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10b4me
Trad climber
California
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Oct 24, 2006 - 09:58pm PT
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Only knew Todd thru magazine articles, and climbing videos.
My deepest regards to his family.
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Bldrjac
Ice climber
Boulder
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:14pm PT
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Jack's wife, Pam, here. Just want to say to Amy and the kids how terribly sorry I am for your loss. Todd was an exceptional person, obviously evidenced by the sincerity of these posts. He was such a blast to have at the house while he and Paul were putting their Salathe slideshow together! :-) Amazing energy, and he and Amy were always so kind to put us up (up with us?) when we came through Lander on occasion. Anyway, my heart goes out to all of Todd's family and close friends. Que descanses en paz.
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J. Werlin
climber
Cedaredge
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:19pm PT
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This is terrible news. I can't imagine what his family and closest friends must be going through. My thoughts and condolences to you all.
I first met Todd after his and Paul's Salathe slideshow in Santa Cruz. Afterwards I came up and said, Hey, let me buy you guys a beer! A gang of us hit the brewery and Todd never let me even take my wallet out, buying pitchers for eveybody.
Meeting him then and later at Hueco a couple times I was so warmed by his total lack of celebrity ego and unbounded friendliness. Many thanks Todd for focusing on what really matters in climbing: people not numbers, and for spreading so much good, positive feeling.
I hope for you that there is good cragging on the other side.
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m.
Trad climber
UT
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:21pm PT
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I am overwhelmed by the news of Todd's death- the world without that great big smile is almost unthinkable. I've known Todd for decades, during which time I've been amazed by his resilience, good humor, and upbeat attitude about life.
A high point was staying at the "big white tepee" at Devil's Tower, Todd presiding over an excellent, if impoverished, crew which included Bill Hatcher, Beth Wald, rob raker, jonny woodward, eppie, darryl hensel, and many more...what really grabbed me was Todd's generous heart. He had snagged the tepee site by trading his ranch-hand skills for a place to pitch the tent- almost at the base of the Tower. This proximity attracted all of Todd's friends for weeks of climbing and tall-tale telling around the fire at night. What I've never forgotten, in all the years that followed, was Todd literally supporting all of us- with an endless supply of beans and rice to feed the many near-indigents who ended up at the tepee that year. And of course Todd himself had no more than the rest of us did, but he stretched his own thin resources to take care of all. His generosity was legendary and won him the devotion of everyone who knew him. Amy, I don't know what to say! There are so many of us who adored Todd and will honor his memory.
My heart goes out to you all.
maria cranor.
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otis
Trad climber
lake arrowhead
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:28pm PT
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Met Todd back in the early 80's at a josh camp fire. He was firing off all the classic rad's and leaving toy super figures at the crux's. I'll never forget how super nice and happy he was. RIP Let his family know that he touched people.
mark
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socalbolter
Sport climber
Silverado, CA
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:29pm PT
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Not much I can add that hasn't been said in spades in previous posts.
On my first visits to Wyoming, Todd openly showed me his (then) secret crags and offered encouragement and beta as I tried to repeat his routes.
Later in life when I was going through a hard time, I get a random call from Todd offering support and telling me to "keep my chin up and keep on keepin' on." His call came at the perfect time and was typical Todd. I can only imagine how many folks he impacted in a similar way over the years. This as much as his climbs will be what he is remembered for.
Todd was an exceptional climber and an even better person. He will be sorely missed in our little community and even more so in the lives of his friends of family.
My prayers go out to Amy and the kids.
 Louie Anderson
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Billy Smallen
Trad climber
CA
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:30pm PT
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This article seems to contradict itself (was attempting an FA vs Made it) but it shines some light.
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2006Oct24/0,4670,BRFClimberKilled,00.html
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. — A renowned rock climber was killed when he fell 500 feet while attempting a first ascent, a park spokeswoman said Tuesday.
Todd Skinner had completed a new route up a rock face known as Leaning Tower and was rappelling when he fell to his death Monday, Adrienne Freeman said.
It was not immediately clear why Skinner, an author who claimed to have set climbing records in 26 countries, fell.
He and his party were climbing near Bridalveil Fall, one of the park's best-known waterfalls, Freeman said.
The Mariposa County coroner's office was investigating the death.
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MQ
Social climber
salt lake city
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:48pm PT
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Wow.. this is very sad and unimaginable news. My thoughts and prayers to Amy and the kids. I feel for you in your loss.....Todd leaves a large void in the world, the community and very much in your lives......He always had a smile, words of encouragement, a hillarious story....he had a way of wholeheartedly believing in the possability of what you could accomplish. He often believed in me alot more than I believed in myself and got me to stretch my limits and try, no, succeed on thing I thought were impossible. He was a really good friend for many years and I have and will missed him. He called the other week after not talking for a bunch of years: "Hey!! Come on out for a visit!!! You have to put up more routes on 'Carson City Wall'!!! I have a new place nearby for you to stay!!! Bring the family!!! Bring your drill!!! When can you be here!!!" I tried to explain that I hadn't done much climbing for 3 years but that wasn't even to be considered. By the time we said good-by I was ready to dust off the drill, gas up the truck and head to Wyoming....He just had that effect on you.
