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Jess Rice
climber
PT, WA
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Aug 15, 2007 - 12:20pm PT
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Dear Molly, Avery, Steve, and the entire community:
I am very sorry. Sending love to all of you.
Jess Rice
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elemental
Gym climber
Lander, Wyoming
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Aug 15, 2007 - 12:38pm PT
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If you've ever climbed at Sinks Canyon on a winter weekend, you know it has a distinctly different feel from other hard crags around the world. There is a very unpretentious and friendly feel, and Pete, Avery, and Molly have been an integral part of it all.
It always made the day better to see the Absolons at the crag. Molly, you three are an inspiration to us. As we look toward having our own family, your ability to live and play fully together make the most wonderful example to follow.
We join with all your friends in offering our support and love in this terrible time, and in all the times to come.
Ellen and Steve Bechtel
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Jim Hutchison
climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 15, 2007 - 12:42pm PT
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Jen, Bennett, and I share in the sadness and shock expressed here. I'm not sure that my words will adequately express my deep appreciation for knowing and working with Pete, nor my sincere condolences for Molly and Aves.
Easter brunches at Pete and Molly's (watching the kids in our community of friends run around looking for eggs that Pete had hidden), winter gatherings in the garage with the wood stove glowing, smiling and laughing in the rain (and flash flood) on Red Butte, and sharing office work/time/space for so many years. Pete was a good friend, a mentor to me in work and in parenting, and a guide of sorts for how to remain passionate in work and play and family. I never told him this and I regret not doing so.
I recall one summer gathering at Molly and Pete's property on Red Butte outside of Lander. (Pete would share pounds of elk that he had taken in the previous year's hunt and we'd share a potluck meal in the sun and rain.) I fondly recall Pete standing on something (a cooler, a rock, a chair?) and welcoming folks to the meal. He paused, smiled big, began crying and shared with us how much he loved his wife and how grateful he was for his daughter. It was their anniversary and Pete stood in front of his friends and his family crying and grinning. It was in this moment that I came to know Pete - passionate, committed, proud, humble, and unashamed to be filled with such love for Molly and Aves. I miss him, and will always remember him. I am very blessed to have known him and worked with him for a short number of years.
Molly - Bennett, Jen and I are here with arms, food, love and shelter. Know that you may call on us at any moment.
Many blessings,
Jim, Jen, and Bennett
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Dennis Sanders
Trad climber
Wyoming
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Aug 15, 2007 - 12:45pm PT
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Well Im not sure how to say how I feel so I guess Ill just throw it out there. I just wrote about ten lines and erased all of them. Pete kept me so interested in how a man of his abilities can still be such an amazing husband and father. Its seems like everytime I ran into him he was helping someone, takin off to climb and/or just enjoying the company of Molly and Avery. Ah over the last year I got a sort of serious job and he loved to tease me about it..asking me how it felt and how I was adjusting...oh and how proud he was of me. He was so funny with his detailed explainations of how to start the furnace in his gym...and how nice he was when I almost blew it up! Big laughes one night in that gym with Avery and I drawing with crayons on the wall and coming back a year later to see Petes sparkle in his eye when we laughed about how those drawings are getting higher. One of the most memorable days with Pete was when I just got off workin a course and he came over with a big hug to tell me my Grandma just died...he took me into his office and closed the door(which I had never seen him do before) and he just gave me a big hug and motioned to the phone where my Aunt was waiting to talk with me. So as we sat and talked I just watched Pete cry and before you knew it were both crying and the rest is obvious. But Pete was the guy who kept everything in perspective(Gary too) for me and was always there....ready for anything. So Molly and Avery Im giving you the biggest hug right now and will see you soon.
The last time I saw Pete he was filling his tank up nice and fast in way to Sinks...explaining the amazing morning he just had with Avery and how shes growing so fast...he didnt mention much about climbing....
LOVE Dennis
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Lizard
climber
Victor, ID
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Aug 15, 2007 - 12:46pm PT
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Hi Molly and Avery,
I have been walking around numb ever since I got the news. I just want you to know that our thoughts are with you. When I am not just dealing my thoughts turn to the 3 of you and all the good times we have had together.
If it wasn't for you and Pete I am not sure Mark and I ever would have had kids. I remember thinking, if they can do it and they seem to really love it and Avery is so wonderful maybe we can. Having the children has been the best thing we have ever done - Thank-you.
What I remember most about Pete is his unflailing enthusiasm and energy. His ability to be in the moment and the way his face would light up when he talked about Avery.
