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John Black
Social climber
Boulder, CO
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Oct 27, 2006 - 09:32pm PT
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I met Todd only once: early 90's at Josh. I immediatley reconized him from videos, and was excited to finally the guy in person. I was so interested in what he was doing, but he just wanted to talk about what I was doing instead!
And all I was doing was working on some 12a that Todd could probably solo.
It was so funny: he was trying to give me the beta, but hadn't done the route in so long that he was getting confused. But he was so excited for me.
It was like I was HIS hero rather than other way around, and he didn't even know who I was.
The psych he left me with lasted more than just that trip...
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Hardly Visible
climber
Port Angeles
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Oct 27, 2006 - 09:50pm PT
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Such sad news,
My thoughts and prayers go out to Todd's family and friends.
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Hummerchine
Trad climber
East Wenatchee, WA
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Oct 27, 2006 - 10:06pm PT
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Piton Ron:
Your post at 5:36AM on 10/27/06 was worded perfectly. I could not agree more, unfortunately under such sad circumstances. Thank you.
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gmeamtn
Trad climber
FLG
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Oct 27, 2006 - 10:11pm PT
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thanks to all who have posted their personal accounts of skinner - he's seemed to have a profound impact on the lives of so many in our community.
personally, my time spent with skinner was brief, limited to a slideshow discussion regarding his NG sponsored assault on trango in the mid-90's. during the show in east lansing, michigan, he captivated and held hostage every mid-western climber in attendance, and we marveled at his tenacity for staying on the wall for 2 months. good hell, the stories about winds strong enough to lift a 2-man portaledge and slam it back down onto 1 bolt were terrifying. and the notion of sending up a non-climber [jeff bechtel] to lead and finish one of the final pitches was harrowing! after the show, a large group of us went to a local pub, drank crap beer and told many stories, staying up way too late but managing through todd's infectious enthusiasm. that one encounter solidified his legendary image in my mind, and every trip, whether to hueco, the needles, the tower or yosemite includes imagery of todd.
during every all-night drive to an obscure crag, on every desperate pitch when we're fumbling with gear, and finally when we celebrate the close of each day around the fire drinking beer, sharing a bottle of scotch, and telling tall tales, let's continue to celebrate this man! this friend! this LEGEND...
every possible regard,
a. ells
FLG, AZ
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Gumpydog
Social climber
from WY, currently residing in MN
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Oct 27, 2006 - 10:27pm PT
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As I sit here trying to put my thoughts into words, the tears are still welling in my eyes. This morning I opened the online Casper paper and saw an intro blurb about some climber who had fallen. I happened to notice the name of Todd Skinner in the leadin and it all went downhill from there, eventually leading me to this site.
I briefly knew Todd while in college in the early 80's. I don't recall when I first met him, but I saw him off and on for 2 or 3 years. He always had a big smile and a few minutes to at least say hi. I never had the opportunity to actually climb with him, but I was fortunate enough to get to watch him from time to time. Sometime around '85 he gave a talk on campus about some of his climbing expeditions. One story in particular that I recall was his that of climbing in a valley somewhere in the Middle East that had been painted blue by some wierd French artist who likes to screw with nature. I recall him telling of having climbed way up into a chimney where nobody could posssibly see in or out, and there he saw 3 purple dots that had been painted in all this blue.
I knew Todd was destined to live a life I could only dream of. I never became much of a climber, and upon graduation, I moved out of state, got married, started a family, and my priorities all changed. A year or two later, on a trip back home, we passed through the University, and as we walked through the Union, we saw Todd leaning up against the rail, scoping people. He had that same big grin on his face and he recognized me as we came up. We talked for several minutes before parting ways. That was the last time I saw him.
Over the years, I would always get a thrill when I'd see references to him and his climbing travels, whether it was in one of Galen's articles for Outdoor Photographer, or Bill's National Geographic layouts, or the more recent blurbs in the Wyoming papers talking about his participation in the search for a hiker who had fallen in the Winds. Every time I would see one of those articles, I would think back to a distant past and the few conversations I had with him.