His was a very bright star that went out. Todd, RIP....
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mike hartley
climber
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Oct 24, 2006 - 10:53pm PT
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Todd was one of those guys who could inspire even if you never met him, as I hadn’t. Todd was up on a pedestal for me, and that had little to do with his climbing. He had the courage to take on the impossible, to openly risk failure, and overcome it through shear belief, tenacity, and hard work. He had the courage to forge his own path and ignore the petty spears thrown by those who can’t stand someone who ignores their narrowly defined rules. He faced ridicule, slander, and harassment for DECADES and still, I’ve never known someone who spent time with him who didn’t say he was one of the world’s nicest guys. As these testimonials (and many friends who met and climbed with him) repeat time and again, he was an immensely positive force.
In times of loss I often recall a sympathy letter Willi Unsoeld received following the death of his daughter Nanda Devi stating, “remember, death is not too high a price to pay for a life fully lived.” If anyone lived life fully it was Todd. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and close friends.
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Heyzeus
climber
Hollywood,Ca
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:00pm PT
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I only spent 10 minutes with him 15 years ago. Even if he wasn't well known I would have always remembered that man and his light. He seemed to be one of the best human beings. For me, who didn't know him, it's sad, because the world needs him.For his family and friends the pain must be unbearable,but I think he'll always still be with you.He will be,you'll see.
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Keeper of Australia Mt
Trad climber
Whitehorse, Yukon , Canada
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:12pm PT
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As a bloke who only discovered 'climbing" in 2001 and at an age
where it would be more sensible playing 9 rounds of golf and
reading the Manchester Guardian in and Old Folks Home cafteria -
I had never met Todd Skinner. But I did encounter his spirit and passion and I enjoyed his humour - all in good evidence in Paul Piana's "Big Walls - Breakthroughs on the Free-Climbing Frontier" book - expecially the chapter: The Great Canadian Knife , VI, 5.13b". There are many talented climbers out there but Todd Skinner had a bigger talent - the ability to share his zest for living and human qualities with those he met along his path and to infuse others with the possibilities resulting from engaging life full on. This is a rare talent and in the end more important than his impressive climbing capabilities. I am sad that I never had the opportunity to
have that great smile directed my way or to receive some inspiration or to hear one of his wild-eyed humourous tales and even some advice on my own climbing challenges. I know that
his physical power was capped with kindness shown to
others. I am sad for those who were close to him and who are now hurting with the loss.
It was Todd who stated" Whenever I'm facing long odds in a hostile land, I like to have a Canadian on my team. Lots of people aren't afraid to die, but Canadians, in particular,
aren't afraid to live." Todd was not a Canadian but we claim him anyways - he had the right stuff. We will remember him, we will honor him and we will miss him. He taught us all, not just about living and climbing, but living and climbing well.
I have just reviewed some stunning photos of a new Bugaboos- like climbing area in the southern Yukon - some 1000 foot granite spires and faces - Todd would have been really wired with the possibilities. We will see about someone putting up a charter first ascent in there and honoring his time with us.
Heartfelt condolences to his family - they will be able to draw
some strength from the support of the climbing community - he was one of us and we stand together - thick and thin.
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Teri
climber
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:39pm PT
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What I especially appreciated about Todd during the short time we were acquainted was that he wasn't afraid to hold a point of view that wasn't popular or pc. He came to the defense of Anatoli Boukreev (may he also RIP) when people were critical of his actions that fateful May on Everest. Todd introduced him to people at the tradeshow that summer to show his support and make sure people knew the facts and the person. Blessings to his family and friends.
--Teri
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Michelle L. Escudero
climber
Lander, WY
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:42pm PT
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I know Todd as Hannah, Sarah, and Jakes' dad and Amy’s husband. People would say to me, “You know Todd Skinner?!” I’d reply, “Yea, he’s a Dad.” You know the guy that takes Jake up to the cabin for a boys' night out. The guy who brings a flower to Hannah after the ballet recital. The guy who feeds all kids junk food for dinner and plays wild games. The guy, through those damn pep talks, who gets us to work so absurdly hard to try and start a new pubic school here in Lander.
I have spent my fair share of nights under the stars and in the pouring rain for the need of what the wilderness has to give…so I know what it feels like to want to be some place so badly, work hard to get there, and focus on the goal. What I don’t understand is why did it have to be like this? Did it have to be either or? Is that what rad climbing is all about? Eventually, it catches up with you?
Last Friday Steve Bechtel showed me a bunch of pictures of Todd and him hunkered under a rock overhang waiting out a summer snowstorm in the Winds. Todd had that clown-like grin with the upturned end—Jake has that same grin. And, life was simple.
