Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
Tobey Ritz
climber
miford ct.
|
|
|
Aug 17, 2007 - 09:48pm PT
|
Molly and Avery, you are in my family's thoughts and prayers. Sadly I did not get to know Pete, but after reading many of the stories and descriptions posted, I feel like I do know him in some small way. And even in this way, Pete inspires me to be a better human being, a better father, a better husband, a better worker, a better inspiration to others, and on and on...and clearly this is what he has been doing with all the lives he has touched in so many ways over the years. That is how I plan to honor his memory...to follow his lead...in how he lived his life. I turn to the poet Mary Oliver when I need answers and solace...this quote seems to fit Pete..."the path to heaven doesn't lie down in flat miles. Its in the imagination with which you percieve this world, and the gestures with which you honor it." Clearly Pete is in Heaven...guiding us still. Tobey Ritz
|
|
Moira
climber
Portland, ME
|
|
|
Aug 17, 2007 - 11:21pm PT
|
Dear Molly,
I was lucky enough to have Pete as my leader on a rock-climbing course a few weeks ago. He led my hiking group the first day, and as I panted and struggled along, Pete told me about you, how you met, all your adventures, and your beautiful daughter, Avery, intermittently teaching me how to set my pace to my breath and stay away from the green lichen.
Later that day when Pete’s “short cut” left us a little directionally challenged, he would tell us to take a break, then run ahead to make sure we were heading the right way, drop his pack, run back, and alternate taking my pack and Zoe’s, the other girl in our group. A few hours after our ETA Zoe yelled ahead to Pete, “Pete, if we’re not there in half an hour we’re camping wherever we are!” Pete grinned that illustrious grin and said, “Ok.” Thirty minutes later we arrived at camp.
Everyone was so sad at the first ration when it was time for Pete to return home, but not Pete. As we were waiting for the horses to arrive I asked Pete if you would have a special meal waiting for him. He laughed. “This is the way it works,” he told me. “When I get back from being in the field Molly says, ‘You’ve been out playing in the field all week, it’s your turn to cook.’ And then when Molly gets back from the field she says, ‘I’ve been out working in the field all week, its your turn to cook.” He was so excited to see you two, he ran home (and I assume cooked you dinner!)
I feel so fortunate to have gotten to know Pete and through him both you and Avery. That trip changed me, my goals, and the way I want to live my life, and Pete was an integral part of it. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and Avery constantly.
Love,
Moira Greenspun
|
|
drewsees
Social climber
bozeman, mt
|
|
|
Aug 17, 2007 - 11:26pm PT
|
Dear Molly and Avery,
Working today was relatively futile as my thoughts race back and forth between the sadness I feel and the fond memories I have of Pete and the Absolon's. Jen, Katherine, Lauren, and I just spent three days camping in the Beartooths, a trip planned earlier to escape the smoke drifting in and out of Bozeman, but somehow all the more timely as a fitting way to remember Pete. I feel lucky to have known and climbed with Pete. The trip we did so many years ago on Denali remains one of my best climbing moments. In terms of physically pushing, I think our summit day may have been one of my best. It was a day I know we would not have attempted had we not be clicking. We worked really well together on that trip. We were their to succeed, but we never felt pressured to do something we were uncomfortable with. Despite the pounding headaches that had us doubled over,we had a great time up there.
The next big trip I did with Pete was skiing at the Sorcerer Hut in the spring of 2000. Molly, you were pregnant with Avery and Jen was pregnant with Katherine. How nice it was to reconnect and laugh about the changes we were all dealing with. I was always impressed with Pete's conviction to keep focused on his extracurriculars while adding the role of Dad. I remember thinking "yeah right, Pete. Just wait." Well looks like I was wrong. He managed to keep it all going. Apparently it just meant getting up a little earlier in the morning.
We are thinking of you both....
