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Mountain climber
Bridgton, ME
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Aug 23, 2007 - 08:46pm PT
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Dear Molly and Avery,
We have a candle lit. Pete will not be forgotten - not tonight nor for all the nights to come. We think of the two of you all the time and are sending love & hugs across the miles.
Laura & Stefan
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Mary Absolon
climber
Edina, Minnesota
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Aug 24, 2007 - 08:23am PT
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It's morning in Minnesota. Our son was to have returned from his Alaska NOLS course this morning, but came back to be with us in Lander. Then our wonderful idea was to drive our son, Chris, back to Denver via Lander so he and Pete could visit and talk about what proved to be the experience of a lifetime in Alaska.
So, I'm going to light a candle tonite and still share about Alaska.
We love you Pete. May you be with us always as we pick up the pieces little by little each day. We miss you so....
Love,
Mary, your sister
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Janos
Trad climber
Charlottesville, VA
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Aug 24, 2007 - 11:00am PT
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Molly
I'll always remember Pete as someone willing and eager to give good advice and support to climbers of lesser ability. His presence was a positive contribution to my visits to Seneca Rocks. My thoughts are with you and your daughter.
John Gathright
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sally
climber
Finland
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Aug 26, 2007 - 12:19pm PT
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I'm in Finland with my sister Sally. I'm torn about being here—my first thought was to escape Lander and the ghosts for a while to try to come to terms with my new life, but now I feel so very far away from all the people who knew and loved Pete that it is very hard to be away. I recognize most people have finished posting here, but I have come back again to try to help me cope. Thank you all for your memories. I just wish with all my heart that we could bring him back...
molly
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climbluedog
Trad climber
AZ
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Aug 26, 2007 - 01:21pm PT
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Molly and Avery- continued thoughts and prayers for you both- When asked if I knew Pete shortly after his accident, I was both pleased and honored to say , yes- even though it was only once- I love being able to say it- yes, because I was able to personally experience one time a glimpse of what others got to experience over more time as evidenced by so many thoughtful heartfelt posts. Sad because with all my NOLS connections, it won't be more often. but I do hope to cross paths with you and Avery again-
Be well, Molly, as you figure out just what that means to you now....
Lisa E.
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jim woodruff
Sport climber
maryland
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Aug 26, 2007 - 03:23pm PT
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so sad. can't possibly understand something like this. in the end all we have to show for our lives is those we loved and those who loved us so pete clearly lived well.
as a climber he was always "just around the corner" in my early days. moving way too fast and elegantly to be spotted in the wild. i would always know that he was living in a sphere that i could admire, fantasize about, but never travel in.
i admire him for following his bliss in life. we most acutely feel the loss of those who have truly lived.
jim woodruff
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Jim P
climber
Boulder, CO
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Aug 26, 2007 - 04:00pm PT
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First, my condolences to Pete's family during this difficult time.
I am a cousin of Pete's mother living in Boulder, CO. Since I've seen such an outpouring of support for the family, for everyone's information, I'm copying the following article which appeared in yesterday's Boulder paper. It gives an update of the investigation into Pete's accident.
By Bob Moen
Asso. Press
Cheyenne, Wyo. No criminal charges will be filed against a man who threw a bowling ball-sized rock over a cliff, hitting and killing another man climbing below, a prosecutor said Friday.
Fremont County Attorney Ed Newell said a number of factors went into his diecion not to file criminal charges, including the fact that drugs and alcohol were not involved. Newell has refused to identify the man who threw the rock, saying only that he recently returned from military service in Iraq.
Pete Absolon, 47, died instantly when he was struck by the rock Aug. 11 while climbing the Leg Lake Cirque in the Wind River Mountains near Lander, 220 miles northwest of Cheyenne. Absolon was the Rocky Mountain regional director of the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander.
Newell said Absolon's widow has the option of pursuing a civil case.
The man, who had no prior record, was hinking with several others on top the cliff when he threw the rock weighing about 15 to 20 pounds over the ledge and down a sheer rock wall, Newell said.
"He had no idea that there was anybody below," Newell said.
The man then leaned over and saw the rock hit Absolon, immediately calling his friends for help and running to the bottom of the cliff to check on Absolon, Newell said.
"He could have easily walked away, and it would have been assumed that the rock had simply fallen due to natural causes," Newell said.
In making his decision not to file charges, Newell cited the man's remorse and said he took responsibility and cooperated with investigators.
Still, Newell said throwing the rock over the ledge without checking to see if anyone was below was "crmininally negligent or reckless."
"Mr. Absolon died needlessly, leaving a wife and young daughter to live their lives without his love and support," Newell said. "We all need to understand that a moment's carelessness can kill."