Now what? Be there for Amy. Share in the responsibility of raising their children. Take Jake to the cabin for a boy’s night out. And, remember the flower….
M. L. E.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:49pm PT
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I met Todd only a couple of times and that was back in the 80’s. I remember a ready smile and a vibrant personality.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Rick Accomazzo
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Brawny
Boulder climber
Hueco Tanks, TX
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Oct 24, 2006 - 11:50pm PT
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Was stretching out in the sun by myself right in front of the Warm Up boulder, Hueco Tanks. This was in the early 80's. Wasn't very many people to climb with back then, just a small handful of locals.
I heard a van , the unmistakable sound a VW makes, puttering into the park, paid the fee and rolled in. It turned right to start heading to the frontside. As it approached I saw this messy blond hair blowing around and a look on this guys face, the gleam in his eye like a little kid on Christmas morning.
When he eyeballed me he took a hard left and parked it on the North side. A few moments later up walked Todd. That was the first time Todd ever set foot on Hueco ground. ( He loaned me a pair of socks because my feet were cold )
I developed a good friendship with Todd, put up FA's, swilled brew, had him over at the house many a time for dinner, he even named the Gunfighter after one of my relatives, those were the days.
As time went on I became a climbing Park Ranger at Hueco. That was basically when Sport Climbing was introduced to Hueco Tanks and it was on!!!.
Those days were historical days at Hueco Tanks. The different ethics and styles, the clashes, the bolt wars and park closures, and on and on. It was hectic, stressful , and turned into a cat and mouse game. Sometimes neither group knowing which was which.
I've locked paws with Todd after hairball climbs with a cheer at hand to having him 1/2 inch away from me, yelling at the top of his lungs in my face, spit and all!!! I wouldn't trade those times for the world.
I think of what a big part of Hueco Todd was. He kept me busy, and I kept him busy. I thought many a time, man, this guy is determined and consistent.
I had the opportunity to work with him in 97 doing a corporate teambuilding event for Pete's Wicked Ale. Time seemed to have erased all of our differences and we pulled that event off flawlessly. It was great working with Todd.
When I heard this bad news about Todd I felt sunk for a moment. All of that energy and drive, the ambition, the fear, the feeling of conquer all stripped away from me for a moment. I felt like I lost my moment in time, I felt like Hueco lost something. It did...I guess I shouldn't be selfish, after all, I got to live it with him for those moments.
I will miss Todd, his flare, energy, his trademark smile, the spice he added to climbing. I'll never forget it. He is a legend indeed.
My deepest to all of his friends and family.
Adios Compadre,
Donny Hardin
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bomber pro
Trad climber
australia
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Oct 25, 2006 - 12:11am PT
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Todd skinner you are a legend, so many have written to say that you gave them inspiration, courage, friendship, and support. you gave those things to me and I was a nobody from another land. all I can say is that you are indestructable,because you do live on in my heart and mind as one of the greats,one who gave openly and unconditionaly,not just to the world standards of a sport that is to my mind one of the most demanding physicaly, emotionaly and spiritualy in the world today ,but you gave from the heart to the everyday joe that would cross your path in the journey we call life.for this I thank you from the bottom of my heart, to those that are missing you now ,I grieve with you and know from my own losses, that road gets less dificult to walk with time.all my love, support, and kind thoughts are with you at this time of heavy hearts, also bieng a mountain rescue guide myself I would like to express my sincere best wishes on a tough job well done, to those who would have no doubt been friends and brothers in arms to todd. from the other side of the world muki
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Anguish
Mountain climber
Jackson Hole Wyo.
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Oct 25, 2006 - 12:13am PT
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Todd called me a couple of months ago after freeing Wet Denim Daydream and naming the variation Dry Lycra Nightmare. He just wanted to chat because I was on the FA with the late Daryl Hatten, oh so many decades ago.
Todd didn't know me from Adam, since I'm no longer even on the dull side of the cutting edge. But he was excited to find out what I felt about him adding a free climbing protection bolt that would reduce the difficulty of the aid.
There was a controversy about the bolt. He went to the source. Nobody else did. Genuine.
Angus Thuermer
Jackson Hole
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T2
climber
Cardiff by the sea
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Oct 25, 2006 - 12:25am PT
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Seesh!!! Really sad news.
Our tribe has lost another commited member. What a freaking bummer!!
All loved ones he left behind are in my prayers.
May your journey continue on the other side Todd.
Tommy Thompson
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Wen
climber
Jackson, WY
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Oct 25, 2006 - 12:34am PT
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So very sad for his many friends, and most especially for his family. I didn't know him, though I of course knew of him, and I'm very touched by the stories told in this thread. Obviously an amazing person.
If 167 people have already written in to tell their stories about him, imagine how many other people he touched in his life? It sounds like he's the kind of person we all strive to be. How much more can we want from life then to touch people in such a positive way?
Wendy Laakmann
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