Always,
Drew
|
|
Alison Frost
climber
Crestone, Colorado
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 12:15am PT
|
I first met Pete after finishing my NOLS Instructor Course. A fellow instructor and I aspired to do some climbing on a road trip and we were in need of a rope and rack. We naively thought we might be able to borrow one from the RMB equipment room.
Of course there are many reasons why NOLS wouldn't lend out technical climbing gear for a personal trip and as Assistant Branch Director at the time, Pete Absolon let us know why. We weren't suprised. But we were shocked when he offered us his own gear.
He drew a map to his house and told us his wife Molly (who had just been my instructor on a Women's Rock & Leadership Seminar) would show us in. We spent the next week practicing extreme "care of equipment", and doing a bit of climbing.
In that first meeting I was impressed both with Pete's professionalism and his human touch. Every subsequent meeting with him only reinforced that.
He was a great person and this is a tremendous loss. My heart goes out to eveyone touched by Pete's life - especially to you Molly and Avery.
With Love,
Alison Frost
|
|
Phil56898079
Boulder climber
New Mexico
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 01:01am PT
|
I'm not sure either one of us was even 17 when we spent
five days in a tent below Seneca Rocks one Spring, with
ice forming on the tent lines, waiting for it to clear.
It never did. When we finally gave up and walked back
across the bridge, it was probably only an hour before
the car interior would have filled with water. I've
often been sorry about the way I did four wheel slides
on wet roads the whole drive out on my bias-ply tires.
It was really insensitive, because I knew that your
brother had died in a car accident. They're right. You
were mellow, and interesting. I was too hyped back then
to realize it.
You started climbing with the same eccentric guy I
started with: Mike Perlis, my high school buddy. Mike
went off to be an eccentric doctor, and you and I had
climbing lives.
I remember you wearing out the very tips of your EB's
while I was still two inches back from the tips. It
wasn't until some years later, when I was already far
away and you were guiding at Seneca that I realized you
were way ahead of the rest of us. And back then, anyone
who pushed further than the pack deserved lots of
credit. I can't recall the details, but you were soloing
some hard routes on your off days at Seneca.
I'll send my prayers for you, and your family.
Phil Olinick
|
|
Craig
Social climber
OH
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 01:49am PT
|
Dear Molly (and Avery):
What a great guy.
As a "Cousin-in Law" I have had the honor of knowing Pete and also harboring a secret envy of his/your expeditions in the great outdoors. Pete always seemed to have a good grasp on his priorities in life - he loved doing what he did for a living, and also absolutely adored you and Avery.
I still feel like I have been punched in the stomach without warning and I hope this doesn't sound too trite, but when Blake is away I feel like she is still here with me. I may not be able to touch her or reach her by cell phone or other means, but she is still with me. With that said, Pete may not be there with you in a physical sense any longer, but his legacy will live on in you and Avery in the years to come. I know his presence will follow you through the years of your lives and continue to be with you as time goes by.
So, here is to Pete, a good man taken way before his time. As an old Irish blessing says,
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind always be at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Love,
Craig
|
|
Liz Tuohy
Trad climber
Lander, WY
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 11:51am PT
|
FLICKR GROUP:
We have created a flickr group dedicated to celebrating Pete's life. On this site you can both share your photos, and download or make prints of photos that have been posted. There is currently only one photo on it, but after the memorial service we will post many of the photos from the memory room. I am hopeful that in the future this will be a good place to go when we just want to see his face again.
The site is:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/pete_absolon/
|
|
MarkLi
Social climber
Basalt
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 12:21pm PT
|
Dear Molly,
A couple of Sundays ago I came through Lander on my way into the Winds. With stores closed and in search of Potable Aqua, I stopped at the RMB Issue Room that morning and ran into Pete for the first time in several years. We had a great conversation and he spoke of his excitement at being the RMB Director, said how great things were going for you and talked some about the conservation easement on the Hansen property. His warmth and light were so palpable, I left feeling uplifted to have spent a few minutes with him. Even my nephews who mostly stood to the side during the conversation, commented as we walked out about what a nice guy he was. And of course, Pete wouldn't hear of my buying anything. Instead he set me up with drops and chased down a fly rod to loan to one of my nephews.
