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Hiangleman
Mountain climber
Lander, Wyoming
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Aug 16, 2007 - 02:23pm PT
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Holly, Avery, and Peter's Family,
You are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Words can not express what is in my heart. You all have our deepest sympathy.
Ray Price
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Clark
climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 16, 2007 - 02:39pm PT
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Dear Molly, Avery, friends and family,
Took me a few days to gather my thoughts and move, for a few minutes, beyond the emotional gut punch of Pete's tragic accident.
I met Pete in August of 1989. I was an instructor on his NOLS Instructor's course. Thankfully for me and luckily for Pete, I was not instructing the climbing section, just the backcountry teaching section.
Man did we laughed and cut up. Pete was so wired and every joke that John Hauf or I played on him got a huge reaction. Offering him a cup of coffee with a huge pinch of pepper in it, stealing his bootlaces, and who knows what else.
I believe the hardest thing for Pete was to have our 'teaching route' go into the Cirque of the Towers. Pete was so distracted having to sit and listen to class after class with the Cirque as the backdrop. How a person can hike while constantly looking upward was beyond me. He would turn and ask, "Are you kidding? You mean we have no ropes, no rack? Look at that route man!" Disbelief at how a NOLS course could forget essential gear.
I recall commenting about Pete, as I was working with him on various HQ office projects, that Pete was a prime example of when an educator/instructor needs to know when to get out of the way and let the student shine.
Pete shined, in so many ways, for so many people. It manifested in his eyes, his laugh, and his positive energy. For me, the light generated from his heart. Pete will always shine for me, and I am positive for many, many others. I am blessed to have had numerous opportunities to stand in Pete's shining light.
Shine On Pete, Shine On
Clark Lacy
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Brad Sawtell
climber
CO
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Aug 16, 2007 - 02:39pm PT
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To the friend's and family of Pete,
I just found out about Pete's accident yesterday. Wow...I am speechless. I have read so many amazing words and they still seem not good enough.
There have been so many stories about Pete and climbing, so I thought I'd throw one out about boating. This was on a SSR white water course in the mid(?) '90's. Pete was the liaison for a Spring Semester. He joined us on the last 6 days on the river. The student group and the instructor team were all having their issues. My memory is probably a bit off but I seem to remember him having everything under control and happy by the first dinner. He was so there and in the moment. He barely said anything about our issues, he facilitated a game, stood back and gave us the crooked smile we all know so well. Problems solved.
By the end of the trip, he had become not only a fine kayaker but I also felt empowered to have spent time with such a quality human.
Keep smiling Pete!
Molly and Avery, I'll be there on Sunday to give you a hug.
Brad Sawtell
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Eve Janney-Graziani
climber
Frederick, MD
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Aug 16, 2007 - 02:45pm PT
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As so many have shared, I found out this tragic news last Sunday -I knew not where to start and to write and come up with an ending seemed too painful so I have just been reading~
For Pete ~
I will always remember your gentle ways and wonderful smile - You were a good friend ~ back in the day when I was too terrified to climb, you encouraged me to come along and I marveled at your lust for life and was always in such awe. You are so missed ~ may you continue to find joy and peace - God Speed
I knew Pete from High School, although we really never hung out unitl years later when I returned from Peru in 1985.
One of my fodest memories of Pete was on one of his birthdays - when I asked him what he wanted to do - the only thing Pete could come up with was to run over to a local mall where they had just put up a new parking garage and he could practice some of his climbing moves - that was Pete...
I remember camping at the base of Seneca Rocks, Big Meadows, Dolly Sods, Carderock, Great Falls... - your love for life and the outdoors was infectious - so full of joy if you could be near/on a mountain!
Pete and I lost touch for many years and only in the last 6 or 7, had we managed to catch up via email - when I would ask how his work was going, he quickly responded by sharing how wonderful life was with Molly and Avery. It was very evident that he was so in love with you both!!
You are surrounded by so much love - Pete would have had it no other way and I am sure it is he, who is encouraging all of us to share these stories with you! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Avery, your family and friends~
peace,
Eve
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Susan Brame
Social climber
Lander, Wyoming
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Aug 16, 2007 - 02:46pm PT
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Dear Molly,
What a heartrending loss this is to NOLS, Lander, and most of all to you and Avery and the rest of your family. The three of you have been in my thoughts nearly constantly these past few days. Cacky and I were visiting my family when Rich called on Monday to tell me the sad news.
