Michael Reardon MIA???

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Mighty Hiker

Social climber

Vancouver, B.C.

Jul 16, 2007 - 08:09pm PT

This is very sad news indeed, and my sympathies go out to Michael's family and friends, especially Marci and Nikki. I hope against hope that a miracle will happen.

I was away over the weekend at Squamish Mountain Festival 2007, but a few people passed on the news. Michael spoke at the festival last year, and was most entertaining. As the event was to benefit our Access Society, he volunteered to speak for expenses only, which was a big help. I believe he did the same for other good causes, such as HERA.

I was lucky enough to spend a day with Michael. I'd briefly met him before, but he struck me as a lively and entertaining character, and of course a prodigious climber. We enjoyed his visit, and will be sorry if we don't see him again.

Nefarius

Big Wall climber

Fresno, CA

Jul 16, 2007 - 08:21pm PT

Good call, Kat. =)

TYeary

Mountain climber

Calif.

Jul 16, 2007 - 09:00pm PT

It has taken a while for the full meaning of this tragedy to become somewhat clear. It is almost always like that for me. I wait for the smoke to clear and, reality, once again, rears it's ugly head. This is most sureal.
Michael was slated to present a muti-medi program for my club next month on the 16th. True to form, he agreed to do it for "beer and cigaretes". That's what friends do.
There are those who question the validity of some of Michael's climbs. That is what happens when a star burns so bright as to eclipse those stars that shone before. I for one, never doubted Micheal's achievements. In our world, climbers have always taken each other at their word. Not so anymore. It is the times in which we find ourselves I guess. So be it.
What is clear, is that we have abruptly lost a husband, father, son and friend.
I will miss you.
Till we see each other again, good climbing and God's speed, Michael.
Tony

Fluoride

Trad climber

Hollywood, CA

Jul 16, 2007 - 09:23pm PT

Ekat I second your motion. Martha and everyone arguing about that photo, I don't mean to sound like a beeyatch but please take the arguing and negatvity somewhere else.

Let this be a thread to share our thoughts, concerns and memories of Michael. I learned about this Friday night and my weekend was one of grieving for a truly amazing person who I feel so fortunate to have known. And will miss greatly.

I'm still numb. And still clinging to hope that he's somewhere in a sea cave just waiting to be found.

Broken

climber

Texas

Jul 16, 2007 - 09:26pm PT

So sad. The world is so cold and hard, sometimes.

I did not know Michael Reardon, but I admired him.

I hope his family finds peace.

And, on a far lesser note, I hope that the movie he was working on is completed someday. Selfishly, I'd love to see more footage of him climbing.

In the meantime, I'll just imagine him and Hersey (et al) high up somewhere, unroped, laughing, long hair flapping in the wind...

bob d'antonio

Trad climber

Taos, NM

Jul 16, 2007 - 09:34pm PT

I love that photo...It shows Michael embracing life.

10b4me

climber

bitd

Jul 16, 2007 - 10:09pm PT

There are those who question the validity of some of Michael's climbs. That is what happens when a star burns so bright as to eclipse those stars that shone before. I for one, never doubted Micheal's achievements.

let's talk about this when I see you at work.

jackass

climber

Jul 16, 2007 - 10:16pm PT

I didn't read anywhere anything that insinuated that the picture was of the actual wave that took him out to sea.

The picture speaks for itself and is really a gift.

Most importantly is the support we give those left behind. Peace be with all of you.

Lost Arrow

Trad climber

The North Ridge of the San Fernando

Jul 17, 2007 - 12:48am PT

stoney Point just did not seem the same today after such a tragic loss.

jeff

guyman

Trad climber

Moorpark, CA.

Jul 17, 2007 - 12:59am PT

This is so sad and messed up. Going to miss having you around. Thank you for showing us all how to live and have fun.

RIP

Guy Keesee

Jello

Social climber

No Ut

Jul 17, 2007 - 01:42am PT

Michael, you spoke of Ireland, your ancestral home as if it was your home. I guess you really knew deep down that it is; and now always will be. The Irish are the best storytellers of all. Your own story would be unbelievable if it weren't true. You embraced life (most especially your family life) with open arms and heart. Yours is a story - an example - for the ages.

Once again, goodbye, my friend. Thanks for shining your vibrant light into the darkness.

-Jeff

klk

Trad climber

cali

Jul 17, 2007 - 02:00am PT

this is so f*#ked up. i was in donner all weekend and just got in. checked email then came here, god knows why, and almost didn't click this thread because i assumed it was another idiotic flame war.

i started coming to this site when raleigh died. it's gotten to the point that i almost dread opening the frickin thing.

funny thing is, i didn't think i liked michael the first time i met him-- he just wouldn't shut up! i usually trust my first impressions, but i got to really, really like the guy. he was a good craftsman on the rock and behind a camera.

i wish the best for his family--

kerwin

Patrick Sawyer

climber

Originally California now Ireland

Jul 17, 2007 - 08:11am PT

Some good words here on this thread for a man I never met.

Well put Jello/Jeff.

Bob d', I agree with you about the photo. Whether or not it was appropriate to post, I’ll leave that to the ‘judges’.

As I posted earlier, he apparently loved Ireland, so if one has to go it might as well be someplace one holds dear.

This saga and tragedy sort of reminds me of JM Synge’s play, Riders to the Sea.

Brunosafari

Boulder climber

Redmond, OR

Jul 17, 2007 - 10:55am PT

I also, felt admiration and kinship for Michael. God's comfort to you, Chosen Ones, his Loved Ones, in this period of deepest sorrow. Bruce Adams

bob d'antonio

Trad climber

Taos, NM

Jul 17, 2007 - 11:06am PT

For the past four days I been checking this thread hoping that maybe ...just maybe Michael could have pull this one out.

If there is anything that I can do for Michael family please let me know.

We loss a special one.

curlie

Trad climber

SLO, CA

Jul 17, 2007 - 11:25am PT

Ugh. I too waited several days to click on this thread, thinking it yet another controversy. I really wish that it was!

I only knew Michael very casually through Stoney, but the few times we hung out and bouldered were fun. He had this incessant energy about him that will surely be missed. It's sad to think that I won't run into him again at Stoney or in the Meadows or at J-Tree.

Regardless of hype, opinions, and controversy, it's very tragic that someone so vibrant, in the prime of life, is suddenly and inexplicably gone.

G_Gnome

Trad climber

Knob Central

Jul 17, 2007 - 11:51am PT

It's bad enough that we lost Mike, but the irony of the whole deal is almost too much for my little brain. Climb on Mike! We'll miss you. It was always fun hanging with you. My deepest sympathies to those left behind.

Lambone

Ice climber

Ashland, Or

Jul 17, 2007 - 12:40pm PT

I met Mike at ABS Nationals in Mayland last February. He gave his show, which seemed to go over the heads of most of the bouldering crowd. I had a good time talking with him, it wasn't like talking to some famous guy, it was like talking to just another climber...only funnier then most any climbver i vere met.

RIP Mike. Best wishes and regards to your wife and daughter, may they cary on your flame.