In my life, I have met literally thousands of people, but only a handful stand out as truely remarkable. Todd Skinner was one of those few. While my encounterss with him were few and in the long distant past, I have always referred to him as my friend. Had our paths crossed again, I'm sure he probably would not have remembered me, but I know he'd no doubt have treated me as a friend. I often wondered (hoped) if I'd someday run into him again. Sadly, it was not to be.
To his family and many friends, I send my deepest sympathy and regards. This man touched so may lives, and I feel blessed that mine was one of them. I can tell from the postings on this thread that I am not alone.
So long, Todd. It was an honor to call you my friend.
Craig Shepard
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DAT
climber
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Oct 27, 2006 - 11:33pm PT
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What an incredible collection of great stories on this forum about our old buddy Todd - we‘re all so blessed to have known him, or known of him. Let me add a few more tales - it‘s a bit easier now than four days ago, now my eyes have dried up some. I went to UW with Todd, Orion and Holly and was very lucky to get to know the Bob and Doris as well. What an incredibly rare, genuine, warm, and generous family.
Todd was kind enough to let a novice like me to tag along on some trips to Vedauwoo on occasions, with my other personal climbing icons, Gregg Waterman and Paul P. The sharp crystals there are hard on everyone’s hands (even with lot’s of tape) but one thing I still remember was that Todd’s digits were always the most abused by far! How he could keep those mangled, shredded, gruesome fingers in the cracks and on the face, while pulling off those amazing human fly moves, I’ll never know.
It’s not a stretch to say Todd saved my life. He and Gregg and Royal had just soloed a quick 5.8, so I figured I would go rope less as well, based on the way they flashed it. I got about ten feet from the top, then looked down. My exposure needle quickly went redline and I panicked, froze up and the sewing machine leg thing started - while I began to lose my hold. But there was Todd, looking down at me, displaying his classic, motivating, twisted grin of confidence and said, “no problem, you can do it - go for it!” Thanks Todd, I wouldn‘t be typing this now if you hadn‘t been there. Just wish I could have returned the favor.
As mentioned in a previous post, Todd, Orion & Holly all became extreme alpine skiers (it helps when coach Dad was on the USST). We formed an intramural team (Todd came up with the name “Klammer’s Klan”) and Todd, Orion, me and someone else whose name escapes me (not Franz) ruled the competition for several years. I’ll never forget watching him run gates, in typical rad garb (a bit too cold for lycra though), wearing that huge, open green trench coat - what a sight!
Speaking for myself, and probably a few of us, I’ve lived vicariously though Todd’s adventures and we are so fortunate that because of him, we could dream about being on Trango Tower, on the wall in the Valley or wherever, getting that virtual adrenaline rush, distancing us from the hum-drum, daily routines. While our role model won’t be easy to see in a tangible form now, I know Todd’s certainly with us, encouraging us to try for another ten feet, or reach out in ways we’re unsure of. Heck, he’s already using his new galactic powers, bring us all together here; I just wonder which of the stories told so far have him laughing the most!
To Amy, Bob, Orion, Holly, and all of the extended family - I know you will find inner peace and serenity, as time helps heal the huge void you‘re feeling. We’re all with you in spirit, as is Todd.
To Todd - Thanks friend, for letting us ride with you for a while, and climb on, you cosmic cowboy!
Dan Tauskey
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Rodney Ellis
Boulder climber
South Australia, formerly Texas
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Oct 28, 2006 - 01:44am PT
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I met Todd through his good friends and fellow climbers, John & Carol Gogas. I remember him sharing stories with me about his covert ‘drilling’ which took place at night with the drill wrapped in a large towel to muffle the sound!!! (Places shall remain nameless)
There’s a great camaraderie in the climbing community – the posts here reflect that in abundance. Glad I had the chance to meet such an inspiring and likeable man – so saddened by his death. Condolences to Amy and family and all his close friends … our thoughts are with you
Rodney Ellis & Jude Williams (formerly from Texas, now living in Australia)
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Conner
Social climber
on the road
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Oct 28, 2006 - 02:05am PT
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Have been reading so many beautiful things about Todd all week... they've been lovely reminders... his eyes sparkle and dance even now in my minds eye. I feel blessed to have spent time climbing with him in Josh and the Black Hills and catching up over dinner when our paths crossed at trade shows, slideshows or other events.
