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Rodney Ellis
Boulder climber
South Australia, formerly Texas
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I just read this today - somehow it seems to fit Todd perfectly:
"Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, And in their pleasure takes joy, even as though t'were his own." – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Peace
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IkeH20
climber
NY
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...So prior to our hike I spent a considerable amount of time arguing with my 6 year old son Lachlan on why he had to wear his hiking boots, not his flip flops. We get to the trailhead to meet up with Todd, Amy and the kids, and there's Jake, wearing flip flops. Seeing the injustice, Lach instantly turned to Todd and demanded, "Why's he wearing flip flops?" Todd responded with a smile, "What better way for him to learn?"
I will miss his enthusiasm for life and how excited he got for the little discoveries the kids made along the way. How kind, caring, and gentle he was with Hannah, Sarah and Jake.
Amy, here is the poem...It is a Pueblo Blessing, of which Todd took some poetic license. It seems appropriate in the days to come.
Hold on to what is good, even if it is a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe in, even if it is a tree which stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do, even if it is a long way from here.
Hold on to your dreams, even when it is easier to let go.
And hold on to my hand, even when I am far away.
Never thought we'd be saying s'long...
"The wild wind is calling, I would be free."
Kara, Jimmy, Lander, Logan & Lachlan
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FROSTY
Sport climber
Calgary
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The last time I saw Todd I spent the afternoon sitting on his living room floor chatting about the 6 years that had passed since the last time we had spent time togehter. The difference this time was that we were sharing more thoughts on parenting then climbing. Hannah and Sarah were rolling around all around us, and I was expecting my second in about 6 months. How times had changed?
Todd was probably one of the greatest influences on my climbing career. Not because he was such a great climber, or he tapped into a part of me that made me try harder, but because he was so inviting and friendly. His presence is electric and it has and uncanny ablility to spread like wildfire. He gets everyone around him jonesing. He had a glint in his eye and a beaming smile. My grandmother would have said "he has a little devil in his eye."
Whenever I speak of my time living in Lander, on Lucky Lane, it is with warm thoughts and great enthusiasm. Todd and Amy are two of the most generous, and kind people I may have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Amy, Hannah, Sarah, and Jake, my deepest sympathies for your loss.
With much love.
Jake
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RNTina
Social climber
Somers, NY
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I erased my previous draft as it was too long-winded! My brother, Bob and I met the Skinners on a Gannett Peak Expedition in 1977. Bob summitted Gannett and was on Todd and his Dad's team; I traveled with Orion and Holly and summitted Mount Helen.
My most vivid memories of that summer were Orion singing "George of the Jungle" while saddling the pack horse, "George" each morning, Todd's athletic ability and my first rappelling experience with their Dad as the top belay! I know where they get their sense of humor from-the look of sheer terror on my face was mirrored by their Dad and my spontaneous laughter when I finally leaned back and stepped off the edge was drowned out by his!
The following summer I had the priviledge of summer skiing in Zermat with Amy Skinner (Courtney's daughter?) and climbing with Steve Macintosh...WOW!
I emailed Bob the day that I heard about Todd's passing and he said that he would try and locate some pictures from our summer in the Wind Rivers and send them along.
We are devastated by the combined losses of Todd and his mother, but know that Amy, the children, Orion, Holly and Dad are in good hands with all of the close friends and admirers world-wide of this remarkable family.
I have already sent a contribution to the Memorial Fund and hope to return to Wyoming oneday.
God Bless,
Tina (T.O.) Olney
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Reedly
Social climber
Riverside, CA
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I've spent a couple of days reading this thread and thinking about Todd. I didn't know him very well, but I am strongly affected by his death. I met him a number of times over the years and he did always seem to remember me. I appreciated that and I was a little amazed by it.
Todd had a very strong presence about him, and many people here have talked about it. His energy really was infectious and when in his presence you would find yourself doing things you might not have otherwise. My favorite memory is from 1989 (I think) in City of Rocks. A friend and I were at the store and buying a few supplies. Todd was there too and next to the store was a house with a large backyard and a a tree filled with apples that were almost within reach. I don't remember the exact details, but Todd was definitely leading the push. Soon we were standing on the fence, and stretching out and grabbing some fresh apples. They were delicious.