It's clear that Pete had this effect on most people. In years past he had this same effect on Li . . . Being different in Lander sometimes made me feel insecure just being outside my house. But Pete's friendly smile and look always made me feel I belonged, no matter where I saw him. Molly, lovely person that you are, I know you have many friends and family to go to when needed. But please know my home is yours if you ever come this way.
Our love and thoughts go out to you.
Mark & Li
|
|
Teledave
climber
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 12:44pm PT
|
Dear Molly-
I had both you and Pete as instructors on a semester course in 1992. You and Missy White for canyons, and Pete just after for caving in the Black Hills. I have great memories of both of you, and you both had an influence on me. I remember you talking about Pete during much of the 30 days out. How much you missed him, how great he was. After some great days caving with him, I could see your point. He was always calm and positive. Very knowledgeable and just fun to be around. Really an amazing person. I have been away from NOLS since 95, and just started working in Vernal this spring for the river program. I feel very lucky to have become reacquainted with Pete over the last few months. He remembered the course because it was the one where Mark Roy (proctor) cracked a rib "caving" in the bus. That made me feel good, and after that he always called me by name, which he remembered without hesitation, and accompanied with a smile. He could really make a person feel good! That is something we can all aspire to.
You and Avery are in my thoughts.
With Love,
David Klein
|
|
Mabs Sanok
climber
Chimacum, Washington
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 03:08pm PT
|
Dear Molly & Avery,
Chris and I learned of Pete's death from a friend in Seattle who knew of our association with NOLS. While I didn't know Pete well, whenever I heard his name the first thing that popped into my mind was that he had the most engaging and wonderful smile. In reading this forum, it becomes obvious that this smile was a reflection of a life lived full of love, dedication and enthusiasm. To see the web of connections extending through time and space, with Pete at the center, is awe-inspiring. My heart aches for you and Avery as you adjust to life without Pete, but I also rejoice for you both that you loved and were loved so deeply.
Mabs (Curtis) Sanok
|
|
Tahoe climber
Trad climber
a dark-green forester out west
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 04:56pm PT
|
Wow.
I didn't know this guy, but I sure do wish I had.
Just reading this thread has touched and inspired me, at times bringing tears to my eyes.
My deepest consolations to Pete's family and friends, but rest easy, knowing that so much of him obviously lives on in the innumberable lives he's touched. He makes a wonderful example to follow and attempt to emulate - a true hero of a man.
Thanks so much for sharing.
-Aaron Kutzer
|
|
Marit
Trad climber
SLC, UT
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 05:59pm PT
|
Molly and Avery,
Eric has many memories of NOLS instructor seminars with Pete and Molly. Hopefully he'll get on here before we head Lander-way tomorrow morning. I have more memories of Molly, and that's a good thing since Molly, you are the one who will carry on. Molly, you are such a positive woman and an achiever. Spunky, facing your fears, loving your family, graceful but tough. While Pete brought this out in you, it comes from within and its source is in you.
I remember many conversations about nervousness about climbing, about writing, about careers, and about trying to mix and match love, job, climbing, skiing, doing it all. You can do it. You have done it, and done so and been a strong person in the Lander community. It hurts me so deep inside to think of you waking up in the morning and not seeing Pete there, how does one go on? But you will, with grace and ability and even happiness someday. You will make it and someday your smile will be real and strong and all you, and Pete will be in your heart every day.
We'll see you tomorrow afternoon,
Marit, Eric, Forrest, and Wesley Sawyer
|
|
KatieG
climber
Pittsburgh
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 06:13pm PT
|
Molly,
I am heartbroken for you and Avery. I have voyeuristically followed this blog all week feeling helpless and unable to say anything that could in anyway ease your pain. To me - Pete will always be the, oh so very handsome, friendly and funny guy my totally cool cousin married on top of a mountain on a beautiful night.
