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Leroy
climber
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Greg ,Did u know Mike has spent the last 20 years in a mental institution supposedly for taking Acid?
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Grug
Trad climber
Golden, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 9, 2006 - 11:07am PT
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Yeah, I heard about Mike, Leroy. Hard to believe,...little, shy, nice Canadian boy, Mike.
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Grug
Trad climber
Golden, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 11, 2006 - 09:45am PT
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OK, so I'm trying to keep this thread alive...Danny deserves it.
I'm sure Danny knew more climbers in the Boulder area than anyone else. The first year I came to Boulder, Danny organized a Thanksgiving Day potluck at Indian Creek (the Desert). There were going to be like 30 people there or so, but it snowed beginning late Wednesday night. I remember waking up to a winter wonderland, but eventually things cleared up and we were able to climb by mid-day
In the end, maybe 15 people showed up - including Derek Hersey and Adrian Burgess. I remember doing Supercrack with Adrian. And we ended up having a great Thanksgiving dinner! Nobody but Dan could have organized something like that.
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Russ Walling
Social climber
Same place as you, man...... (WB)
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Mar 11, 2006 - 01:53pm PT
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Here's one that maybe the Tardbuster can fill in the blanks on:
We (me, Tard, Doug VanGina, Tom Carter?) rented a house in JT for a winter a long time ago... so of course we have a party... pretty big one. Danny shows up with some hot chicks (Roy??? true right? way more tho this story) and we do what we do... party!!! Eventually Danny decides he needs a nap... or passes out... but either way he is on the bed asleep. The rest of us decide to do a slide show.... after seeing Danny laying there with a bit of a plumber going, we pull his pant almost all the way off and project the entire slide show on his ass!!!!! Way funny.... all the obvious jokes about "what is *that* crack" etc.... Must be some pics too..... Danny never did wake up and the next day was none the wiser....
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Mar 13, 2006 - 05:43am PT
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OH, my F#ckin' Gawd those partys where Da Bomb.
That one was the seat of the "Battle Royal", the Schmutzie "You owe me a $hunski$ so beat it and leave yer girls" and gobs of other stunts. Yeah Dan was hip and flyin' right along side, wing man if you will. He had girls, booze, which was rare for Dan in those days (only the Booze was rare). I know he brought some great Stoli and ran out of it: he went on a pretty harrowing epic to get Stoli, Mixer supplies, Popcorn, whatever else we said we needed. He probably tried to find a pack of those tree-hugger American Spirit Ciggys as well.
Dan was gone a long time.
In the meantime, I was pouring my beer on the Chess Board where "Shipoopi" (Steve S.) was trying to concentrate, kickin' but on various players, Russ was mixing Daquiris with the Blender Lid OFF, so quite a bit of the drink would fountain up, The Driver was then getting BODY SLAMMED BY RUSS, in every room in the house, eventually to include a slam onto flat concrete and broken glass on our porch.
We partied like Rock Stars. When Dan got back, I was kicking people in the ass while standing next to them, with a deft lateral swing of the knee. 'Never could Hackey Sack to save my life, but I could pull BS maneuvers like that, laughing wildly, for hours.
So Dan gets back with of course a full and well earned story of his epic abroad. He's picked up hitchhikers, gone out of his way to drop them off, gotten lost, had a bit more to da-rink, had a flat tire AND been approached by COPS while he's out on some backwater Josh Washed out road, changing his tire.
So, Russ, ya didn't back me up on Leroy's distant relative havin' a Vagina in his Back (actually we said it was his dad), but I'll fergive and say it Was My idea to swing the slide projec-tor around onto Dan's backside while he was passed out in the Bedroom. He never woke up and yes, yes, many WISE CRACKS were made at Danny Boy's expense. Yes Folks, that and all above really happened. Dan's flank, replete with Butt Crack, was an excellent viewing portal!!!
Next day, I think he said we partied kinda hard for his taste.
Dan could be modest.
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Grug
Trad climber
Golden, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 13, 2006 - 03:20pm PT
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Gosh. All my stories are of the PG-13 variety.