I will miss Todd's energy and his youthless abandon. My sincerest condolences to his family and everyone else whose life he has affected.
Sincerely,
Reed Bartlett
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Conner
Social climber
on the road
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I continue to be grateful for this thread. It comforts me and soothes my heart and mind. Todd has always had a profound influence on me, even though the times we shared were few and far between and mostly long ago. Two friends reached out to let me know what happened to Todd. I sat for a long time thinking about Todd. Then I thought about all the people I love and how as time passes I will continue to lose them. As I get older I am aware that for all of us the odds seem to increase and the inevitable draws nearer. Todd's memorial spurned me into action, determining to let go of the past and it's seeming injustices and apparent misunderstandings and embrace the future.
Thanks Karl Baba for sharing Todd's words. "Reverence for the past, allegiance to the future" confirms the direction for my life in all things.
So many beautiful things were said at the memorial, but one I carry with me now is what Todd's cousin Ellen said. I paraphrase here, but she told a story about a conversation she and Todd were having at family wedding not long ago. Todd talked about death, remarking that sudden death was the worst, hardest for people left behind to get over. How a long, slow death gave you time to spend with the person and get used to the idea. Todd queried Ellen in his usual daunting fashion, asking "how do you die gracefully?" Ellen said she was dumbfounded and neither of them had an answer. Now at the service, a few short days since Todd's death, she knew the answer... it is to live gracfully.
It is a remarkable community that Todd created around himself, and so even in his death, he continues to touch us...
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two ravens
Boulder climber
jackson & pinedale, wy
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Just got home from Todd's memorial service a couple of days ago, "Toddisms" echoing in my head as I drove. "Live your life like a thrown knife." I feel more like a folding knife stuck in a pocket most days, but maybe I have time to change that. Still feels unreal to know he is gone. Seeking solace in the poetry of Rumi, these words speak to the emptiness I feel:
Imagine the time the particle you are
Returns where it came from!
The family darling comes home. Wine,
without being contained in cups
is handed around.
A red glint appears in a granite outcrop,
and suddenly the whole cliff turns to ruby....
...he gave me a bowl
And I saw: the soul has this shape.
Shams, and actual sunlight,
help me now.
Being in the middle of being partly in myself,
and partly outside.
The diversity of the people who came to Todd's farewell party is an amazing testament to the broad influence Todd had in this life. They ranged from cattle ranchers he grew up with in Pinedale, to corporate executives in suits, climbers of all stripes from far and wide, Lander locals who knew him as a great dad to three fantastic kids, dogs and small children romping in the melting snow and mud, and of course his large and loving family.
Todd, you will live on in our memories, and in the inspiration we draw from you as we carry on. May the wind always be at your back, pardner.
Kelly
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Michael Hodgson
climber
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For those that could not attend Todd's memorial service, we just posted a SNEWS® Live podcast from the service with rememberances that we hope will further help to underscore just how much this man meant to so many people. For me, it is his smile that would light up any room, any event, any moment, that I will always remember. To listen, go to: http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/07277.html
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DRA
Mountain climber
Idaho Falls, Idaho
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Many Mountains
there are many mountains
with many faces
there is One woman
if you allow
she will share
Her many faces
there are many mountains
with many faces
each face changes
throughout the day
throughout the seasons
the woman's face
reflects Emotion
within a second
throughout the day
if you allow
the Woman will
spontaneously
share her Face
David R. Anderson, 11-06
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Kenneth Nix
Sport climber
Lander, Wyoming
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I am from Lander and knew Todd. I want to give my regards to the family. Todd was a good man. God bless him and all the people he touched and may we remember him every time we pick up a rope.
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Tracey Amenta
climber
Fishkill, NY
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My husband and I first met Todd at a slide show in NJ. It was classic Todd. We remember him saying, "Why work? Go climbing! You can work when you are 90!" I guess we took it to heart because a few years later we quit our jobs, sold our condo and, in our mid-thirtes, decided to "go climbing." During our 2 year climbing trip we met up with Todd again while climbing in Hueco Tanks (March 2, 1998). We related to him our first meeting and the fateful words he spoke. Needless to say, he was thrilled.