Jim Peterson
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KB lander
Trad climber
Lander
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Aug 26, 2007 - 04:06pm PT
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I took a long walk up the Middle Fork trail this morning and was overcome with sadness over Pete's loss and pain over Molly and Avery's insurmountable grief. It was warm, but there was a hint of fall in the trees and sky. With a view of Lizard Heads peak in the distance, I looked down and saw elk tracks, really BIG elk tracks. And, it made me even sadder to think that Avery would not get the chance to go hunting with her dad. And then, I actually caught myself smiling because I remembered that Avery had gotten to go hunting with Pete. There was the time in fall 2001 when Pete and I found a herd of elk in a big meadow by Dickinson Park and, being tired and unprepared, never got a shot off. Pete told me later that week that he drove back there the next day with Avery, left her in the truck, ran to the meadow to see if the elk were there, and then, freaking out about leaving Avery, ran back to the truck. I'm not sure if he ever told Molly about that one, but Avery was just fine. Then, the next year when the 3 musketeers (Pete, Gary, and I) failed on our antelope hunting expedition, I guess Pete decided Avery would be a better hunting partner. They drove up by Atlantic City, Avery proudly riding along according to Pete, spotted an antelope, killed it and returned home to show Molly. So, there you go Aves. You are indeed the experienced hunter of a very proud dad!
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kitsap climber
Mountain climber
WA
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Aug 26, 2007 - 07:57pm PT
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Molly,
I am very sad to have missed out on the privilege of knowing Pete, and I have never met you, either. But I just wanted to add my words of sincere sympathy to all of those written and spoken before.
Even though you may feel every one of the miles between you and that amazing community of friends and family that you are a part of, please know that you are right there in their thoughts and hearts. Their memories of Pete, and their love for him and you will always be there to share and take comfort in, no matter where you go in your life, long after the postings here have stopped.
I want you to know that I have taken a lot of inspiration from what I have learned here of Pete, and the life that he shared with you and Avery. Please know that from this, even a stranger can be inspired to re-examine his life and remember to live every day with passion and energy.
I wish for you peace and healing, more and more each day.
Sincerely,
John Sears
Hansville, WA
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blairstone
climber
lander
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Aug 27, 2007 - 12:23am PT
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dear molly, lander is still here and we are all still with you, even across oceans. the memories and stories of pete, and the sadness of his loss, are still here as well. he is not forgotten. we send you all of the love and peace and hope we can find between lander and finland...
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Janeen
climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 27, 2007 - 12:50am PT
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Everyday I read these posts, it is amazing to see the outpouring of love from the people that Pete encountered throughout his rich life. I lit a candle tonight for Pete, I like the idea of that ritual.
Tomorrow our season at NOLS SW starts. It feels strange to be so far away from Lander, and to start our season without Pete. That might sound strange but Pete was an integral part of my first year down here. Frequently I would call him for advice and he always took the time to coach me through hard decisions or just listen to my ideas. He was always excited to chat and help me problem solve even if he was super busy. I loved that when I called he would say "Hey buddy". I can hear it now, "Hey buddy" in the silly way he would say it. I know as our fall season moves into full swing Pete will be with me. Although when I am stuck and need advice I wont be able to call him, I will still be able to say "What would Pete do?". And I know he will be there in spirit helping me along.
At the memorial I was hanging out with Aves and we were looking for some items she had miss placed, it seemed that when we would find one thing she would discover something else was missing. She looked to the sky and said "Oh Daddy, you're playing tricks on me!" I had to hold back my tears because it was simultaneously very sad and beautiful that Avery and all of us now have to redefine how we have Pete in our lives. Beautiful because he will always be with us in our own special way and at the memorial it was apparent that Bravery Avery had her Dad by her side, looking over her, always with her.
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maura kistler
climber
Fayetteville, WV
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Aug 27, 2007 - 10:43am PT
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Dear Molly,
It is amazing to read this blog and see the evidence that Pete continues to inspire and motivate people even after his death. What an incredibly powerful example he has set for us all. Tell Avery that our family will light candles for Pete too. We will look forward to hugging you both when the Seneca Rocks gathering happens. We will be in touch.
All our love,
Maura, Gene, Philip and Kate
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Lynn Morrison
climber
portland, or
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Aug 27, 2007 - 02:13pm PT
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Molly,
I can relate somewhat to your feeling of being far away from those who knew and loved Pete, but also know and love you!
The attempt is to live in the present, to try and calm the mind, the thoughts....the struggle. To do things that help ground me to the present, i play with amos for kids are most often living in the present moment, i do yoga and sit for that grounds me further, i focus on the breath, feel the sun...
Nurture yourself in all ways possible, walk, look around you, enjoy nature, maybe there you will feel closer to Pete and others...
