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Gene
climber
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Topic Author's Original Post - Apr 22, 2008 - 09:46pm PT
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I apologize that I don't remember his exact name. The man I am talking about worked the Tioga Pass entry station for decades. A true character. He was always pleasant. Didn't care how many cars/busses/whatever were behind you, he'd always have the time to chat forever.
I think he passed away about 20 years ago, but I can't go over that pass without a smile thinking about him.
I remember there was an effort to get a buttress on Mt. Dana named after him. Alas, I fear it went nowhere. Too sad.
Anyone else remember this guy?
GM
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WBraun
climber
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Apr 22, 2008 - 09:55pm PT
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Yeah I remember him.
He's the guy who would let you into the park only if you were good.
If you had a bad attitude you became dust .....
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nita
climber
chica from chico, I don't claim to be a daisy
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Apr 22, 2008 - 10:09pm PT
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Gene, It's Ferdinand Joseph Castillo
Born, April 29 1917- Died, December 28, 1993
"Double Cream Double Sugar" ;-)
"Watch for Deer and Rocks in the road'.
" Hey you, stay off the Meadow!"
" Can you buy me some Pie and Ice cream"?
" Walk around those rocks"!
" Hey- Hey, you on the bike...Get to the end of the line".
Yep, Ya gotta love Ferd! He was a Gem. ;-)
In his younger days- he used to swim Tenaya Lake every morning.
It's almost his Birthday..Happy Birthday Ferd!!!!
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chez
Social climber
chicago ill
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Apr 22, 2008 - 10:11pm PT
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His name was Ferdinand, if i remember right. I had a friend that used to live with him in his last years.
One day Ferd deceded that he needed groceries so he walked from the pass to the valley and back.
Various times he would get up in the middle of the night and man the "little house"
when no one was around. A true gate keeeper.
Extremely friendly
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Gene
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 22, 2008 - 10:17pm PT
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Yeah. That's the man.
I'm sure he has elbowed St. Peter out of his way and is passing people through the Pearly Gates with that fine attitude.
GM
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Apr 22, 2008 - 10:20pm PT
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Seeing some cloud buildup I asked him once, "what's the weather been doing?", Ferdinand replied simply "summer!" Some say he died of a broken heart when the NPS removed him from his post.
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hossjulia
Trad climber
Eastside
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Apr 22, 2008 - 10:21pm PT
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Ferdinand Joseph Castillo
Born, April 29 1917- Died, December 28, 1993
"Double Cream Double Sugar" ;-)
nita, did you pen the plaque that resides in TPR's cafe next to the coffee pot? For that's what it says, along with his smiling face. Nice thing to see every morning at 6 am when I make, or pour, my first cup. Looking forward to seeing it again. 1 week, just 1 more week.
I sometimes wonder if it was him I saw reflected in the pot one early winter morning with no one else around.......
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nita
climber
chica from chico, I don't claim to be a daisy
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Apr 22, 2008 - 10:28pm PT
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Hoss Julia, Ferd would always ask the Tuolumne employees to get him coffee, and sometimes food, it was always... double cream -double sugar.
I hope to get to TPR this summer and meet you. Any friend of Bob Finn is a friend of mine. ps..How is your horse?
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hossjulia
Trad climber
Eastside
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Apr 22, 2008 - 10:38pm PT
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sold the horse, to a great home. Hay has tripled in 3 years, hope she can afford to keep him, I sure couldn't.
Looking forward to meeting you, and let me know through email when you are headed over and I'll give Bob a heads up, I know he'd like to see you again. Tuolumne day?
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Apr 23, 2008 - 03:21pm PT
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Use to deliver bacon ends and fire water to Ferd and Carl Sharsmith at the Tioga entrance. Loved it when Ferd would play his guitar while waiting in line. He was a classic, until the phukin park service killed him.
Peace
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Apr 23, 2008 - 03:28pm PT
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He sounds like a great guy. It's a shame I never met him.
Someday.
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cliffhanger
Trad climber
California
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Apr 23, 2008 - 04:20pm PT
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He was always in his kiosk ready to collect fees even late at nite. I'd time my entrances at nite to avoid fees only to find Ferdinand still there at 12 midnite! I skied across several times in winter and half expected him to pop up from his deeply buried station.
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Kevin Calder
climber
Bishop
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Apr 23, 2008 - 04:22pm PT
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Yeah... he was a classic character for sure. I remember he always had me mixed up with some guy from White Wolf and would ask how it was going there. I never knew what the hell he was talking about! He liked my truck though. It was just a basic Ford Ranger, but he commented most every time I went through, he'd say stuff like... ranger huh... nice truck then he'd smile.
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Watusi
Social climber
Newport, OR
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Apr 23, 2008 - 04:41pm PT
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Yes he was a joy!
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lightninglycett
climber
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Apr 23, 2008 - 04:45pm PT
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when i worked at TPR we would always send him decaf in hopes of him not being there in the middle of the night!
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Maysho
climber
Truckee, CA
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Apr 23, 2008 - 05:53pm PT
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One time on dawn patrol run from El Portal to a guiding day on the East Side I pulled a "california stop" at his gate at 5:00am in my rearview I see Ferdinand in his long johns running down the road and shaking his fist at me. I sheepishly backed up and took the heat, promising to ALWAYS STOP in the future no matter what time it is.
He always remembered the kids names and the pass still seems like a more lonely crossing without him.
Peter
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Matt
Trad climber
primordial soup
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Apr 23, 2008 - 08:01pm PT
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i think the reid guide is/was dedicated to him(?)
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Apr 23, 2008 - 10:23pm PT
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He was like a feature of the natural landscape. I always sort of assumed that he'd outlive me. Never knew the guy, but he always recognized me. Feels weird driving thru the gate now.
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east side underground
Trad climber
crowley ca
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Apr 23, 2008 - 10:45pm PT
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I definatley remember Ferdiand! He was the sole of the pass. The Park service sent him to his grave early by removing him from his post. He spent to much time talking to folks! He was a real ranger, more interested in nature and people, than busting you. R.I.P. Ferdiand I,ll see you at the pass this weekend for some turns.
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east side underground
Trad climber
crowley ca
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Apr 23, 2008 - 10:48pm PT
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I definatley remember Ferdiand! He was the sole of the pass. The Park service sent him to his grave early by removing him from his post. He spent to much time talking to folks! He was a real ranger, more interested in nature and people, than busting you. R.I.P. Ferdiand I,ll see you at the pass this weekend for some turns.
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