A few years ago, I heard someone say that the value and richness of a life has nothing to do with the number of years it spans, and that seems so applicable to Pete. If ever anyone lived this life fully, it would be him.
All you have to do is skim a few of these entries to confirm that Pete did indeed gladden the hearts of so many with whom he walked. It’s incredible and moving to sit here and read all these stories.
I so love seeing the Absolons around town, even though months go by between real conversations. Seems like I bumped into Pete a half dozen times this summer on morning runs as he was walking into the branch and I was trotting up 5th street. Always—that great smile and a warm greeting.
You and Avery will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
Susan Brame
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sister
Social climber
nj
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Aug 16, 2007 - 02:47pm PT
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A Follow Up from Pete's sister Martha.
First, thank you to everyone who has shared their experience with Pete. What a legacy. I sit in the Minnesota airport, waiting to fly to Denver. Our family will meet up there and then make the trip to Lander tomorrow. THe flood of memories while reading your notes is soothing, sad, painful, awesome, all at the same time. I totally know the "little grin" you all talk of, I member being so crazy scared when he dragged me up a rock in Virginia ... questioning whether these ropes really worked ... and just trusting him with all my heart. Well, twenty plus years later, I sit in an airport, hearing him in my ear ..."Just Let Go" ... trust yourself ...ya right! I can't swing my leg above my head like u can Pete! You are crazy. But I did it. I remember the feeling and have never let it go. Thanks Pete! You taught me to let go...
So, there is a Memorial Fund set up (response to the Climbing Mom..
"Peter Absolon Memorial Fund" Contribution will be used to continue the tribute of adventure and exploration that Avery shared with her father, Pete" Thanks in advance... Mart
checks to Bank of the West
303 Main Street, Lander Wyoming 82520
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Rich Brame
climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 16, 2007 - 03:38pm PT
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I have a June '06 photo of Leg Lake cirque. It's a nice shot, tho' I won't post it here because I'm conflicted on the image...
In many ways Leg Lake will never be the same, but also it IS the same. The same beautiful place that drew Pete to climb and draws many of us into the Winds. The photo shows the cirque for what it is- a place of peaks, stunted trees, big walls, flowers, water, granite, snow, sunshine and a lot of and blue, blue sky.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rich_brame/171470137/
Rich Brame
Lander, Wyoming
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Pauly
Sport climber
Minnetonka MN
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Aug 16, 2007 - 03:44pm PT
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Molly and Family-
I am a friend of Bill and Mary Absolon Herber from Minneapolis.
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Pete personally. After reading a number of the posts, I realize that Pete was a good man who touched the hearts and lives of many. He has left a personal legacy that most of us might only dream of creating.
My deepest sympathy goes to you, your daughter Avery, and your family. I know you have experienced a great loss. I hope that my thoughts, and the thoughts of all the others, help ease the pain for just a little while.
Take care,
Paul Jensen
Minnetonka MN
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Emily Linton
climber
Missoula, MT
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Aug 16, 2007 - 03:47pm PT
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Dear Molly and Avery,
I am so sorry and sad to hear about your loss. My heart aches for the two of you.
My most recent memories of your family have been the times that I’ve randomly bumped into you out climbing. I remember running into you at Wild Iris. I think you had family and/or friends visiting from out of town, and you were out climbing for the day. I remember talking with my friend on the way back to Pinedale about how amazed I was by you and Pete. You seemed to be so in love and balancing life as newer parents so well. That was something, at the time, I thought was impossible.
The next summer I had found love myself. My new boyfriend (now husband), Solon, and I were on a road trip. We stopped by the RMB in Lander, and I’ll never forget seeing Pete’s smiling face. He was so warm and welcoming to me and the complete stranger with me. Immediately, Pete engaged us in conversation about life in Missoula, our trip, etc. The next thing I know Pete and Solon had made climbing plans to go up to Sinks Canyon after work. Sure enough Pete took Solon up to Sinks and they had a great afternoon climbing.
It’s unbelievable reading about how many lives Pete has touched!
Molly, I can’t even begin to imagine the loss that you and Avery are feeling. I don’t think there is anyway Avery will forget about her truly amazing Dad. I’m so glad that you have such an awesome community of friends in Lander to support you. Our thoughts are with you as we are sending love and strength from Missoula. Emily Yeomans
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C.Monz
climber
Logan
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Aug 16, 2007 - 03:50pm PT
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Molly,
Our hearts are broken at this sad news. You and Pete were good friends and neighbors during my years in Lander for which I will always be grateful. I remember sportclimbing at Wild Iris, working together, comparing notes on house projects. It is impossible to imagine what you must be going through. We send all of our love and support to you and Avery and hope that you find solice in Pete's life and accomplishments--a life we all could only hope to live.