Journal and see if writing will help clear the mind.
take good care of yourself, be gentle, cry when you need to
much love and blessings to you!
lynn
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camilla
climber
boise,id
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Aug 27, 2007 - 04:38pm PT
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I have been waiting to post a message here. Waiting for the right words or understandings or moments or insights... Needless to say, those have not come and I am still in shock that this has happened. I think about you daily, Molly, and you as well, Avery.
Arya can tell you from her 4-year old brain that Pete died, and that sometimes Dad's die because Pete was Avery's dad. In some ways I think it makes more sense to her. Life just is. Some of it is hard, most of it is great!
I am so grateful that I knew Pete as a friend, parent, co-worker, climbing partner... I know that the community will be okay without Pete, but different. Molly and Avery, I know that you will be okay without Pete, but different. I am sad that this is the reality. I send you my love and support.
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Lynne Wolfe
Trad climber
Driggs, ID
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Aug 27, 2007 - 05:08pm PT
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Hey Molly-
Glad to see you are still checking in on this forum. I have been thinking about you a ton, at quiet moments taken out of my day, at wild busy moments taking the rope up there, and many more.
I hope you know that the Teton Valley crew is with you, around you and behind you. We'll come get you this winter and surround you with love, laughter, and fresh powder as much as we can.
I have a photo of me and Pete, bouldering in the Little Sandy drainage, in front of me on my desk.
So many funny memories of him, of you and Pete and me... driving home from Rob/ Kathryn's wedding at Jackson Lake Lodge, of Pete calmly talking me through how to break into my truck after I locked my keys in it, then shattering the wing window with the 2 butter knives- remember that one!And a few of us waiting for Pete giggling at the bottom of some ski run up on Togwotee Pass.
Love to you and Avery- see you when you come home to the Greater Yellowstone.
Lynne
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brian b
climber
Sarotoga Ca
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Aug 27, 2007 - 06:39pm PT
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Here are a few things that thinking of Pete have inspired me to do since I left Lander last week.
• Called a couple of old friends that I had not talked to in years just to say hello and get re connected (how I regretted not doing that w Pete )
• Took a day off of a busy work schedule to take my kid on a hike she had been after me to take her on for more than a year (we had a blast)
• Out of the blue, helped some younger members of my company with some work – ala Pete.
He had an impact on so many of us – I guess the best way forward for us is to figure out how to incorporate some of what made him a great person into what we do each day
brian
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sister
Social climber
nj
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Aug 27, 2007 - 09:51pm PT
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thanks to everyone who has written and continue to write on this blog -- especially those who have provided updates -- I find myself almost addicted to this forum ... coming back nightly to close out the day. ... Molly, I hope you and Bravery Avery are able to find some times of joy in Finland ... I know Pete is so joyful you are there with Sally to share her wonderful day. Candles are lit in NJ ... Love always ... Martha (Absolon) Delehanty
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Mary Absolon
climber
Edina, Minnesota
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Aug 27, 2007 - 11:17pm PT
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Hi Everyone....
For those who might be in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area on Saturday, November 10, 2007...there will be a Catholic Mass said for Pete at Our Lady of Grace Church 5071 Eden Avenue Edina, Minnesota 5:15 pm. You are invited.
This special Mass is being offered by my husband, Bill Herber's Family.
Let me know if you are coming.
Love,
Mary Therese Absolon
Pete's sister
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Janeen
climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 27, 2007 - 11:27pm PT
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A candle is lit for Pete tonight in Tucson. We miss you Pete and send our love to Molly and Avery.
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mingus
Trad climber
Grand Junction, Colorado
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Aug 28, 2007 - 02:12am PT
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I come to this thread at least twice a day. From the first word I heard of Pete's passing, my mind swirls back into him, and I imagine what life is like for Molly and Avery.
I really want Finland to take them to a place where their hearts get to breathe for a moment. From my distant perspective, I can't imagine a more fortutious bit of travel on the heels of something so hard.
Maybe I shouldn't have written in again, but I just wanted to let you know Molly, that I am also lighting candles at night for Pete, you and Avery. For some reason, everytime I strike the match I think of two things...first -- I remember Steve Madsen getting really mad at me for some 'transpo' violation and then, I think of that day in the Absoraka's when we all sipped tea from the little stainless steel thermos before skiing off the ridge and down into all those damn snowmobile tracks. The view of the Tetons was what everyone who lives in Wyoming would expect -- fantastic. My feet were cold as heck, no one fell, and we all celebrated another weekend of backcountry skiing in the big empty. As I recall Pete was my 'spotting' partner along with Johnny K. in case I got buried. I can't imagine a better pair of people to have on the other end of avalanche trancievers than those two.
prayers, peace and love, Eric M
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