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Mar 13, 2006 - 07:42pm PT
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Thats' OK Grug, Roll'em out!
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buzzman
Trad climber
Golden
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Mar 22, 2006 - 03:05pm PT
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Clean Dan was the best story teller in the galaxy!!! (his words, my credit to him)
I was lucky enough to meet Clean Dan through Grug, and was always amazed with his recollection of detail. He could recite the very nature of each hold in the crux move of many a climb. I could never remember such tidbits long enough to get to the base of the climb much less during the moments of tension when I really needed them. I am more of a recreational type of climber who has been drug up many classic Colorado routes (drug by grug). But I still remember many time climbing with Dan, one more memorable event was our winter ascent of the Naked Edge with Dan and Grug (early 90's). It was probably the second or third time I had been to Eldo, I had no idea where anything was. "wanna climb the edge?" Danny asked me, "uhhh sure" I said not knowing where I was going. Danny led the 2nd and 4th pitches (grug p1&p5), and I remember looking up at him at the top of the wide section on p4 thinking I was going to freeze in my rugby shirt before he could pull out of the roof. But sure enough he did it and I got to be the last one off the hanging belay onto p5, (like anybody but the Grug was going to lead the fist crack). Sadly I left his brand new Concat (sp?) bean on the bolt. I had never seen one before and could not get it off, so I bought him a new one. Did anybody pick up "mine"? Afterwards, we reflected on our accomplishment for a few moments before Danny told us another great story about another greatest climb in the galaxy.
-buzzman
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Dick Danger
Trad climber
Steepest Granite
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Mar 23, 2006 - 12:16am PT
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Sorry to hear about Clean Dan... I did not know before now that he had passed. I met Dan many times, but cannot say that I ever really "knew" him. I met him through friends that were hard at work putting up routes with him or concurrently with him in the South Platte during the late '80s. His routes had some real character... F*#k, they still do - I just havent been on one them in awhile.
The thing I probably remember most about Dan was his genuine friendliness and genorosity. He sure knew how to throw a party. His *was* yours...
I recall running into him a couple times of in Clear Creek Cyn. He said he was there for the climbing, but it sure seemed that he was putting forth a strong effort into recruiting souls for his window washing business. It sounded like business was good for him in Denver. His offer was very tempting at the time...
I last recall seeing Dan at A Strappo b-day party in Eldo - early 90's. I'm pretty sure he played a big role in pulling that one off. It was a real good time with plenty of everything for everyone. Dan seemed to be happy and doing well. Not sure if it was sparked by Danny's energy and 'vibe' or the beer and whatnot, but a buddy and I cast off the following morning for a pretty remarkable Devils Tower and Needles adventure. It was one of the most rewarding climbing trips I've had yet. Although, every IC trip comes close...
I am grateful that you posted this up. I have wondered how Dannny was doing over the years. I guess I'm glad to know it, yet dissapointed at the same time. You all know what I mean...
After a few job-related moves between, CO, CA, WY, and now, finally back to CO, I have lost touch with nearly all of my old S. Platte and Boulder buddies. My visits to this and the other group are sporadic at best. Anymore, its usually just a troll or a beta search for stuff in Fremont, Split Rock, Lankin Dome, and Sweetwater Rocks vicinities. Finally back in the platte, with a toddler that can carry rack - its going to be a damned good summer.
Rest In Peace Clean Dan - I'll be toasting you on the Dome as soon as I can schlog up there.
Danger
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Grug
Trad climber
Golden, Colorado
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 20, 2006 - 03:34pm PT
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Clean Dan at the top of Cary Granite, first ascent, 1990.
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tiny TIM
Social climber
Buffalo NY
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Sep 28, 2007 - 11:32am PT
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I met Dan in Buffalo, back when he was in College and climbing in the Gunks in the 70's.
Dan took the clean climbing approach seriously-calling himself 'Clean Dan'. I would mess around with him saying 'I thought it was because of your high standards of personal hygiene.'He would laugh and tell me I should start climbing and that I had a natural advantage being super tall and could reach further than most people.