Todd was such a gracious host and always a grateful guest. He had incredibly diverse interests and uncanny knowledge. His stories will live on in the hearts and minds of all who heard them. For all his climbing prowess, it was his mind that seemed never to rest. His theories and ideas made for great conversation and often left me pondering for days. Just being around Todd always left me feeling warm and happy. I always thought the phrase "The incredible lightness of being" described Todd.
He once told me that when certain events combined in such a way as to be synchronistic or somewhat magical... such that you knew you were in the right place or doing the right thing... that it was like finding a cairn in life.... and you would know you were on the right path. I have always remembered that and often smiled and thought of Todd when I stumbled onto a "cairn" in my life. I just love that!
What an incredible gift he was to the world...His many contributions will live on...
I only wish he could have.
Todd will be sorely missed... My own sadness has only been eased by my wonderful memories and the stories shared here by others.
My heart and prayers go out to Amy, Hannah, Sara and Jake and to all of their families.
See you in Lander... Connie Self
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SnowyRange
Trad climber
Fox Park, WY
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Oct 28, 2006 - 02:15am PT
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Oh Toddley, as we referred to him when we saw him. Climbed with him a few times in the 70's at Devil's Tower and Vedauwoo and climbing routes beside him. What a treat to run into him. Great guy and an absolute pleasure to be with. Good God what a loss. I can hardly believe it. I was stunned to read the Casper Star Tribune.
What a gentleman, whether climbing with or swapping stories. Todd climbed at the pinnacle of the art. Pushing, pushing climbing to new heights. And remaining tied to his roots in Wyoming.
My condolences to the Amy and the children, the Skinner Family, and all who knew the special,kind person Todd was. Truely a legend for Wyoming and climbing. Fill your hearts with the joy that Todd brought to people all over the Wyoming and the world.
Reminds me again of how fragile life is.
Godspeed and Vaya con Dios Todd, We will all miss you.
Jim Nulle
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Alan Brown
Trad climber
Colville, WA
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Oct 28, 2006 - 02:19am PT
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First things first, my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Amy, Sarah, Hannah & Jake, my pain over these past few days can never compare to the sorrow you must feel at the tragic loss of your husband & father. I hope that these few words offer you some comfort that a great many people in this world share some of your agony.
I like many, others posting here, held Todd in the highest regard as a friend & mentor even though I only saw him rarely. I first met Todd at Skinner Brothers Outdoor Camp in the late 70’s where he was working as a counselor & group guide. His wit, enthusiasm and story telling skills were already well developed at that time. We learned crucial life skills from Todd such as, how to fry trout over an open fire on a stick and eat it off the side of your own hiking boot with a Bowie knife, how to lead a group of impressionable campers carrying 1/3 their body weight 2 miles down the wrong trail on a hot summer afternoon and laugh about it (I swear he had the map upside down) how to build a rabbit snare, what to pack in a survival kit and most important, how to wear the same t-shirt for a whole month without washing it. (My mother never forgave him for that but she did take up climbing at the age of 40 to get over her fear of heights. My raving on and on about watching Todd climb at camp probably had something to do with that as well.) I also remember someone asking Todd to describe the terrain & difficulty of different climbing ratings. (At the time I think there were only a couple of 5.13’s in the world.) Todd got to 5.14 or 5.15 and graphically explained that this grade was overhanging talus.