I feel so cheesy mentioning this, but a few months ago I pulled an advertisement out of a magazine for lululemon athletica and taped it to the wall next to my bathroom mirror.
The copy, in pertinent part, reads as follows:
Want to make a fresh start in your life? Think about the end of your life. . . So think about your eulogy. What do you want people to say? Were you generous? Were you loving? Did you take the time to tell those you loved how much you cared? Did you take the time for your children? Did you take care of your health? Did you teach others to take care of their health? Did you take care of the planet? Did you laugh at yourself? Did you forgive? Did you forget? Did you inspire? Did you teach? Did you become involved in your community? Did you make a difference? And finally, did you wait for the end of your life to decide what your life should be about?
I have used these words (admittedly, I am taking life lessons from Madison Ave) as inspiration as I start my day. To me, the words describe an ideal, goals which someday I hope to meet, to some degree, however imperfectly. Obviously, Pete lived his life meeting all of the above ideals . . . perfectly.
Molly, you were so wise to marry that handsome man on top of the mountain and Avery is such a lucky girl to have him in her mind and heart to guide her throughout her life. I have no doubt that you both will carry the radiance of this beautiful man within and that his love will give you warmth and strength through the hard days and nights to come. Please know that I am sending you my love and prayers.
Love, Katie
|
|
Lize
climber
Bozeman
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 06:43pm PT
|
Dear Molly and Avery. I think Avery was just a baby when I last saw you all in Lander. When I heard about Pete I was instantly brought back to memories of when I lived in Lander and worked at the school with both of you. I always looked up to you both, whether it was the determination I saw in you with your work, or of course the great strength you both showed on the rock. For a new girl to the NOLS world and the world of climbing you and Pete demonstrated to me such profound joy, ability, and love for all that you did. I will always remember Pete fondly. And know that I am thinking of you and Avery.
Eliza Eddy
|
|
timo
climber
Finland
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 07:03pm PT
|
I'm so sorry for you lost Molly and Avery. Also the whole family, you are all in my heart. I wish I where there with you.
I found a picture where Avery looks to her fathers eyes. The look is full of unreserved love and trust. I wish this picture gives stenght to Molly and everyone in sorrow and pain right now. And the memory of that moment, I wish it gives strenght to Avery.
The love that Pete gave to this world will stay here forever.
Deepest condolences,
Timo Virtala,
(Sally's fiancé)
Finland
The picture can be found at http://flickr.com/photos/7926564@N05/
|
|
DPC
climber
Denver
|
|
|
Aug 18, 2007 - 09:47pm PT
|
To the Absolon Family and the NOLS community,
My deepest condolences on your loss. I met Pete as a seventeen-year old wilderness ranger in 1991 at Cliff Lake in the Popo Agie. I'd done my Wind River Mountaineering course the year before, and was always excited to run across a NOLS course while I was on the job. We actually came across Pete's course at Cliff Lake camped, ahem, about 20' off the water, and after asking around among the students found Pete fly-fishing at the inlet, looking very contented. One look at the USFS uniforms, and the look of contentment was replaced by a look of, "oh, sh*t." Needless to say, camp was moved immediately, and from what I heard, Jim Ratz had some choice words with Pete after the course.
I ran into Pete several times when I briefly lived in Lander in 2000; at the Noble, while waiting on him and his beautiful family at the short-lived Amoretti's, and around the RMC. To me he was one of the instructors who embodied what I always loved about NOLS; the strength, the hilarious good-humor, the pranks, and the benevolent charisma. Although I barely knew him, he recognized me quickly 9 years after our encounter at Cliff Lake, and was even quicker to remind me of the circumstances, and to share a good laugh at the memory. Again, my deepest condolences at this terrible loss of a husband, father, and friend. Pete Absolon has joined a pantheon of extraordinary NOLS people whose candles burned very brightly.