Chris Monz and Wyatt Lutsk
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ccl
Trad climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 16, 2007 - 04:16pm PT
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A Memorial Fund has been established for Peter and Molly's daughter Avery.
Checks can be made out to 'The Peter Absolon Memorial Fund' and mailed to:
Bank of the West
303 Main St
Lander, WY 82520
Proceeds will be utilized to continue the tradition of adventure and exploration that Avery shared with her father.
Thank you for remembering Pete and reaching out to help Molly and Avery!
(I realize this reiterates mostly what Pete's sister Martha posted, but I wanted to make sure it was easily seen by all, not missed in a post including other thoughts.)
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Jack Rechcigl
climber
Bradenton, Florida
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Aug 16, 2007 - 04:18pm PT
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I was shocked to learn the tragic news about Pete. My family and I have been good friends with Pete and the Absolons since I first met Pete in Junior High School in Rockville, Maryland. Pete was a very special and amazing person. As has been mentioned numerous times I will not forget Pete's smile and grin! He was always so full of life and truely did live life to the fullest. He was was indeed a very fun, kind and positive person. I will always remember all the fun we had camping, climbing, hiking and scouting. It is quite clear from all the postings that Pete touched the lives of many people around the country in a very postive and inspiring way. I am greatful for having had the opportunity to be friends with Pete and will certainly never forget him.
Jack Rechcigl
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JRG
climber
Cherry Hill, NJ
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Aug 16, 2007 - 04:38pm PT
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Molly, Avery, and the entire Absolon family,
Molly you probably don’t remember me, we met briefly a few years ago while you and Peter were on vacation in Long Beach Island, NJ. I am truly sorry to hear about Peter. My prayers are with you and Avery. Peter was a part of my adopted family and we have known each other since June 1974 when I started a co-op assignment at the National Weather Service. I was away from home, lonely and did not know anybody my age in Rockville Md. The Absolon’s treated me as if I were part of the family. Mary, Fritz and I were close in age and in college while John and Peter were not far behind in high school. Martha was the little sister.
I have nothing but happy memories of that time and Peter played a staring role. I have read many of the posting and several people make reference to his mischievous smile. I know it well….in fact, I was the victim of several of his pranks. In the fall of 1974 Dr. and Mrs.Absolon wanted to go away for the week. Mary and Fritz were off at college. A neighbor offered to take care of Martha. The Absolons asked if I would spend the week at the house to look after the house..and...John and Peter. Thinking…what could go wrong, I agreed. On the first day I came home from work, went to the kitchen sink to get a drink and proceeded to get hosed with a stream of water on my face and chest. The lovely children had tied a rubber band around the trigger of the hand sprayer, carefully aimed it to hit a 6' 1" person and then waited for me to come home. By the time I realized what had happened, the cherubs were on the floor laughing. On another evening I was exiting the shower getting ready for a date when Peter and John ran in and sprayed my legs with, what I thought was shaving cream. When I went back to the shower to rinse it off…all of the hair on my lower legs was missing. It was not shaving cream..but a foam hair removal called Nair.
I first saw Peter's love for the outdoors later the next year when, on a visit to the Absolons, Peter excitedly ran upstairs to his bedroom to retrieve his most recent purchase. It was a portable lightweight tent designed for hiking. He then proceeded to assemble it right there on the living room floor and climbed in.
My heart will be with all of you when you celebrate Peter's life this weekend. I wish I could be there. While I never had the honor of really knowing Peter as an adult, from what I am reading here, he developed into an incredibly fine man.
John Galie
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shannon jones
climber
slc
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Aug 16, 2007 - 05:04pm PT
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My best friend died in a similarly tragic climbing accident two years ago. The sudden loss seemed to cause time and space to stop. Life seemed so diminished without him. It seemed so unfair, really, to have lost such a wonderful, powerful and genuinely caring soul. It sounds as though Pete Absolon was indeed one of those forceful and sensitive men, as well.