I saw Dan again when I moved out to Denver in the 80's. A friend of ours from NYC was visiting and Dan wanted to take us climbing in Eldorado Canyon.We had to mess around first in the morning- Dan writing invoices for the window cleaning enterprise. His motto being 'Your Pane is our Pleasure'.
We got to the canyon around mid-day. It was getting hot. Dan had a boom box playing the Talking Heads -blasting. We started out bouldering. Friends of Dan's came by. One was a beautiful girl wearing a short dress. She kissed Dan, then drove off in a jeep. Dan confided that 'she is a deep throat artist, man, take your dick and balls in her mouth at the same time!'
Then he and my friend started climbing up some 'strictly casual' route.
I was sitting in the shade watching Dan and my friend move up the rock. Dan was yelling instructions, then would climb back down to make sure my friend got it right.
After they got back down we sat in the creek drinking beer and talking to Dan's climbing pals. I noticed a guy free climbing near the top of the canyon. An eagle was flying overhead. Dan waved off my fascination. 'Look over here, these people don't know what they are doing' Look at this-oh this is bad, man!
My friend Dennis called me today to tell me about this Clean Dan stories site. He said 'remember when I was out of town and let him stay at my place in NYC?' He left a lobster carcass sitting around for days. When I came home there were maggots everywhere. Dan was unconcerned-'It will be all right just clean it up. I won't do it again.'
We both miss Dan all these years later. I thank all of you who contributed the stories and pictures.
There are people in Buffalo who can tell some stories about Dan from 30 years ago. He left a mark wherever he went, apparently from what I have read here.
Best wishes to you all. Tim
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Apr 23, 2009 - 12:24am PT
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bump
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eeyonkee
Trad climber
Golden, CO
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Apr 23, 2009 - 09:46pm PT
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Thanks for the bump, Ed. Lessee, I got one. Up until this time, all of the Black Canyon routes Danny and I tried ended in success. Eighth Voyage was the first of the, er...other kind. It must have been maybe 1992, possibly 1991. We had already done the Cruise, the Goss-Logan, Air Voyage, and Stoned Oven by that time. All with little incident. SOMEHOW, we started the friggin' 8th Voyage climb at the same start as the Air Voyage rather than the Stoned Oven. I remember leading out left maybe halfway up the Air Voyage third class start. We went a few pitches, the whole time convincing ourselves (pathetically, in retrospect) that we were "on topo". Finally we ended up on a long. narrow ledge with a blank headwall above us. I don't know, maybe another time I might have been pissed or feeling defeated or some negative sh#t. Instead, I remember feeling absolutely exhilarated. Sheesh,in the end I had to leave like 3 cams in addition to slings and carabiners. People who know how cheap I am (those who know me) would know how much this had to hurt. I can't explain it...big rock climbs just make me feel like this sometimes. We did maybe 5 rappels and slogged our way out the Cruise Gulley.
I was happy hanging out with my friend Dan the whole time...
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Firewalker
Social climber
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Sep 12, 2010 - 02:38am PT
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Hey you all,
feeling a bit of Dan tonight listening to James Taylor and thinking of all the fabulous times i had with him at the Boulder Theatre,with Koda and Samurai Sam his chow chows and his magnetism... he called me days in a row before he passed and I miss him and I loved him dearly. He was at both my Boulder babies births busting into the Boulder Hospital website and harassing the nurses- I am sure he was there solely for comic relief, but he held my hand through a lot of things. He and Neil Backstrum and i took a trip to Canyon City with my first born son Gabriel back in 94 as he showed us the ropes. I wish I could have him call me honey one last time and toss me a frisbee...
Cheers...
Lisa
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Firewalker
Social climber
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Sep 12, 2010 - 11:51pm PT
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I met Dan at a coffee house and I am certain I was the thirteenth girl he asked out that day on University Hill... We went on our first date to an Oingo Boingo concert at Folsom stadium I think... on campus. he wore purple levis which he was extremely proud of and I had on some malaysian mermaid garb...we looked fresh! we jamed to dead man's party. it was all very sweet.