We'll see you this week-end.
Liz
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Elkie
Mountain climber
Ellsworth, WI
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Aug 15, 2007 - 01:12pm PT
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To the Ablsolon's, Herber's and SuperTopo Community:
I have had the distinct honor of knowing Pete's sister Mary, her husband Bill, their daughter Molly and their son Chris thru our son's high school wrestling program over the past 6 years at St Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, MN.
Although I have not met Pete, his wife Molly and daughter Avery, I can rest assured they have been wonderful people if they are anything like the Herber's. My heart goes out to you all.
A loss is felt in so many directions and so deeply when someone is taken before the summit. I, like the other members of the St Thomas Academy Wrestling program and community will be sure to keep the family in our thoughts and prayers and ask God to give strength at this juncture in our climb.
I am an avid hunter, who greatly enjoys the mountains and I know that when that cool breeze falls upon me on my future adventures, I will pray that it is Peter protecting me from whatever encounter lies around the corner.
God Bless You All!
~Elkie
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cmaestas
climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 15, 2007 - 01:26pm PT
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Molly and Avery,
I can't tell you how sorry I am. I wish I could be there right now for you, but I know you are surrounded by friends and family. We are in Casper right now, but I will call you soon. Please know that you are constently in our thoughts. Gabriella sends a special hug to Avery, and as soon as she is ready, would like to have her over.
I didn't know Pete well, but occasionally we'd run into each other when picking the girls up from school, and chat while we waited for them to come on out. He always had a smile on his face. I remember how Avery's face lit up at the sight of her Daddy.
Molly, I hope you know that if there is ANYTHING you need - anything we can do, I'm here for you. ((((hugs))))
Christine, Cade, Gabriella, and Alex
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Rich Brame
climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 15, 2007 - 02:09pm PT
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Molly:
When I think of your family today, the recent TNC event at your place at Red Butte immediately comes to mind.
It was evening and the sun was sinking in the west as Susan and I walked up the two-track toward our car. It had been a nice gathering of folks interested in community and conservation and preserving much of what’s best about Lander’s beautiful foothills. Earlier, Pete had briefly welcomed the group in his typically self-effacing and heartfelt way. As time passed, the sunset relieved the heat and painted everything in warm colors.
But the image that strikes me now is what I saw as we were leaving. It was a small, brief observation, the kind of thing we see everyday and don’t think much about. Pete and Avery were down in the grass below the two-track. I could clearly hear them bantering back and forth, deep in some imagined game involving Avery’s exploration of the junipers and red rocks as they headed back to join you.
I could see Pete highlighted gold by the low sun. He wasn’t looking my way, he was squinting into the sun as he watched Avery scamper in her game. Pete was talking with Avery in that bemused, attentive tone parents use with young children they love. As you might guess, Avery was calling the shots (or trying to). Father and daughter were clearly on an adventure. And it was perfect.
If there is any truth to the notion that when we die we return in some way to the places and times we love most dearly in life, I suspect that sun-drenched, golden evening with you up ahead and Avery in tow, is one of many, many shared places that Pete will surely visit.
Rich Brame
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Christina Armbrecht
Social climber
WV
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Aug 15, 2007 - 02:19pm PT
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Molly and Avery,
over the last few days as the sadness seems to deepen so do the images and memories I have of Pete--he adored his Mol and Aves! What I loved and appreciated most about Pete was his unwavering nature. He had this incredible steadiness, didn't he? Always the one making things happen, planning and gathering the necessities for the activity... skiing, cooking, whatever... What strikes me most now is he gave with such apparent ease and from great abundance within himself. Never appearing to tire....he often wanted those he was with to be having a great time...he really got something from that. Pete had this amazing ability to size someone up...it's like he knew my ability better than I did and I always trusted that if Pete says I can do it than I must be able to. I remember sitting around the table this winter listening to his adventures hunting Elk...I loved listening to those stories not really so much for the stories but because I got to see the nature of Pete...his joy and excitement...I can still see his face all lit up...that twinkle....loved it! Here's to you Pete!
i miss him too....
so much love to you both...will be with you tomorrow...
Christina (one of the Armbrecht outlaws)
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Mees
climber
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Aug 15, 2007 - 02:29pm PT
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I remember running into Pete a lot at Sinks when we lived in Wyoming, we even shared a few belays and knew a few of the same people but I never got to know him that well. I can relate quite well to the joy of having kids at the crag with you and rigging the king swings in killer cave as we have done the same for our kids. My condolences to family and friends.