We had a mutual acquintance in the outdoor industry and Todd wanted us to send him a fax from his house about how here we were living the dream and there was our friend still sitting behind the desk. Kind of a "wish you were here" with a Cheshire cat grin! Typical Todd.
The other day, my mother handed me a small clipping from a local paper that told of his death. I was so saddened. I just kept looking at the words thinking they don't really tell people about the man. The feeling stayed with me for days. When I told my husband the news, he had the same reaction.
Our meetings were fleeting but he left a big mark on us. His enthusiasm and personality were contagious. He will be missed. Our sympathies go out to the families and friends left behind.
Sincerely,
Tracey and Frank Amenta
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amy skinner
Social climber
lander, wyoming
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Nov 14, 2006 - 11:16am PT
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Hello all-
Life continues in the Skinner household, thanks to your good wishes and wonderful memories. I wanted to post a few photos of Todd as Dad for you to see. I'm a gumby in the computer world, so I'm crossing my fingers that this works!!!
Again, thank you to all who are supporting us. We welcome your calls and visits and look forward to seeing you down the road.
Love
Amy and team
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amy skinner
Social climber
lander, wyoming
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Nov 14, 2006 - 11:19am PT
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PS In one of the photos - there are 4 children. . .3 Skinners + James Piana (second from Right).
Cheers,
Amy
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Conner
Social climber
on the road
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Nov 14, 2006 - 11:50am PT
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Thanks so very much, Amy! What beautiful pictures! It is sooo good to see their smiling faces... and to see Todd in that most precious role as their father. Children anchor us and tie us to the future like nothing else. What a blessing they are. You are kind to share these photos with us. Todd always said you were an awesome mother... I am glad to know that they will always find comfort in your arms and courage to explore the world with you by their side. Warmest and best wishes to you and the kids.
Always sending plenty love and aloha...
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Crimpergirl
Social climber
St. Louis
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Nov 14, 2006 - 03:43pm PT
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Thanks for the update. I've been thinking about you all - especially today.
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maldaly
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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Nov 14, 2006 - 05:14pm PT
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Amy,
Those are great pictures. I didn't know Todd as a dad but, as one myself, I can totally relate. I'm sure that Todd was an awesone dad and a good friend to the kids.
I'm so sorry I couldn't make it to the memorial. I tried to move the mountain that was in between me and Lander that day but it just wouldn't budge.
Peace,
Mal
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Anne Hughes
climber
WI
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Nov 14, 2006 - 10:32pm PT
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Thanks for posting those great pictures, Amy. Good to hear from you here on this forum.
You are often in my thoughts.
Love,
Anne Hughes
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Hangerlessbolt
Trad climber
Portland, OR
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Nov 15, 2006 - 12:36am PT
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I'm 33 yrs old...and the worst moment of my life was the afternoon that I learned my father, my hero had passed away.
I was 9.
My dad was my world and there aren't too many days that go by when I don't think about him.
Even now, when I'm having a particularly difficult day...I remind myself that I've had worse days.
My heart goes out to the family with a special consideration for the children.
-RB
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Courtney
Trad climber
California
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Nov 15, 2006 - 01:25am PT
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Hi Amy,
My condolences to you, your family, and all your dear friends. I read your post on the "twins" thread. Your children are beautiful and your spirit is impressive!
All our best,
Courtney, Jim, and our newborn twins, Parker and CJ
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two ravens
Boulder climber
jackson & pinedale, wy
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Nov 15, 2006 - 01:48pm PT
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Hi Amy,
Thank you for sharing photos - it's great seeing him as a dad! You don't know me - I went to school with Todd in Pinedale, but if you need anything, if there is anything I can do to help, let me know. I mostly live in Jackson & sometimes Pinedale, but often drive the Jackson-Pinedale-Riverton loop and usually pause in Lander.
Sending love to you and the whole crew,
Kelly Ravner
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