John Fischer Motorcycle Accident

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Mikie

Social climber

Portland oregon

Jul 19, 2010 - 01:40am PT

I first met John in 1973 at PSOM...Smoke was still there, his last year I think? Having the students partake of the agonies of the "kitchen wall" to the delight of all the others was entertainig as the sun set over the fabulous Palisades. I was so taken by his quiet but self assured manner, his devotion to climbing safety and his complete professionalism. The Swiss Arete on Sill was just a joy and John opened up such an appreciation of the mountains for me. Another year, after a traverse of Thunderbolt, spent a night with John bivouaced on North Pal enjoying the hum and flashes. Traveled with John and Lois to Ecuador where all peaks were ascended with their fine leadership. A Mountain Medicine and rescue course further cemented my repect for this marvelous teacher. My younger son worked for John at PSOM as a grunt and a second ascent of Sill with he and John is one of my favorite memories.

He was indeed one of the stars of the long and glorious history of Sierra mountaineering but even more than his mountain prowess, what I especially appreciated about John was his quiet and confident way of taking life like it is which has remained an aspiration-not very well fulfilled-of mine since. I, too, thought the photo of Gordon Wiltsie's of John with the Sherpas was "perfect". He will be missed. My condolences for their loss to his family and many friends and boon companions.

ß Î Ø T Ç H

climber

Jul 21, 2010 - 03:14am PT

Great tribute olivier , I used to run to the lake alot and did some bouldering and off trail stuff up there too . I think I know which peak you are talking about . Kick down some more photos or writing whenever you are ready . We really appreciate it .

Tony Bird

climber

Northridge, CA

Jul 21, 2010 - 09:08am PT

i'd like to hear some of those stories about the haight. i never got to be a california hippie in the 60s, and when i came here in 1980 it seemed all the hippyness has disasppeared. i had no choice but to get back to working my buns off.

John's brother Michael

climber

Mill Valley, CA

Jul 25, 2010 - 07:02pm PT

A note from Bill Holsman, long-time friend and Sierra backpacking partner of mine, about John: "I'll always remember the one trek we were on with John. It was so impressive to me, struggling up the first days of gain, and having John walk calmly back and forth from the front of the line to back, encouraging us to get in gear and keep moving. It is very clear that few of us will have an outpouring of love that has been expressed by those who have been touched by John. It is also very clear to me that his spirit will be with us forever. I could never go to the Sierra again without thinking about him, and the good life he led despite any number of obstacles..."

mbt

Social climber

Sacramento, CA

Jul 28, 2010 - 07:16am PT

I appreciate reading all the posts here. I was with John our last year of high school and when he was at the art institute for a semester. That was so long ago, but I see that he continued to be exactly the person he was then, a climber and an artist. Here are a couple of photos from that time.

silverlynx

Sport climber

moss beach, california

Aug 26, 2010 - 03:04pm PT

I've been thinking about John a lot lately. Never climbed with him after the PSOM/Mountain Travel years although we were a home away from home when he came to the coast (Moss Beach). He often "base camped" here, using our sauna (a groovy cedar cabin with a window) as home.
He gave me a job guiding at PSOM, where I'd cooked and climbed for years. (Hi Mitch, I'm the tugboat captain) He and I shared a hilarious drive to Mexico City to guide the M.T. Mexican Volcanoes climb one year. Through all the stages and changes, John remained a conundrum. Unique doesn't come close... We miss you John.

ZFischer

Mountain climber

Santa Fe, NM

Sep 11, 2010 - 08:04pm PT

Thanks so much for all the memories and thoughts--it's been both heartbreaking and heartwarming to eavesdrop here the past couple of months.

Dad's ashes were scattered up at the Palisade Glacier this past week and, as many of you know, we'll be celebrating tomorrow (Sept 12) at Mill Creek in Bishop from noon to 5 pm.

All are welcome.

There's also a discreet descanso to the west of 395 immediately south of Conway Summit...something to look for, care for, etc.