Pat
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estaban
Trad climber
Mount Vernon/WA
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Aug 15, 2007 - 02:43pm PT
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Dear Molly and Avery,
I am saddened to hear of Pete's loss, and wish for both you that he reamin ever present in your lives, as I am sure he will.
When Mark told me what had happened, I like other's found the news unbeliveable, and now I am still struggling for words. I have known you both since I joined NOLS in '93 and worked at the RM in '94. I have worked more closely with over the last few years on staffing issues. Pete's calm pragmatic approach has had a strong influence on me as a program supervisor. But it is Pete's sense of humour and generosity of spirit that I will carry with me. As well as the openess with which all three of you as a family have been expamles to our community.
Take Care our thought's are with you,
Steve and Linda Summers
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Ericka
Trad climber
Denver, CO
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Aug 15, 2007 - 02:48pm PT
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13 years ago, Pete was one of my instructors for the climbing section of my NOLS Instructor course at Split Rock. I'd known him from around Lander some. But on that course, I really got to know and appreciate his fabulous sense of humor, his tremendous strength as a climber, and as an all-around great guy. We students all marvelled at his climbing feats and would say if Pete couldn't climb it in tennis shoes, we wouldn't be able to climb it at all. He was such a great teacher and person - I have no doubt he was a wonderful father and leader of the NOLS Rocky Mountain Branch and will be missed by many.
My thoughts are with you, Molly and Avery.
-Ericka (Houck) Englert
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musician
Trad climber
CO
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Aug 15, 2007 - 03:02pm PT
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Everything that has been said about Pete in this thread covers so much of my experience working for and camping with Pete. It is so, so sad, and I feel uncomfortable at how I took his presence at NOLS for granted. He was an amazing individual and role model, and is sorely missed. I will just relate a story related to Pete’s superlative teaching skills.
Pete was the briefer on my second NOLS course in the Winds and he was also the liaison for our students. On the first day with the students, Pete led some kind of group initiative. During the class he paused to gather his thoughts, and I remember thinking that it was a remarkably long pause in front of a group. Bold, yet refreshingly acceptable. It was very effective for him in gathering his own thoughts, and then equally effective at gathering the students’ attention. Since then as a WMI Instructor I have regularly played with this idea, and often think of Pete. I have embarked on a music career as of recent, and I feel teaching and performing are closely related art forms. I frequently apply this same principle into the music I compose and play (which is not so easy on a 5-string banjo). Just a small way that Pete touched me.
My heart goes out to Molly, Avery and their family, and to Steve as well. I wish I could be there this weekend.
Jake
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John A
Sport climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 15, 2007 - 03:11pm PT
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Dear Molly and Avery, and everyone who happens to read this,
Amidst the enormous sadness of the last few days I have thought of many, many wonderful memories of climbing, and hanging out with you and Pete, I almost don't know where to begin. But there is one memory that occurs as often as any other...
It was the summer of 1998, the summer that my mom died, and shortly after we had finished building the climbing gym in the Absolon's garage. I was worried about my dad being alone in California, so I invited him out to Wyoming. To give us something to do together I decided that we would re-roof my house. I mentioned this in passing to Pete, and suddenly his face took on this look of mission. "You helped me," he said, "so I'm gonna help you." He gave me a brief tutorial on how to organize a roofing party, and everything I would need to buy.
The next morning, deeply hungover, I awoke at 7 to the sound of Pete's truck in my driveway. While I frantically made and guzzled coffee, Pete unloaded ladders and sawhorses, and implements of destruction. Over the next four days Pete worked at least 10 hours a day, and ran the whole project. He allocated roofing tasks to all of the 20 or so gracious volunteers, and freed me up to be just another worker bee, working with my dad. I particularly remember one of the times that Molly came by, and was in the house, while Pete was on the roof. I remember she and Pete smiling at each other thru the new skylight that Pete had just framed in.
I never thanked Pete enough for that. I'm not sure that I ever could. I've always been proud of how the roof turned out, and particularly now it is beautiful to me. Pete and Molly became my dad's favorites of all my friends. I remember him telling me, as we drove to the airport for his flight back to California, what great parents he thought they would make...