In 83 when I went to UW stories of Todd climbing the dorms and onto the roof of the cafeteria (I always marveled at the strength and control the traverse over that roof would take) were common though many didn’t believe them. The next time I ran into Todd was in Hueco in 90 or 91. My wife and I were checking out the area on a long weekend to El Paso and we were watching this guy climb through the binoculars. After watching him climb for a few minutes I thought out loud “That has to be Todd Skinner”. We hung around for a while until he came down and it was Todd and I think Paul P. He remembered me from his uncle’s camp over 10 years before and they proceeded to lead us around the area showing us boulder problems that they were working. This tour included a lovely oasis full of bat dung that they called the Devil’s Butt hole. I’m not sure it smelled that good but it had this hideously overhanging boulder problem that you started laying on your back. It went up through a narrow chimney on 1 to 2 finger pockets, Todd cruised it, I couldn’t even start it. I saw him again at the Albuquerque Rock Gym the next spring when he set a competition route for a climbing competition. That was the last time I saw him. I always meant to stop at the shop in Lander and say “Hi” the few times we were through, but I never did. I regret that.
Todd has always been one of my favorite people though I have spent little time with him. I’ve admired him for his passion & skill in everything he does, his quick wit, and his quicker smile. He was ALWAYS fun to be around & that is a very admirable trait.
Todd, you have touched more lives than you know and we are all better for your doing so. May we all inherit a hint of your charisma. Thank you.
St. Peter, open the gates, otherwise he’ll just climb over.
Let ‘er Buck!!!
Alan Brown
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quasitrad
Trad climber
Corvallis, OR
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Oct 28, 2006 - 02:54am PT
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I ran into Todd a number of times through the years at different climbing areas. I remember one time at Hueco around 1986, my friend and I were soaking up the dwindling rays of a November sunset (and a couple brews), having just top-roped a 12a. A frigid breeze froze our hands but our hearts were warm with the satisfaction of accomplishment. Then, Todd walked up with a pair of shoes and chalk bag. He waved and made small talk as if he had all the time in the world instead of 10 minutes until utter blackness. We gushed about the climb as he put on his shoes. “Man that was hard”! “Especially that weird move about 20 feet up”. “Don’t forget that hold way over there”. Dismay gnawed at our thoughts as we avoided asking the obvious question, “You aren’t going to free-solo that thing, are you”? Of course, Todd flowed up it with jaw-dropping ease. We sat there muttering and wondering how someone so congenial could be so good! We couldn’t get resentful because he was too nice. Damn!
Years later I ran into him in Yosemite at Camp 4. I got a spot in the same site that he was in and wondered why he wasn’t hanging out with some elite climbers in some elite climber cabin. He joined the dinnertime festivities with gusto. It struck me that he enjoyed the camaraderie of campfire tales and shared tribulation perhaps more than the stories themselves. It didn’t matter the difficulty of the climb but rather how close one was to the edge of their capabilities and how one cheated fate, once again. Hah! Todd also had a knack of making less capable climbers feel comfortable. While some elite climbers are often aloof and try to intimidate others, Todd was engaging and fun.
Todd was one of the truly good people that I have ever met. My heart goes out to his family.
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wingding
Trad climber
Claremont, California
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Oct 28, 2006 - 03:56am PT
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Hello All...
First I would like to say how truly sorry I am for Amy, the kids, the rest of Todds family and us in the climbing community that have been touched and blessed by just existing on the same planet as Mr. Skinner.
Ive spent hours reading these posts from folks all over the place - some I reconize, some Ive climbed with and around but most just a lot of people that are happy and thrilled they have come in contact with Todd. Such a wonderously joyous guy to laugh, climb, dance, swap outlandish tales and cowboy stories with. No matter what you could always count on the mad-hatters grin of his. Ive spent some time going through the letters and cards I received from Todd and Paul over the years and spelling be damned! Ive got stories to tell!
I met Todd in the late 70's when I was climbing with Paul Piana out here in California. We all met out at Joshua Tree a few times and I can still remember him spending hours teaching me how crack climb and lieback edges. God knows it didnt do any good but he was patient and helpful. Even over campfires and burritos there was always tips and, "come see us in Wyoming this summer". Todd would send me the occational postcards of encouragement just to fool me into thinking I might have some climbing talent.