After his death, I reevaluated my priorities and my life, in general. With such heavy grief and utter despair, I made a committment to myself to live more mindfully and with more clarity and purpose. I decided to do some things I had always wanted to do and never had because I had thought to myself, "I can always do it later" but I realized that is not always possible. I took the money I'd been saving for five years as a downpayment on a house and I enrolled in a NOLS semester. I took a Semester in the Rockies and was lucky enough to have met Pete who passed by with an inexplicably happy "hello" in the hallway at the RM. It was very brief. But, the experiences that I had at NOLS have changed my perspective on life as a whole. I can only imagine that Pete had a huge impact on much of the culture and the family at NOLS and, in turn, on my life. I feel my decision to take a semester course will be the highest return on an investment that I will ever have in my life.
For Pete's family and friends, and Molly in particular, I can only express my most sincere prayers on your behalf. Where do you go from here? What do you do now? I suppose you hold onto your friends and family and tell them how much they mean to you and you rely on that love to carry you through so many memories and so much heartache.
The stories of Pete's intensity and family- and friend-motivated intentions reminded me of a quote from "Peace Is Every Step" by Thich Nhat Hanh. It sounds like his life and your life together was very joyous and filled with peace. I pray that you have that peace now.
"Every morning, when we wake up, we have twenty-four brand-new hours to live. What a precious gift! We have the capacity to live in a way that these twenty-four hours will bring peace, joy, and happiness to ourselves and others.
Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We don't have to travel far away to enjoy the blue sky. We don't have to leave our city or even our neighborhood to enjoy the eyes of a beautiful child. Even the air we breathe can be a source of joy.
We can smile, breathe, walk and eat our meals in a way that allows us to be in touch with the abundance of happiness that is available. We are very good at preparing to live, but not very good at living. We know how to sacrifice ten years for a diploma, and we are willing to work very hard to get a job, a car, a house, and so on. But we have difficulty remembering that we are alive in the present moment, the only moment there is for us to be alive. Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy and serenity. We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment...Peace and happiness are available in every moment. Peace is every step. We shall walk hand in hand."
Shannon Jones
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hillary spizzirri mcatee
Boulder climber
greenwich,ct
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Aug 16, 2007 - 05:29pm PT
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Dear Molly,
I have not stopped thinking of you ever since Cornilia shared the tragic accident of Pete. I wish I could be beside you to hold you & comfort you.
Although we haven't talked in awhile I thought of you & Pete so much in July. John & I hiked to Crestted Butte from Aspen and our guide was a mutual acquaitance, Tim Shortell. I regret that I didn't call to let you know that you were on my mind. Being in the mountains will always remind me of you and Pete.
I pray that with each passing day your agonizing pain will soften and that beautiful memories of Pete will replace your paralyzing sadness.
All my love, Hillary Spizzirri McAtee
(Kent school friend & roommate
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Maggie Shelton
climber
Austin, Texas
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Aug 16, 2007 - 05:53pm PT
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Reading these threads brings back so many memories. I met Pete over 30 something years ago, but have not been in contact for probably 8 years. The pictures show he hardly changed since we were kids. That mischievous grin and happy eyes. Such a passionate, loving, caring person. So full of life and love. So patient. So funny. So giving. It is wonderful to read he never changed.
I have so many memories of Pete. Hanging out with him and Mark and Brian. Playing pool in the basement of the Absolon’s home in Rockville. Laughing through Saturday Night Live episodes. Buying a quart of ice cream and driving around in the family convertible. I remember when Pete first took up climbing. He always loved the outdoors, and he was drawn to conquering those climbs at Carter Rock. I watched from below with admiration, and the occasional thought that he was a little crazy!
Pete went to college at GW in DC, climbing buildings in his spare time. He was going to major in engineering, but changed it to geology because he loved rock climbing. He went on to work at Seneca Rocks teaching and leading climbs for the Gendarme. He loved that place, and it was obvious the people there loved him. He used to remark that each morning, as he drove to the Gendarme, Seneca never looked the same. It was always more beautiful.
I remember meeting Molly and seeing how much Pete loved her. They shared a love of the outdoors in addition to each having such beautiful smiles and sparkling eyes. Their wedding on the mountain was lovely and full of love. Pete had married his soul mate, and it was beautiful. I was so happy to hear about the arrival of Avery. A child from Molly and Pete would definitely be a charm. The stories prove that to be so.
I am very sad that Pete is gone. I keep thinking I am done crying, but then my heart aches for Molly and Avery. So, I try to think of Pete ascending that big Seneca in the sky. Ripples of his love and generosity flowing out. Each of us taking what we have learned from knowing Pete and giving to others. He is still with us all. In our memories and our hearts.
