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guyman
Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
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May 31, 2016 - 01:52pm PT
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My sincere condolences to Roberts Family, his loved ones and all of his many friends.
I'm sorry to say I never got to climb with Robert, my loss.
maybe on the other side.
Guy Keesee
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Brian in SLC
Social climber
Salt Lake City, UT
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May 31, 2016 - 03:39pm PT
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Sad deal. Got to chat with RF a few times at events over the years and always a pleasure.
Condolences to friends and family.
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up2top
climber
Phoenix, AZ
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May 31, 2016 - 10:22pm PT
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Beautiful tributes like these paint a picture of a life well lived. My condolences to Hilde and all of Robert's family and friends.
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Fluoride
Trad climber
West Los Angeles, CA/Joshua Tree
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I can't believe he's gone. I thought he had more time left and wanted to visit him on the ranch during the long, hot JT summer coming up where no one else is around but die hard locals like us. So shocked cancer took him so quickly in just a few months time.
Many of my favorite times with Robert were along side Blitzo, Todd and Tucker. Great times climbing, great company and Robert was always the one to break out stories that kept us all in stitches.
He was the king of slander, could make jokes about anyone and anything, including himself. Nothing held him back. I knew if I was going to be hanging with Robert, my sides would be hurting by the end of the day from laughing so much.
Too many memories to go over in an online post. He was one of a kind in the greatest way possible. His smile, infectious laughter, the call it like he saw it attitude and amazing generosity to his friends. He had a life well lived even it if was cut so damn short.
Miss you Robert. You were a stellar star in the Joshua Tree family.
My friend SiouxJuan posted a FB photo of all of us at the ranch after he told me of the news of Robert's passing Sunday morning...forgot when was even taken, probably 2008/2009 or so.. I was the only girl as usual running with this motley climbing crew. On my right was Blitzo and my left was Robert. I can't believe they're both gone now.
Thank you Robert for all the laughs, hospitality and good times. You will be missed so much.
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HF
climber
I'm a Norwegian stuck in Joshua Tree
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From Robert's family:
The outpouring of stories, photos, and fond memories about Robert have been tremendously uplifting to Hilde and the rest of us. Please keep them coming - we are collecting them for a family album. It is amazing how many communities Robert touched: climbers, IT, desert rats, musicians, solar construction, and many other friends scattered across the US and abroad. Many of you have asked about plans for a celebration of his life. Right now, planning something like that is beyond Hilde - she is quite drained. However, if any of Robert's friends would like to help organize something, please contact Ted DeWitt, Robert's oldest brother (tmanta88@gmail.com). Please pass this along to his other friends.
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Richard
climber
Bend, OR.
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Hilde.......I'm so very sorry about this.
Richard Adler
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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The first time I remember meeting Robert was when one of the JTNP people go to use the campsites by the ranger place, and I was lucky enough to get an invite t a pretty awesome part of the park unknown to most non-locals like me.
Robert was there, and being the "Entertaining Uncle" to two youngsters there. I just remembering him bouncing, bouncing bouncing the little girl, and her loving it and wanting more. He wound those little ones up and I bet they slept so soundly that night that their parents got that precious gift that parents of little ones relich - to sleep in a little late.
Robert would swing by every so often at the Pit, where I stayed a few years as a pauper who appreciated the extremely convenient location with (if you can believe this one) the feeling of safety. For a single woman, the Pit WAS the safest place to camp outside the park, and a large part of that space being available was because of Robert.
As I said, I was in pauper mode for a while there, and on one of Robert's visits, as he left, he handed me what I could tell was a folded up piece of paper money. He made no deal out of it, and it was clear he wanted no deal made, and it was also clear that the gift was not to be rejected out of stupid false pride. It was a twenty, and it made the difference for me in that moment. Gas and some grub, a burger at the Saloon as a little luxury while plonked down there with their wifi.
I am very sorry to know that Robert went so quickly; I wanted to see him again, but I'm glad he was spared too much pain and the discomfort of dealing with the vulnerability that comes with passing to the next phase through illness.
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Sioux Juan
Big Wall climber
Costa mesa
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I have many pics
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HF
climber
I'm a Norwegian stuck in Joshua Tree
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Thank you Richard.
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Outside the Asylum
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I'm very saddened to hear of Robert's death, and my condolences to Hilde, and all his family and friends. I only knew Robert through seeing him at events at the Gordons, and occasional online chitchat, but he seemed a stout and lively fellow. Plus he married a Norwegian...
My sympathies to all for their loss.
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jstan
climber
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the Pit WAS the safest place to camp outside the park, and a large part of that space being available was because of Robert.
Indeed. With the help of Phil Bircheff the Pit managed itself. It's closing was a loss to the local residents also. One passerby commented that when climbers were there no one had to worry about what might be going on,
The Pit's story was most unusual. Thanks to Robert's effort.
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old craghag
Sport climber
Bishop
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So sorry to hear that Robert is no longer with us. He was my go to guy and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Condolences to Hilde, his family, and tribe. He will be missed. This is getting too depressing losing so many good souls this year.
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SofCookay
climber
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I did not know Robert well, but would run into him at various functions here in JT and he was always a big presence - booming voice, big smile, big hug (he actually cracked my neck once with his hug!), just a wonderful person. I worked with Hilde on my short stint at Nomad Ventures and we became friends - another wonderful person, friendly and open, both she and Robert are what I considered quality people, and I certainly don't say that about everyone.
While working at Nomad's, Hilde & Robert were always sending texts or calling so it was obvious to me the two had a solid and very close relationship. I think they balanced one another very well. I know that Robert was very devoted to Hilde while she went through her own fight with cancer and he took great care of her. This says a lot about the kind of person Robert was.
Hilde, I cannot imagine what you are going through right now, but Kate and I are heartbroken for you and you have been in our thoughts. I am here in JT for another week or two so if you need anything, I am just a phone call or text away. We are both so very sorry for your loss.
Another one gone way too soon :(
Sonya
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doc bs
Social climber
Northwest
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Dear Hilde,
I am so sad to be reading this. Robert was so exuberantly kind, generous, and sincere; so joyful and larger than life. I am grateful for the times I got to spend with you and Robert in my last year at JT, so long ago. Rest in peace Robert.
Alisa Blitz-Seibert
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HF
climber
I'm a Norwegian stuck in Joshua Tree
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In W.H Audens words:
"
He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong."
Thank you all for sharing your memories, and for helping me through this.
Hilde
PS! Robert would probably have hated me posting the above, way too sappy for him.
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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He adored you, we talked at the camp fire, he is loving those words and was sappy I think!
Peace
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HF
climber
I'm a Norwegian stuck in Joshua Tree
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Thank you for saying so Ron.
Hilde
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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Thinking of you, you have many friends who are here with you.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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I have to second what Ron said. The last few times Deb and I were out, he was pretty much gushing about you Hilde. Well, gushing as only Robert can ;-)
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Fluoride
Trad climber
West Los Angeles, CA/Joshua Tree
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Hilde, he always spoke about how lucky he was to have you in his life. His devotion to you was unconditional. From the time I met him over a dozen years ago he never stopped talking about how fortunate he was to have you as his wife and life partner. He truly adored and worshipped you.
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