Well I did go to climb in the country Todd loved so well. I was dragged up (and surprizingly led quite a few) more than a few spires in the Black Hills and thin cracks on Devils Tower. At the FIRST ANNUAL Black Hills CLIMBATHON I can still hear Todds laughter bouncing off the Ten Pins needling me up those crystal encrusted Needles. I have the group photograph on my wall with Mr. Skinner up-front-and-center that big 'ol cowboy grin on his face and a full head of hair on his head.
Well as we all know Todd went on to conquer the world yet everytime I bumped into him whether it was at a western crag, a slide show or the Valley I would see him greet people with an unbridled enthusaium. Always a hand shake and a howdy! He and Paul came to stay a few days soon after the Salathe Wall and we talked about their adventures, art and the such.
Now i find that now my sadness is gone and Todds memory has forced a goofy smile on my face.
Over the next few years i took Todds advice and visited the magic of the Wind Rivers, the Exum Ridge of the Grand Teton various routes on Devils Tower and the Black Hills. He even lent me his tipi for a portion of my honeymoon!
Well sometime in the late 90s i bumped into Todd cragging around some wall around Jackson Hole. Engauged in some "not-for-mere-mortals-5.12b-thin-crack" he stopped what he was doing to invite me to toprope some "out-of-shape-visiting-artist-routes" and joke around with me, poke my ribs with a few "goshes" and invitied me to his spectacular slide show in Jackson Hole. Since i was raring to see and hear of his travels, climbs and friends I didnt dare miss it.
Todd took the stage and during the introduction to the show proceeded to have me stand up in the audience and introduced me because even after all these years he still had a couple of my paintings in the start of his stunning slideshow. That blew my mind! Of all the places, things and people he could of had in that show he used my scribblings. Still had them in there up to '03.
Well the world is a much better place because Todd Skinner has occupied a place in it. His wit, joy of living, that grin, his friendliness, etc...etc... I was showing one of my college art classes, Paul Pianas "Big Wall" book yesterday, showing them photos of determidation, team work and talking to them about Todd. Though I had just fleeting visits, climbs and connections to Todd I still considered him a friend and i wanted to show and talk to the students how a life is well lived and played out to the fullest extent.One of the students mentioned, "That he (Todd)looked like he had the focus of God but the sense of humor of the Devil".
Boy...its a damn shame. There will be stories and campfire legends about Todd Skinner for years. I'll tell some myself and pass some onto my kids but Todd was an original, a mentor and a friend and i'll miss him. I hope members of his family read all these tales and testamonials and find some comfort in them. He was a hell of a guy.
I'll be there in spirit on the 28th. I'll light a candle for you. Miss you buddy.
My Prayers go With You and Your Family;
Gary Geraths
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meatpaw
climber
ca
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Oct 28, 2006 - 06:54am PT
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you know... i certainly didn't know todd well. i had beer with him once or twice at the lander bar, but many of my climbing friends were really close to him and quite wonderfully (and unavoidably) affected by todd. so, instead, as a climber, i grew up around todd stories. stories about carrots flying off el cap followed by tirades taken on the way to the van from those who ended up on the business end of the carrots, about waking up to gunfire in what was to become pete's at hueco, about beta for "pockets" that were little bitty dishes, about trips into the wilderness that were made bountiful because of some kid who could hit birds and small mammals by throwing rocks, and about blow torches and cracks filled with axle grease. beyond the stories,
i also got to experience the hospitality and spirit he inspired; the will to take pleasure in doing it the hard way because climbing was about growth, about not rushing but pushing, and most of all, to understand that climbing was about people and community. when someone asks what inspires one to climb, why in the hell people do it; well, it is people like todd that are the answer. they bring together and support amazing communities, they inspire countless people to keep working, to not give up, to have fun and take joy in the struggle, and to rejoice in the fellowship that this pursuit provides. todd made everyone around him a better person; his vehicle for this was climbing. for this, i think i can say that i am eternally grateful to both him and his family for this wonderful gift. rest in peace.
