear friends
The peregrines
High above the Range of Light.
In loving memory of Jeff Maurer
Dedicated to his family and friends
-MW
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Quercus douglasii
climber
Shingle Springs CA
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My deepest condolences to Jeff's family and friends.
Although I did not know Jeff, the comments about his character remind me of his brother, my friend, Peter.
Please keep the condolences and photos coming, I will get them together for the family as a remembrance.
Soar with the falcons, Jeff.
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WSears
climber
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Jeff's extensive knowledge, dedication, patience, and kindness became clear to me 2 years ago when he began collaborating with us (SF Public Utilities Commission) on amphibian surveys downstream of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir...he was a pleasure to work with and hang out around...he'll be sorely missed.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41090596@N03/3882847947
Peace Jeff.
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swied
climber
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does anyone have any info on a memorial or service or gathering of any kind?
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Quercus douglasii
climber
Shingle Springs CA
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swied, Jeff's family is in El Portal for the weekend. If you have any contacts there, they would probably know...
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there to tinkerb... many hugs to you and deep condolences... and may god continualy uphold you at this very hard time...
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peaches
Trad climber
eastside
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Jeff was truly one of the kindest and smartest people I have ever met. A gentle soul. The Bee Man. I hope he is in a bird paradise. Condolences to his family and all who knew him.
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Mazzystr
Gym climber
Homeless...
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I just got word of this accident.
We send condolences from the East also.
/Chris C
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roadman
climber
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I spent a summer living with Jeff at white wolf and was very influenced by his passion for nature & conservation. Very sad.
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Peak Hopper
Boulder climber
Placerville, CA
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First of all I want to thank everyone who has posted comments in this forum. The expressions of love and admiration for Jeff and his work have been so amazing. We, his family, have always known that Jeff was special, we just didn't realize how far-reaching his circle of friends was, and how greatly he affected so many people in such a positive way.
Reading everyone's comments has provided such solace to us, even though they usually bring us to tears. He was, indeed, a very unique individual, everyone's favorite uncle, and will always hold a special place in our hearts, where right now there is a huge hole.
Several people have asked about a memorial. Although we are still awaiting approval from NPS, we are planning on something for Sunday, September 20th in the Park. Once we receive approval from the Park Service, we will post the details for those interested in joining together for a celebration of his life.
Thank you again for all of the comments of support for us and his friends in the Yosemite community and beyond.
Jeff's brother.
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Tfunk
climber
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Dear all,
It helps so much to read everyone's postings on here. Some friends in Davis started a blog to archive photos, stories and memories of Jeff as well, with the intention of it being open for all of Jeff's multiple communities to contribute.
http://www.yosemite-jeffmaurer.blogspot.com
If you would like to contribute something, or want a place for your story to be archived, please email marisafe@gmail.com and I can add you to the author list.
Jeff was my good friend and i loved him dearly. His passing has inspired me to stop wasting time doing things I don't really want to do, and create more moments when I'm really living the way I want to. It's all about choices, and Jeff made some really great decisions.
I take solace in the fact that Jeff was doing something he loved, and in a place he loved. It's my hope that his stories will reach people beyond those who knew him, and will be an inspiration, not only to take up the important conservation work he was so passionate about, but to live as beautifully and gently as he did.
love,
marisa
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Hugo
Sport climber
Mexico
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Nuestro mas sentido pesame, desde México para el que fué un exelente compañero y amigo durante su estancia en el proyecto Veracruz Riber of Raptors. Su gran humildad y nobleza lo caracterizaban como a los grandes hombres.
Siempre te recorademos con cariño Jeff
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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I only met Jeff a time or two, but know some of his friends well. From that, I know he could only have been an incredible man of many splendid dimensions. I grieve that my friends must suffer the loss of his presence.
Somebody wrote
" I believe he was scooped up for somewhere he's needed more. " That strikes me as exactly the case. In my inner experience, I see some folks die because they got stuck and needed to reset, just as we need to sleep after a hard day. Others who leave us aren't stuck, but learned their lessons and have other paths to walk. I won't belabor the point for the sake of those who don't share that faith, but I'm seeing the divine chessboard being rearranged for global transformation these days and I expect Jeff has something to offer in a way we can't imagine.
Much love and healing to those who will miss him.
PEace
Karl
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brat
climber
El Portal
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Sep 12, 2009 - 12:32pm PT
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Every interaction I had with this man was beautiful. I feel so lucky to have known him, to have shared this community with him. I cannot count how many times Jeff Maurer made me late for something. Whenever I ran into him, it turned into a long conversation, no matter the consequences, no matter the prior plans. I saw him near DAFF Dome a few days before his death, and I am so glad that I halted my hurrying to chat for a while.