Love,
John Abel
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cmaestas
climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 15, 2007 - 03:24pm PT
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Molly,
I just thought of a memory I have that I wanted to share, because I don't think you were there. When the school had their "bike rodeo" for the kids this past spring, Suzanne and I brought the girls' bikes over, and stood on the "sidelines" to watch the kids ride their bikes. We were joined by George Grossman, and pretty soon here comes Pete around the building, riding Avery's bike. I remember a few of the kids near us noticed him and were laughing to see this grown man on a small girl's bicycle, but as he stood on the petals, sort of hunched over and stopped to hand the bike over to Avery, I thought he looked pretty darn cool! He stayed there with us while the kids all rode the courses, and when Avery was done with her bike, he rode off on it. A very loving, and cool dad!
Again, I'm so very sorry. You know how to get a hold of me if I can do anything....
Hugs, Christine
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Joe Austin
climber
Lander
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Aug 15, 2007 - 03:38pm PT
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I'm having such a difficult time coming up with words to express my feelings, which I'm sure is a common affliction right now. Molly, my thoughts are with you and Avery. I can't imagine your pain, yet I know it's deep. I know you're a strong woman and you've got a beautiful daughter and so many friends to help you.
Of course my thoughts are also with Pete. I really liked Pete and will miss him terribly. We've been in the same weekly meeting together now for a few years, and his presence is something I've always looked forward to. Thoughtful, inquisitive, smiling, laughing. He didn't shy away from difficult tasks or from asking important questions. He seemed so adept at balancing the fun hog life while also being the professional office boy/desk jockey. There was never any pretension. What you saw was what you got. He was very genuine and so easy to get along with.
Somewhere along the line, Pete got way into hunting. He was excited to hear my stories and he loved recounting his own. He would call me at work, presumably to ask a quick work related question and then the truth came out..."Sooo, did you get one?" 30 minutes later, after having recounted in great detail our missed opportunities and ultimate successes, we would both decide we should get back to work, but now with a smile for having once again shared in the years hunt.
Our hurt is in proportion to our love of Pete, and that's why it hurts so bad.
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ChadH
Social climber
Denver, CO
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Aug 15, 2007 - 03:49pm PT
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Molly and Avery, I am so sorry about your loss. I can't believe it. I started at NOLS around the same time as you and Pete. Even while Pete was a new instructor, I always thought of him as an "instructor's instructor." Molly, I recall your great smile and laughter in the odd NOLS office located on the third floor of the old Lander post office where we both worked, and I knew you and Pete were soulmates because he shared your amazing capacity for full engagement in life. My thoughts are with you.
Chad Henderson
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John Gregory
Trad climber
washington, dc
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Aug 15, 2007 - 04:03pm PT
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A long time ago I brought Pete down to the Gendarme at Seneca Rocks to take my place at the climbing school. I know Pete never regretted the choice and neither did any of his students or people who worked with him. He was everything a guide should be and a great friend. Along with Howard Doyle's passing, this year has narrowed the circle of the old guard at Seneca. Cherish your friends, and the memories of those who are gone.
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tharper
climber
Montreal, QC
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Aug 15, 2007 - 04:20pm PT
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To those closest to Pete,
I’m very sad to hear that he has died.
While I didn’t have the honour of working with Pete in the field, I remember long phone conversations with him where he spoke openly about the NOLS community he loved, I remember him at the crag in Sinks, I remember a “business lunch” which involved a quick run around the loop in Lander, I remember a coveted invitation to a session in his bouldering cave at home, and the energy and joy he couldn’t help sharing when his family was nearby, or in his thoughts.
It’s not a coincidence that many writing highlight what a great leader Pete was, and will be, for us, because his spirit is eternal in those he led. I will continue to try and get things done in his understated, engaging, style.
Avery, your dad is you and all that is around you.
My thoughts are with all of you down there,
Toby.
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mark m
climber
ward colorado
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Aug 15, 2007 - 04:21pm PT
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I remember Pete back in the 80's at Seneca Rocks amazing climber and person somone to look up to. Once he and I hooked up at Stone Mountain N.C. The day before he had soloed a bunch of routes including Rainy Day Woman. We met at the bouldering slab Pete was climbing in the new fire rock shoes and I had EB's after a few minutes he ask if he could use my EBs. He made a few atempts then got realy frustrated that it wasn't going smoothly. Pete made it up but he wasn't satisfide until he could do all the problems under complet control which ever shoes he was using. I then belayed Pete on some of those runout 5.11s with their running belays which with Pete all I had to do was feed him the rope. While at Prescot College I was making my first trip to the Sears boulders Tom Cecil warned me of the searious nature of the climbing there telling me thats where Pete Absolon broke his ankle.
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