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K. A. Koski
Social climber
Aurora, CO
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Oct 28, 2006 - 08:12am PT
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Dear Skinner Family,
Todd touched so many lives, and from recent experience I know how comforting it is to hear these stories, so I feel compelled to tell you how he impacted our family. My brother, Ken Koski, had been missing in the Wind River Mountains for five days in September. To make a long story short, Todd was one of the two climbers that found Ken on Bonneville.
It appeared to Todd that Ken was standing on top of the peak (probably taking pictures), and the weather had probably changed quickly, bringing a strong wind that blew him off. Todd estimated that Ken had fallen 400 to 500 feet, but because of the ruggedness, and shadows of the rocks, he could not be seen from helicopters searching the area. While waiting for the helicopter to come, Todd found the chip from Ken's camera and slipped it back in. As a result, we have over 300 pictures that Ken took on this last trip, including 5 or 6 of himself that we will treasure forever.
Ken knew Todd, and Paul Piana as well, and would always attend any presentations either were giving in the area when he could. Todd put himself at risk to find Ken, not because he knew him, but because someone of his expertise was needed to search that part of Bonneville, and he volunteered. For this we will be forever grateful.
An interesting note. Ken was buried on September 20th, and I read where Todd's mother passed away on that day. When we were at the cemetery, we noticed that Ken's gravesite was next to a headstone marked "Skinner", and we found that ironic and comforting.
Cheryl, Ken's wife, plans on attending Todd's sevices. We feel your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'm sure you are like us, and are finding some comfort knowing he died doing something he was so passionate about. We are fortunate to have so many great memories, and our loved ones will live forever in our hearts.
K. A. Koski
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WhistleStop
Social climber
Bay Area, CA
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Oct 28, 2006 - 11:12am PT
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Howdy -
I am not a climber but a family member and I wanted to say how much the forum has helped this week. I have sat reading this forum each night in our hotels as we drove out to Lander from the Bay Area, CA - and then I would sit back and think of all the crazy family moments in the last 11 years that Todd took part in and smile. So I thought I would share a few with you…
I was lucky enough to marry into the Whisler family and get to call Amy & Todd my Sister/Brother in Law. Due to his speaking schedule, I actually did not get to even "meet" Todd until after Scott and I had said our vows - and Todd was one of the groomsmen! He had flown into town, slides, projectors, and all, just in time to put on a monkey suit, show up at the church and take part in our wedding. I was actually introduced to him while taking the group photos after the ceremony. One of my favorite wedding photo's is of all the wedding party being silly while Todd with that grin of his leans over and gives my hand a kiss. The ham-it-up/grin-and-have-fun-with-it attitude was present and active that night!
It was also present the time my then 11 month old daughter and I were walking to the house on Lucky Lane and were unexpectedly pelted with flying watermelon after a fireworks “experiment.” Or one Thanksgiving at the house at Hueco Tanks when my daughter wanted a crown like her finger puppet and Todd and Lucie cooked up a crown made out of a Nilla Wafer Box for “Queen Zilla”. Five-plus years later that crown still exists and is sometimes still worn!
My son Austin (now 5) remembers Todd as the guy who taught him it was OK to pee on a tree!
The one memory that always makes me smile is the time I called Lander to talk to Amy about a family event and Todd answered. He was on Daddy duty because Amy was out and told me some joke and then said hold on a moment he had to make dinner. I heard a can open, some digging in a drawer and a plunk and then he called Supper is Ready. When he picked the phone back up I asked what was for dinner and he said “Can O’Beans because Jakie likes them that way” … I could see the grin through the phone line that night. I am still not sure if the kids got more for dinner but just typing this makes me smile and be amazed at the off the wall humor of Todd.
I was checking my emails last night and got an email from my co-leader of my daughters Girl Scout troop. She was able to swing setting up a rock wall event for the girls at our next meeting. Since she did not even know I had left town or why – I think Todd must have had some part in swinging that.