Peace,

Zane Fischer, John's son.

rottingjohnny

Sport climber

mammoth lakes ca

Sep 11, 2010 - 08:27pm PT

Zane...i drive that route often and will look for the descanso..i look at john's crash site everytime i drive up conway....the deer were suicidal and prolific this spring and i had several close calls with these large rodents...i worked with john back in 80 cutting firewood...the tedium and physical exhaustion of the job left your dad and i in a delirious state of laughter...i suppose i will miss his humor and personality....best wishes....rj

DrDeeg

Mountain climber

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Sep 14, 2010 - 02:08pm PT

John Fischer’s family and friends organized a wonderful memorial ceremony last Sunday, September 12th, one day before John’s 64th birthday. The remarks from Alan P, John’s sister and brother, sister-in-law, and many old friends were both illuminating and different from each other. The food and drink were great, and thanks to Roger and Mary Lou for letting us all use your place. It was just a shame that John could not be there, as he would have enjoyed the party.

TYeary

Social climber

State of decay

Sep 14, 2010 - 03:07pm PT

Indeed it was a wonderful gathering in honor of John's life. So many folk's lives were touched/influenced/altered by by John. I saw several old friends and made some new ones as well. All were eloquent in recounting the facets of John's life. But none more so than his son, Zane. I was deeply touched by Zane's eulogy. How ironic is it, that we try to walk in others footsteps to find insight. Yet, in the end, we must forge our own individual paths to enlightenment. It was this journey, this road, that John was squarely on. Knowing that the trip IS the goal, and not the destination, he lived his life accordingly.
Thanks, John, for helping show me the way.

10b4me

Ice climber

Happy Boulders

Sep 15, 2010 - 01:20am PT

I enjoyed the memorial service, and was moved by many of the eulogies. fitting tributes to a really nice guy.

p.s. good meeting you Cragman

klinefelter

Boulder climber

Bishop, CA

Sep 15, 2010 - 03:47pm PT

Maysho

climber

Soda Springs, CA

Sep 15, 2010 - 05:58pm PT

It was a wonderful event, and thanks again to the hosts and organizers.

Someone should post that photo of all the Palisades School of Mountaineering Guides spanning 40 years. It was great to see some of the elder statesmen of our little world coming out to pay their respects: TM Herbert, Al Steck, Bob Swift, Don Lauria, Dave Beck, as well as so many others. John was a great man and great guide, I feel lucky to have been one of his many friends.

Peter

silverlynx

Sport climber

moss beach, california

Sep 17, 2010 - 04:56pm PT

Kaleki

climber

Sep 17, 2010 - 09:54pm PT

My deepest gratitude for the supportive friends who came to honor my brother, John, last Sunday at his memorial service. What an amazing assembly that represented decades of John's friends and mentors!

It was an awesome afternoon, filled with bright light, fluttering prayer flags, and sometimes profound silence during (even the long) speeches.
Your respect for John by coming and standing witness to his memory is a comfort to our family who will continue to miss him for many long days to come.

John was a guide in many ways: whatever the goal, John would urge you to reach it, not necessarily to accomplish it, but for the stretch of body, mind, and soul it would require.

Thank you all for being there, for finding the time, the words, and the heart to honor and appreciate John Fischer!

Kate

Swifter

Social climber

Flagstaff, AZ

Sep 18, 2010 - 09:38am PT

John Fischer wasn't the sort who'd forget someone simply because they hadn't seen much of each other or climbed together recently. (In my case "not recently" means we hadn't climbed together for something like 40 years, and our meetings since had been sporadic.) Nevertheless, he made it a point to stop by my place in Flagstaff last spring for reminiscences and catch-up on current activities. Some of us will recollect specific climbs with John, but every one of us will remember him as an individual with all the qualities that define a truly fine human being.

Bob Swift

Schaps

Trad climber

Bishop California

Mar 31, 2011 - 03:04pm PT

Having just moved back to Bishop, I was deeply saddened to hear of John’s tragic death. He was, in my opinion, the finest, safest and most knowledgeable climber with whom I’ve ever had the privilege to partner. How well I still remember our days on the Sun Ribbon Arête and left side Mendel couloir ( Ice nine) which he climbed in total confidence and style, there never being any doubt as to our successful outcome. I know his soul is still out there in the High Sierra, now unencumbered by physical limitations- he is putting up new routes and watching over us. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Tony Schapera