My heart will be with you all on Sunday. Maggie
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maryj
Social climber
salt lake city, UT
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Aug 16, 2007 - 06:17pm PT
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Dear Molly and Avery
I went for a hike this morning to a little summit called Mt Aire in the Wasatch in honor of Pete. I didn’t see anyone the whole way up, on the summit, or on the way down. I devoted my hike to thinking of all the big and small memories I have of Pete…the one that I keep seeing is one that showed me the wonderfully devoted husband and proud dad side of Pete, I think Hutch already described the same memory to you in a prior posting.
It was one of those warm, early-evenings when the light in Lander blasted across your slickrock bench. I listened to Pete tell his whole circle of friends how much he loved you and Avery and how important his family was to his being happy in the world. Hairs on my arm stood up… so devoted, loyal, loving, and personal -- a side of Pete I tucked away in my memory, the one I keep coming back to now.
I wanted to tell you Molly that your family has always inspired me to have a family of my own someday…seeing how it could be done with so much good energy and balance. I will remember how devoted Pete was to keeping his family together as a team, how devoted he was to the people at NOLS he connected with daily, how devoted he was to living his life in balance, getting outside, being in the mountains, and doing all of this as much as he could with you and Avery…what an inspiration.
The imprint Pete made during his lifetime will travel forward in the hearts of so many people. Molly, know that you won’t have to carry his memory forward alone, there will be so many of us to help you along the way.
Mary Jensen
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cml
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, CA
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Aug 16, 2007 - 06:38pm PT
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To Molly, Avery, and the rest of Pete's family,
I vividly remember Pete as my program supervisor on my first CL back in 1997. During our debriefing I remember how amazed I was at how well he understood what our course was like. He was so insightful and so interested to hear us tell our story. He was such a patient listener and so tactful and direct at giving feedback. And of course, he made us all laugh- even when we looked back at some of the difficult moments on the course. I remember walking away from that debriefing feeling so inspired to improve as an instructor,so excited to be alive, and so pumped to be part of such an amazing organization. Thanks Pete.
Amidst the deep sorrow I have been feeling these past several days as I have reflected on my memories of Pete, I have found so much inspiration in the stories and gratitude that have been shared. I am so moved by the positive impact that Pete has made on all of us. It has re-kindled my desire to keep living a life full of adventure, challenge, passion, and commitment to making a difference in the world. Once again, thanks Pete.
Our love goes out to all of you,
Chris Lay (and Elizabeth, Laurel, and Brooke)
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Paul Koubek
climber
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Aug 16, 2007 - 07:06pm PT
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How fortunate we all are to have been influenced by Pete...
Many people have been commenting on his impressive role as a family man and climber... we knew him mostly as a colleague, and our memories of him stem from this. He was an example of genuine integrity and thoughtful support. He stood in that tricky position between upper administration and field instructors at NOLS, and balanced the two artfully. His communication was clear and simple. He wasn't afraid to say no, when it needed to be said. He was easy to admire and feel good about working with.
In March of 2002 I (Paul) worked a canyon course with Steve Hurlihy and Dave Bragg. Pete debriefed us. I remember Steve, obviously impressed, during the course telling us stories of climbing with Pete on the RM mountaineering seminar the previous fall, of Pete sending hard in his approach shoes and listening to a football game on his radio at belay stations ("Dallas, by 7!") Pete unflapped by hard climbing, calm in steep terrain. Pete's debrief at the diner in Richfield was simple, straightforward, graceful. Pete and Molly were just getting used to having Avery in their life - the loaner 5th wheel trailer that they brought to Richfield was as much of a new addition as the baby herself.
It is striking how his living style has inspired so many others to aspire to greater heights. Even in just reading all the notes posted, this is clear.
May we carry forward in positivity and gratitude.
Molly and Avery, and families, we wish you courage and strength.
Steve, our thoughts are with you as well - what a horror to live through.
With tears in our hearts,
Paul Koubek & Rey Johnston
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Mattie
climber
Jackson, WY
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Aug 16, 2007 - 07:37pm PT
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Dear Molly,
How wonderful to often find you and Pete at the base of a climb in Sinks Canyon on a winters day through the years...to watch you grow your beautiful family.
How lucky to have found you this past June on a Sunday morning at the North Country.
And to get to spend a little time getting to know Avery as we read books with our young sons whilst trading time on the rock.
How very great to see you and Pete still cranking, still laughing, cajoling and extorting each other on to great heights and so much laughter.
How fun to feel the warmth and brilliant energy of your beautiful family unit.
We are sending our love to you and Avery to all of Pete's and your families.
Love Mattie, Rex, Alexander, & Lucas
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