Dan would help me year's later as I was a single mom... At this time, He lived in a basement apartment in Eldorado Springs. He went to lamaze classes with me every week at the Boulder Community Hospital and he gave me solice when there was none to be found. He told me once of a party and a turkey baster full of miscellaneous sperm in which a friend was impregnated by... wow, definitely not PG. He always wanted a baby...
He and I each had babies that year. It was 1994...His beloved chow chow had died (maybe his name was not Koda but he was a bear) and he got Samarai Sam and I had Gabe. I will find and upload picks of our first puppy snow.
He would pick me up and take me to his home in East Boulder and cook for me... always fresh fruit and something warm in my belly. He thought broken tortilla chips were a waste of time and would throw a half bag away if he thought them too crumbly. Oranges and citris always left out to ripen naturally. Took me in his "new" toyota 4Runner it was a 1990 I think. He was very happy with it.
He was smitten with an Herbalist from Wild Oats and they lived together a bit in Erie...Jana I think.
He was so brilliant with his books and loved the endless cases he had in his room. He told me he began reading classics at the age of three. His father had taught him to read... He liked his Magnetics and lay on them at night. Many times he picked me up on Sunday night and took me to the Boulder Theatre for E-town live radio broadcast and sometimes we would go to campus for the foriegn film series and sit in the Psyche building together in the dark. I loved his company and although we climbed only a couple of times together, I know we knew the same man.
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Sep 14, 2010 - 01:42am PT
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Grug,
Just found your thoughtful post about Clean Dan Grandusky.
What an incorrigibly colorful and loveable human. A painful reminder of the passage of time.
I think I met Dan through the Poway Mtn Boys. We certainly hung out together a bunch and I seem to recall some hare brained trip down the Baja with Jan, Dan, Tom and someone else. How about the sessions in Dan's Boler in Josh?
Bump for Clean Dan! As Yabo once said, "Arc on With the Power of the Burnouts of Gore!"
PB
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Firewalker
Social climber
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Sep 16, 2010 - 02:04am PT
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Been to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison...up on the trout river with my rusted bunsen. I cannot cross the rise fumin'. Dank basement that pulled me up monster woman. Drank some bladder wine with a ring tailed cat never knew it was Chill. Watch a movie clip on armageddon and storm the Bastille! Too busy with climbin to give it all up.Lost as a big dog found myself a pup. Spring drip the water jug next to the rock and eat fish taco 9-2 and 10 o'clock.. I showed up at dawn poured in a coffee mug. Pulled open the car door and unlocked my love. Bubble up hot spring- Conundrum Maneuver. Black and white and read all over...? salt and pepper Dan with a newspaper! That was bad man!
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eeyonkee
Trad climber
Golden, CO
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Sep 16, 2010 - 08:04am PT
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That's some kind of stream of consciousness thing you got going on, Firewalker. Reminds me of how Dan could (and would) recite long passages from Joyce's Ulysses. That first Chow-chow was Shanghai.
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bmacd
climber
Relic Hominid
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Sep 16, 2010 - 11:11am PT
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Thats tragic about Mike Tschipper, we put up a cool route in Murrin Park together, Poltergiest. This is the first I heard of his problems being drug induced.
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Firewalker
Social climber
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Sep 16, 2010 - 10:37pm PT
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Oh yes! Shanghai... He is buried in his old back yard in Eldorado Springs...Shanghai was older when I reconnected with Dan...I cried the first night I came home from Lamaze class alone... seeing all the couples together. I was filling water jugs in eldo and I met Dan on the road...It had been a few years...and i was Beautiful pregnant...Real round and full of life and in outer space! Dan had just lost Shanghai and was seeing an acupunturist for all of his Lee Hill...He entertained me with his smile and his goofy sweetness. the first thing he said was wanna play frisbee and I'll be your Lamaze coach all in one breath. The best thing he did at the birth was just be there. He fed me oranges straight to my lips and gave me a hummus sandwich to eat right after I had my baby...It was everything. thanks for saying hi...I never knew what happened...until months later... one day Danny was talkin to me and the next day he was gone...I tried to call him, but he did not answer back. I miss my friend.
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