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inhisfootsteps
Sport climber
Out West where the climbin's always good.
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Oct 26, 2006 - 01:48am PT
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Dear Ms. Lehmann,
Thank you very much for the reply to my post. No, Holly is my aunt- I can seriously see her making a chalk bag though. It seems so Holly. I hope you will stop and join us at Sinks Canyon for my Uncle's birthday party. Details can be found by emailing me or on this website in the posts. Im sure everyone would be stoked to see you. Thanks for the advice, I have mixed feelings about going back to climbing as it was climbing that ended my Uncle Todd's life. I am still in denial, I think all of us are but what really helps is that I keep reading these posts. I cant stop!! I really like hearing stories about him. I really do. I'm sure that he wouldn't want me to stop climbing but then again, I dont know if I want to go without him. (if that makes any sense whatsoever)We did this AMAZING crack climb this summer about two hours south of Lander. We went with these two guys who I had never met before and we climbed from 10 in the morning to almost 530. It was the BEST!
I remember last year at the Climber's festival, my younger sister and I went with Todd. We were amazed that everyone knew him and we walked around saying "yeah, Todd's our uncle. Why...you want to meet him?" We were SO proud to have him related to us amature climbers. Even when we went climbing with Hannah, Jake and Sarah, he let them climb up a little bit and then just bounce on the rope, they thought it was the best thing ever. I love to talk about him now and I love hearing stories. Thanks so much for the posts, I am saving each and every one to the computer and printing them out.
Much appreciation,
Becca Skinner
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Matthew
climber
Lander
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Oct 26, 2006 - 01:55am PT
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I spent this past summer in Lander, my first. Being part of that incredible community was both humbling and inspiring. The community will not be the same without him. My heart truely goes out to his family all the great friends that he leaves behind. What an inspiration he is to anyone that has a passion for something in this world!
Blessings to the Skinner family and the Lander community.
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bruce800
Big Wall climber
Colorado Springs, CO
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Oct 26, 2006 - 02:06am PT
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My God... why did it have to be Todd....
I met Todd back in 1987 while climbing in Buoux France. It had been raining hard for three days and it was very muddy and still raining. Nevertheless, there was Todd with his irrepressible, amazing spirit, getting the whole camp excited about climbing dry overhanging rock. A new photographer has shown up on the scene to take pictures, Beth Wald. It made an impression on me that I have never forgotten. Over the years, each time I ran into Todd, there was his simply amazing – do anything for you – spirit. Here was a man who was not afraid to do what he loved to do. And me, I kept the dumb job. I have met so many people and still I have not found anyone that matches the amazing energy Todd had. I envy all those that had the incredible privilege to enjoy a lot of his company. Amy, my sincerest condolences to you and the entire family.
May his spirit live on in all of us as a reminder for us TO LIVE.
Todd I love you and I will miss you. :(
Bruce Vollmer
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KenR
Social climber
Park City, UT
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Oct 26, 2006 - 02:07am PT
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Not really sure what to say here...just found out about this today and I'm shocked and so, so sorry. I only met Todd once, but pretty much grew up with Amy and the Whisler family in Mt. Charleston, Nevada.
My family's thoughts and prayers are with you-
Ken Reynar
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Lezlie Lehmann
Trad climber
Van Nuys, Ca.
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Oct 26, 2006 - 04:22am PT
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Hi Becca,
This is my second draft of this note to you, as the first try didn't post for some mysterious reason, but I will try again. Thanks first and foremost for responding to my earlier note to you personally. I can tell what a special and wonderful person you are in your own right because of your heartfelt and eloquent expressions here on this site. I, too am comforted by the communing that is being shared here for a man whose brilliant light was snuffed far too soon. I don't have to tell you that when Todd was with you he was looking into YOU and never through you. Wherever Todd went he was always surrounded by people and he was truly the Greatest "Rock" star I've ever known, although he never let his achievements or his fame taint him or tempt him from being true to his home spun values and ideals, though that didn't mean he was always law abiding at least as far as some so-called "officials" were concerned. Todd set his own rules for living and what was right for him was also right, period! It was Todd that led a midnite brigade into the "Round Room" in Hueco Tanks State Park so that about 2 dozen of us could celebrate my husband's birthday in Feb '86 in fine style with cases of beer, snacks, and a boom box, and when the Rangers got whiff of it and came haulin' after us, it was Todd that stood tall in the face of these pissed off officials who tried to round us all up and bust us for tresspassing. While the rest of us crawled on our chickenshi- bellies trying to hide underneath the desert underbrush, Todd sweet talked the Rangers out of busting us all by forking over all our unopened beer and apologizing sincerely for causing such a ruckus and disturbing them so late at night- Todd literally saved our sorry butts from being busted that night. And though none of us offered him a "Belay" he was just relieved and happy to have "free soloed" that somewhat heinous route with the Rangers right on his tail!
