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phillygoat
climber
portland,
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Sep 12, 2008 - 07:46pm PT
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My heart goes out to Ryan's wife and family. When I first saw this thread I had a nagging feeling that I'd seen his face before. I didn't think much of it beyond the obtuse sorrow we feel for people we don't know, but sympathize with. Then the recollection hit me that I HAVE met him once while he and his wife were in Portland.
It must have been three or more years ago at a scrappy local crag. I had only been climbing for a couple of years and, while excited about what I'd accomplished so far, was still a bundle of nervous energy that couldn't wait to get "THERE"- whatever that meant. While I forgot most of the details of that day I honestly remember seeing in Ryan the kind of climber I'd like to become. He exuded calmness and competence.
As fruitless as it might be in my case, I still struggle to carry those qualities with me when I climb and I just wanted to let those close to Ryan know that he's had a positive effect on me.
sincerely,
phillip
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Sep 12, 2008 - 10:43pm PT
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Condolences.
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L
climber
Just surfin' the tsunami of life
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Sep 13, 2008 - 12:48am PT
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So very sorry for the loss of your friend, Patrick--and heartfelt condolences to his wife, family and friends.
From the photos and your commentary, he seems like one heck of a good guy, and will truly be remembered with love and gratitude.
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Dirka
Trad climber
SF
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Sep 14, 2008 - 03:12pm PT
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Sorry... It's all I can think of.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Sep 14, 2008 - 03:32pm PT
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My condolences. Seems like a great guy and fine climber.
Rick
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Dr. Rock
Ice climber
Castle Rock
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Sep 14, 2008 - 04:30pm PT
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Very sorry to hear this, he is in a better place and is in good hands.
I wonder if he had a heart problem act up or something.
With the rope on his back, he was on an easy section.
A broken hold on an easy section is no big deal if you have a couple more to work with, sounds like this guy could hang from one dime grip only.
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bcfj
Boulder climber
seattle, wa
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Sep 14, 2008 - 06:39pm PT
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Wow. What a loss. Ryan was always the easiest climber to talk to and a great guy to share a laugh or some beta with. How sad...I feel like it was just yesterday that I saw Ryan at the gym. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
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Walleeman
climber
Bellingham
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Sep 21, 2008 - 02:05pm PT
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I knew my cousin Ryan better when we were much younger, it is good to hear how much he was loved and respected by his friends. Our hearts and pain are with everyone who Ryan touched especially his Wife Jen, his Mother Trish and his Father Gary who has lost his only son.
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Pahaluctun
Gym climber
Ferndale, WA
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I've never climbed a mountain, like Ryan, but I did lose my best friend on Mt. Baker in 1969. I knew Ryan's mother, more than I knew Ryan, but I knew him well enough to know he became a great man.
The mountain's spirit moves deep within a man. Only the rocks live forever. Still, when a man climbs to find his spirit, his spirit becomes the mountain of clarity, and for a brief time, he can overcome the mountain. The mountain needs to know from the man, it's own name for it's own sake. Being alive for an eternity, it's pace of life can is hardly noticeable.
In looking down from the top, at the houses where men live, it hardly seems we could be the same people. In truth, perhaps we are not, for at that moment, we are more the mountain, than a man.
Once I lost my best friend to the mountain, I could never again look at the mountain, the same.
I bathed there in a stream during the late fall, and built a sweat lodge of vine maple to cleanse my fears, and to come to know that part of me the mountain had taken.
I came to realize that a man's soul can live side by side with mountain, giving me life once again.
Rest in peace, dear Ryan.
If you should happen to visit, or want of anything, I shall provide you a meal in ancient ways, singing the songs of Old Fiery Man. We'll join you soon enough. Until then, I'm reminded of the great life you instilled me, and my grateful to you for your great and wondrous life.
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Watusi
Social climber
Newport, OR
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May god bless and keep you, RIP...
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