Dan Callaghan
|
|
Don Ford
Social climber
Palmer, AK
|
|
|
Aug 19, 2007 - 12:12am PT
|
Dear Molly, Avery and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. As you gather in Lander tomorrow to remember and celebrate Pete's life, the NOLS Alaska staff will join you across the miles. We'll be gathering at our most beautiful flower bed. We, too, will share with each other and send our love to you.
Don, Donna and all of NOLS Alaska
|
|
estaban
Trad climber
Mount Vernon/WA
|
|
|
Aug 19, 2007 - 03:01am PT
|
Dear Molly, Avery, family and friends,
I will be thinking of you all tomorrow, this has been a long week.
We enjoyed a nice gathering here, in Conway, of some 45 folks and 8 children runnning around having fun. The occasion was to celebrate Mary Jo Newbury and Mark Langston's leaving NOLS for pastures new after many years of excellent work for NOLS. As we sat at dinner we took a few moments to remember Pete and his contribution to NOLS as well as the family and friends he leaves behind.
I know there are folks who will be in Lander who would have been here, and there are many of us who wished we could be there. We will be there in spirit and in mind, if not in body.
There were many flowers on the tables tonight, Avery you were in my thought's. There are many beautiful people in the world and I know your Dad to be one of them.
Steve Summers
|
|
wjbechtel
Trad climber
Gardners, PA
|
|
|
Aug 19, 2007 - 08:40am PT
|
Molly and Avery,
I first met Pete when he was guiding at Seneca Rocks for John Markwell. I was young then, but I still remember him being a great guy and an amazing climber. Pete could climb amazingly hard stuff and carry on a casual conversation like he was standing next to you. I also remember his favorite lunch of sardine, dorito sandwiches!
Pete taught my dad to climb. Since then, my dad has run an outdoors club at the high school where he teaches. My dad has since taken hundreds, if not thousands of students climbing. Just think of all the lives Pete has indirectly touched; all that he has contributed to the climbing community.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Pete was a great man, he will be missed.
Bill Bechtel
|
|
sarahc
Social climber
Victor, ID
|
|
|
Aug 19, 2007 - 10:10am PT
|
Dear Molly and Avery:
For the past week, I have shared many laughs and tears with the Teton Valley community as we have recounted memories of Pete. Just a couple of weeks ago, Liz Alva Rosa and I had an adventure up Teewinot. As we were hiking up the trail (that we later lost), we talked about a number of things. You and Pete came up in our conversation....we were talking about people that we know and love. We talked about you two - your kindness towards others, your support for those of us who can't climb like you two, your love for eachother. Molly, you and Pete - your marriage and your passion for life, for parenthood, for adventure, you've touched a lot of people and are truly an inspiration for many of us. I just wish that I had called you two that next week to tell you that you were in my thoughts.
I've got a few specific memories of Pete that jump to the front of my mind....
The first is from our wedding - just after my father in law had made a toast that turned me beet red (I'm not sure if you remember it, but he closed with 'There are two women here tonight that are now called Mother-in-law. I just want you to know, they'd like to be called grandma.') After that toast, Pete came up to me and Don and said that being a parent has been the best adventure that he has ever been on. He was beaming....and telling us, with that trademark Pete grin, that we shouldn't wait to long; that parenthood had not hindered his adventures in any way, but had just made them richer and made him more focused. I also remember the two of you, as well as the three of you, ripping it up on the dance floor that night.
The other Pete memory that jumps out for me right now is at the winter rendezvous, both last year and the year before. The addiction and love of hunting has infected Don as well. And while everyone else was talking about the latest and greatest in snow science, Don and Pete were in the corner telling hunting stories. And during Drew Leemon's presentation last year, I remember Abby finally scolding Pete and Don. We could all hear Pete's stories of hunting over Drew's presentation. Man, was he excited and passionate!
Molly, you have been an inspiration and a role model for me since I met you in 1999. I don't get to see you nearly as often as I would like. You and Avery are in my thoughts constantly. I will see you this afternoon, and hopefully more and more in the future years.
Lots and lots of love,
Sarah Carpenter
|
|
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!