Todd always had the most interesting and offbeat music to train to in the Quonset Hut while we climbed around the indoor gym he and his buddies built themselves; my favorite was a 16 minute instrumental by "New Order," that I think was called "Elysia."
And he always had music accompany him on his projects such as "The Gunfighter." He also was scouting around for brave souls to belay him and catch his "whippers." Todd embraced falling as much as he embraced climbing and encouraged me to overcome my fear of falling off a route, by actually practicing controlled falls; falling with intention to fall!!! Todd himself could be heard through the desert floor whooping and hollering like a rodeo wrangler being bucked off a bull when he casually took a 40 ft. or more whipper off a steep wall. He must have been a flying trapeze star in his last life.
I always knew that as much time as Todd spent away from his family, was as much as he spent time reliving his childhood spinning tales about his family that kept us all in stitches and made us feel that we knew all the Skinners so well. I am so glad that he found his soul mate in Amy and together they created a beautiful legacy in all three of their children. His love will live on through them and the love that was shared between him and those of us who connected with him in any way that was positive, is his living legacy. As we always have, we will speak of him often and He will be remembered, cherished, and missed always.
Becca, know that you have the support of a vast world community of people who truly grieve with you and your family and are wanting to help ease your pain - I so wish I had the means to travel from L.A. to Landers to be with you all as you celebrate your Uncle's meteoric and masterful life this weekend, but I promise you I will be there in Spirit. Wherever Todd is he knows he is deeply loved and appreciated - I truly believe that, Becca and I hope that you and your family and friends will find the solace and comfort that brings you the peace that passes all understanding, because there's just no way to make any sense out of this tragic loss.
Warmest Wishes to You and Yours, Becca
Lezlie
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arnoilgner
climber
la vergne, TN
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Oct 26, 2006 - 04:45am PT
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"Live your life like a thrown knife." Skinner
Good bye my friend, my mentor, my hero.
arno
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speimanes
Trad climber
Cologne Germany
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Oct 26, 2006 - 07:37am PT
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Dich zu verlieren war sehr schwer.
Dich zu vermissen noch viel mehr.
Aber die Erde hat kein Herz,
fühlt kein Mitleid, keinen Schmerz,
sie ist gerade wie das Meer.
Was sie einmal hat, gibt sie nicht mehr her.
Du wirst in meinem Herzen leben.
Du warst einer in unserem Leben.
Nur wer vergessen wird, ist tot.
Du wirst leben.
Jupp
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Oct 26, 2006 - 09:14am PT
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Gee, this thread shows just how many SuperTopians there are out there, beside the regulars.
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redpoints
Sport climber
Vancouver, BC
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Oct 26, 2006 - 10:05am PT
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Todd Skinner was my very first climbing "idol/hero" whatever you want to call it... My brother and I met Todd, Amy and a few-week-old Hannah the very first climbing trip we ever took, back in 1998. It was a freezing cold July day at the Wild Iris, and I still remember it to this day as if it was yesterday. Todd's climbing vision and legacy influenced me more than anyone's.
My most sincerest condolences go out to Amy and the kids, and Todd's siblings and father. I can only imagine the sadness they must feel, and the huge void left by Todd's passing.
"To Steve and Matt,
The wild dreams have the most magic."
Todd Skinner, Amy Whisler
-Todd's dedication he wrote to us in the bookflap of Big Walls.
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bill sprague
Sport climber
albuquerque, nm
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Oct 26, 2006 - 10:40am PT
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Although I haven't seen Todd or Amy in years, I have great memories of climbing in Lander in the mid-nineties. He promoted inclusiveness in a time where people being very exclusive and elusive with climbing spots, training and methods. He made every indivdual feel like a part of the team, no matter their particular climbing ability. Todd is one of those inspirational figures that ups the enegery level no matter who is climbing what. His charisma and verve is a tragic loss to the worldwide climbing community and the countless climbers he has inspired.