Thanks, Mollie Whisler
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unimog
climber
windy corner in the west
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Oct 28, 2006 - 02:22pm PT
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To Amy and the family,
and all others. I can't express in words my heartfelt sorrow at the loss of Todd. He was one of the finest individuals I have ever known and I have fond memories of climbing and socializing with him from trips in Wyoming to the old outdoor retail days in Las Vegas when we would all wake up in the desert, go climbing in the morning, then go to the show in the afternoon when it would get too hot.
Sincerely,
Sasha
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NathanF
climber
Lander, WY & now New York, NY
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Oct 28, 2006 - 02:36pm PT
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I'm incredibly fortunate to have lived in Lander and had Todd and Amy among my friends. I moved to New York this Fall and since I can’t be there today I find myself at this forum instead.
So thanks to all who've posted, this is a great way for scattered friends and contacts to feel a little less remote.
The force of repetition in these messages really has it right about so much of what made Todd special: his charisma and contagious enthusiasm, his generosity, his love for adventure and a good joke, the focus and intensity that he brought to climbing and to life.
Todd was both a great story-teller and an intense listener, a disciplined and self-motivated athlete with an uncanny ability to find and engage others as a coach and motivator. He was a wonderful friend.
I'm super lucky that my last day climbing in Wyoming this summer was with Todd and other good friends. I remember after hours of gut-splitting jokes I found myself top-roping on a route harder than I could get up, and pretty soon I thought I'd done enough to be tired and satisfied, but then there was Todd behind me, "Wait! You've at least got to do these next two moves!" And how could I refuse?
So he coached me through those moves, and when I came down there was that excitement in his eyes, just because of this one fun move on an everyday little sport climb. That day and so many others were that much better because of Todd’s enthusiasm.
So to Amy and the family and everybody in Lander, my thoughts are first with you today. I wish I were there to share food and stories and begin turning old memories into new. Other days will come.
I remember two years ago at the Fourth of July Todd stopped by late, just to drop off fireworks. He couldn't stay to eat or even to watch, but maybe some part of him just wanted to know that we were blowing things up on his behalf. It’s raining in New York today, but I think if there’s a fireworks stand anywhere in this city, then by god I’m going to find it.
Godspeed, Todd. We’ll miss you.
Nathan
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frescatab
Social climber
New York, New York
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Oct 28, 2006 - 03:19pm PT
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Condolences from Brooklyn on Saturday, October 28, 2006:
I send my sincere condolences at the time of their loss to the Skinner and Whisler families, especially to Amy and her brother, Garold (with hopes that he calls me soon). I was shocked to see Todd's obituary this morning as I sat down with my coffee to read yesterday's New York Times.
I remember vividly my meeting Todd in January 1992 when I was on an extended vacation to Las Vegas, Lander and Salt Lake City with Garold, who lived then in New Orleans. I wrote in my journal of that meeting: "I like the way Todd said, 'My God, how the hell are you.' Amy has glued a photograph of him onto an old Wheaties cereal box, and it looks like it belongs there; it fits."
Also, from my journal, I found one of Todd's observations and I think it fitting to add here:
"Todd said [recounting his climbing trip to Vietnam], 'Whenever I think something is undoable, insurmountable, I think of that [Vietnamese] farmer plowing his pond with his water buffalo and the leeches in the rice paddies.'"
Though I never had the occasion to enjoy Todd's company since that vacation, I have often thought of him, of his warmth and welcome, and his legendary bravery.
"Not a whit, we defy augury; there is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow. If it be now, 'tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come: the readiness is all."
William Sterling Walker
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Jaybro
Social climber
The West
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Oct 28, 2006 - 03:25pm PT
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Maybe it's time for a specific 'Wacky Todd stories' thread.
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Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, Ca
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Oct 28, 2006 - 03:33pm PT
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I think it might be best to keep the Todd stories here - easier to keep track of.
With the new multi-page threading (20 posts per page), this will serve as an easy-to-find
(and navigate) archive for future reference - without having to track down multiple threads.
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SuperTopo on the Web
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Let us know!