Jeff, your smile, your warmth, and your salsa dancing skills will be sorely missed around here.
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Fixdpin
Trad climber
Porterville,CA
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Sep 12, 2009 - 11:05pm PT
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I had heard of, but did not know Jeff. My deepest sympathy to his family, and my deepest sympathy to those who had to live through this hideous experience with him. It must have been devastating for his partner and the people there as well.
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Crippy C
climber
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Sep 14, 2009 - 10:31pm PT
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There was only one Jeff. Incredible talent for birding and laughter, dulcimer and friendship, the youngest son of an exceptional family. How can one person have meant so much to so many? It's up to all of us now to continue with life's work, love, purpose, joy. Jeff is greatly missed, clearly there is a void where he once bubbled over with his twinkle of the eye, enthusiasm, zest. What is truly lasting is not what we feel is missing (oh so much), it is what he has given us while he was with us. We miss you, Jeff! Love to the
Maurer family, dear K., the many pals, all. Our thoughts and love, RC and ABC
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tinker b
climber
the commonwealth
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Oct 22, 2009 - 04:29pm PT
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it has been almost two months since jeff's death and i still am processing it.
i should have told the story weeks ago, but where would i begin?
there are so many details that are important to me...it feels like the story could go on forever.
i don't really want to sit in front of this computer on a beautiful day, so i will make it short.
it was super windy that day, and we talked of not climbing, but the wind was out of the west, and once we dropped below the plateau we were protected, and decided to go on.
there was a party just starting at the base as we came down the decent. at the base of the third pillar to the right of the regular start. jeff eyed some cracks that looked pretty. we debated climbing them and looked at our topos and hastily thought it was the crack system for linticular limbo. we debated climbing this route...only one star, only slightly harder. we thought that there would be two more parties coming down to climb, and didn't really want to be in the middle of a bunch of people.
jeff was chomping at the bit to climb, and i grabbed a flat rock at the base and flipped it to just make a quick and clear decision.
jeff started climbing and about 40 feet up, maybe more, the crack split. one direction was a steep crack to the left that jeff felt must be hard 5.10, the other direction was a lower angle slab with a thinner seam.
we both took out our topos at this point and realized we had misread them in our haste and we were not on linticular limbo. at this point i really wanted jeff to come down, the second for the other party was leaving the base and i really don't like climbing into the unknown, but i didn't say anything. jeff felt like the lower angle slab climbing wasn't bad and headed out in that direction. he told me to inform him at half rope, and he would make a decision then.
soon after this i saw rocks coming down. at the time i thought that they were rocks that jeff knocked off. i think i stepped to the side out of the rockfall zone, and could no longer see jeff. soon after jeff said something. my memory has created it to be "woah", and i felt the rope go slack. i felt two pieces pop, and watched the last 7 feet of the fall to the ground as a blur. i expected jeff to pop up and say "holy shit". he was unconscious, i yelled for help, and i really can't write anymore about that part at this time.
as the weeks pass i am still unlocking pieces of the puzzle. i do not know why they are important to me, nothing can reverse jeff's death, and that is all i want.
i guess the thing i realized was that none of the entries mentioned rockfall. it could have been from the top of the route, or something that jeff knocked loose while he was climbing, but jeff was having no problems with the climbing, and did not expect to fall.
the two piecess that pulled were a trango 1" piece (similar to a .5 bd) and a metoulious purple 0. he had three other pieces in the crack, a metoulious yellow 2, bd .75, bd .4.
from looking at the rope i am guessing jeff was ~70 feet up. i keep on trying to look at what distances are, and i realize that in the mountains space is hard to judge. i am guessing this distance based on where there was blood on my end of the rope, and loosely measuring that. i don't really remember getting over to him and if i had to let out rope to do that.
as all hallows eve approaches thoughts of the dead are closer.
if anyone has any questions or thoughts feel free to contact me. i've got to go.
jo-lynne
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guyman
Trad climber
Moorpark, CA.
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Oct 22, 2009 - 05:17pm PT
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Tinker. Thank you for posting.
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tinker b
climber
the commonwealth
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Oct 24, 2009 - 04:43pm PT
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sorry, i just wanted to get this bumped up.
peace,
jo-lynne
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tria
Trad climber
Davis
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Oct 24, 2009 - 07:04pm PT
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Thank you for sharing such a painful story.
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Domingo
Trad climber
El Portal, CA
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Aug 30, 2010 - 02:01am PT
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A year already? Still miss you, Jeff.
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le_bruce
climber
Oakland, CA
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Just read through, want to bump. RIP.
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| Messages 1 - 94 of total 94 in this topic |
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