"Just barely is more than enough" -Todd
Billy Sprague
Albuquerque, NM
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Dougald
climber
CO
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Oct 26, 2006 - 10:54am PT
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Where to start?
The crazy adventures? (Getting shot at while climbing in Mexico jumps to mind.) The inspirational and improbable climbing? (The suggested rack of 14 No. 2 RPs for Hollow Men at Devils Tower was a mind-blower.) The wild and fantastic photos? (BIll Hatcher's shots of Todd and Paul on the Salathe Wall changed climbing forever.) The goofy grin? (A photo of Todd gleefully watching John Bachar hang-dogging at Smith Rock is forever etched on my brain.) The long, colorful route names? (Rode Hard and Put up Wet entered my vocabulary through the Wild Iris guidebook.)
Todd's life and tales are deeply woven into the story of climbing in the ’80s and ’90s. I imagined him like Beckey, still making us shake our heads in amusement and amazement well into his dotage. What a loss....
Dougald
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bob d'antonio
climber
boulder, co
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Oct 26, 2006 - 11:25am PT
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My first "Todd encounter" was at Vedauwoo in the 1981 or 82. Big grin, friendly as can be and always wanting you to do your best. Our paths crossed several times in the following years and I always had the upmost respect for Todd...not only for his tremendous climbing ability but...his kindness and caring as a human being.
This is really sad.
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kdcpeloton
Mountain climber
No. Cal
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Oct 26, 2006 - 11:42am PT
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Todd's generosity stays with me -- especially when he let a team of 10 Israeli climbers and film crew stay at his place last fall before the team's attempt to help one one of their own with ALS get up the Nose.
The following has always given me comfort in times like this. I hope it does for Todd's family and wide circle of friends as well.
(From an Indian Death Song)
Do not stand at my grave and weep –
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star light at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
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Lezlie Lehmann
Trad climber
Van Nuys, Ca.
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Oct 26, 2006 - 11:46am PT
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Hi Becca,
I have some photos from our year long No. American tour alongside Todd from the Summer of '85 through Spring of'86 and then again at Joshua Tree in 1991 when my first born son was 11 mos young, that I'd be happy to share with you and your family, if you'd like. This is my e-mail address: lezliel2000@yahoo.com
Blessings,
Lezlie
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John Galt
Big Wall climber
puerta Natales, Chile
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 26, 2006 - 11:56am PT
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There is also a memorial fund established in the children's name:
Skinner Memorial Fund
c/o Atlantic City Federal Credit Union
704 West Main Street
Lander, WY 82520
307-332-0299
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John Galt
Big Wall climber
puerta Natales, Chile
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 26, 2006 - 11:57am PT
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A friend of Todd's family asked to pass this on:
Yes, the memorial service is totally open to the public. In fact, please spread the word. The service is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, which would have been Todd's 48 birthday. There will be a potluck meal, so if possible bring a dish. Also, the event is outside, so bring warm cloths and photographs/cards/memories for a memorial book for Todd's family. The location is the Sinks Canyon field station for Central Wyoming College, Sinks Canyon Road (about five or so miles south of town on the left as you head toward Sinks Canyon.)
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elemental
Gym climber
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Oct 26, 2006 - 12:08pm PT
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Here's a memory from Sam Lightner, during the early days at Hueco.
"You son of a...."
Said by Ranger Bob after he accused Todd of having a drill. He made Todd empty his pack and Todd refused on the last item. He yelled, Todd relented, and then pulled out a waffle iron.
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speimanes
Trad climber
Cologne Germany
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Oct 26, 2006 - 12:25pm PT
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To lose you was very hard.
Missing you even much more.
But the earth has no heart,
and feels no sympathy, no pain,
it's exactly like the ocean.
What it once had, it doesn't give back anymore.
You will live in my heart.
You were one in our lives.
Only the one who is forgotten is dead.
You shall live.
Sincerest condolences to his partner,his family and friends.....
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Howie
Trad climber
Calgary, Alberta
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Oct 26, 2006 - 12:36pm PT
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Always a sad loss when its one of us.
I only met the guy very briefly years ago but everything people have wrtten here certainly came flooding though at that meeting. A super guy in my book.
My heart goes out to all his family, especially his wife and children.
Howie.
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