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DHP
Mountain climber
Alta, WY
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Sep 30, 2007 - 01:07pm PT
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Dear Molly and Avery --
As I read all of these beautiful entries and memories of Pete, my heart fills with both joy and sorrow. Your last entry, Molly, brought a flood of emotion and tears, feeling your pain and loss so deeply. We all wonder if this could happen to us someday. And having a child makes it seem that much harder. But I loved your thoughts about Avery and how she is helping you to keep your head up .... I want you to see the beauty again. And I hope it will be more beautiful then ever. You are living in some deep sadness and I feel it so powerfully. We have never spent lots of time together but we share some wonderful friends. And that connection is very real for me. I have always admired you, your courage and strength and kindness are inspiring. And now you are being forced to call on that courage and strength like you never have before. Please know that we send you more than you can possibly know. As I said in the card, I wake at night, I pause during my teaching, I stop at so many times during the day........thoughts of you and Avery fill me constantly and I am continually sending love and support your way. I sure hope that Tony can see you next Friday. We care about you and Avery very much. May your heart begin, slowly, but fully, to feel beauty and joy once again. Pete lives with you in your spirit and I could see him in your eyes yesterday, Molly. We love you.
Deb, Tony and Logan
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Allison Dittmer
Social climber
Topanga, CA.
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Dear Molly,
I find myself thinking of you and Avery and Pete so often. I keep returning to this forum, feeling asthough I want to write something to you- but never really know how to express myself here. I love knowing that there are so many people out there who think of you all- so many people are sending love to you. I cried when I read your last entry- I could really feel your sadness and pain. I know you'll return to climbing- when you're ready- and you'll always take Pete with you. We miss you and are sending you all our love-
Allison, Jason, and Casey
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Basso
Social climber
Laramie, Wyoming
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Oct 11, 2007 - 12:21am PT
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Molly and Avery,
Still thinking of you both; still singing for Pete.
The Kelleys
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T2's Wife
Trad climber
Cardiff
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Oct 11, 2007 - 01:12am PT
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Molly and Avery,
As I am reading this tread tears are steaming down my face. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I am like many others a wife of a climber and news like this always puts a great deal of sadness in my heart. You are both in my prayers.
Chris
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Lynn Morrison
climber
portland, or
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Oct 18, 2007 - 12:23am PT
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Molly and Avery,
I have been thinking of you all day today....I miss you!
I begin my day with only candlelight and end it that way also..it helps me gradually enter the day and keep my senses quiet..I am able to enter the day more grounded and in touch with my heart.
I want to come and see you before the winter sets in, I will check with you before you go to Seneca and let me know if you are checking email anywhere else.
much love....
lynn
lynnmorrison@fastmail.fm
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Mary Absolon
climber
Edina, Minnesota
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Oct 20, 2007 - 05:51pm PT
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I'm told by my brother, Pete's close NOLS' friends that one of the courses he taught at NOLS was the Wind River Mountaineering course. So when our daughter, Molly Herber aka Mary Grace Absolon Herber decided on a NOLS course, it did not take her too long to choose the one that her Uncle taught.
I don't much like moving on without Pete around, but I know that Pete is pleased with what is unfolding. Let's all smile and know that Uncle Pete is thrilled and will watch over his niece as she goes on her first NOLS course next summer!
Love,
Mary
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John Gregory
Trad climber
washington, dc
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Oct 22, 2007 - 02:12pm PT
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We will be gathering at Seneca Rocks at 4PM November 10 to remember Pete and others who have died recently. If the weather is good, we will be at the old Visitor's Center site, the new Visitor's center is a backup. Beer and food to follow at the Gendarme. If you can't make it and have stories or photos send them to me.
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Mamad
climber
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Oct 28, 2007 - 02:36am PT
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Dearest Molly and Avery:
I think of all of you so often. I hope and pray that this finds both of you healthy. I was driving down the street a few days ago and saw Howard in his truck. Suddenly I had a flashback to a day when I walked into the Evac office and found Howard and Avery playing. She was so beautiful and Howard was so proud of her. He told me that he thought she was even smarter than you and Pete! I don't think she was even 2. About that time Pete walked in and Avery's face literally lit up and her smile covered her whole face. I looked at Pete and he had the exact same look on his face when he saw her! It was awesome!
Just wanted to relay that little story and to let you both know that we are all still thinking of you and praying for happiness and peace to return to your lives.
Bless you all, Deb Olson
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Sally Kimmel
climber
Shepherdstown, WV
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Oct 29, 2007 - 03:32pm PT
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I've added a few more pictures to:
http://peterabsolon.blogspot.com/
There's a great one of Pete climbing at Carderock, one beautiful pic of Molly & Pete's wedding, a funny one of Pete climbing the side of Woodward High School, and a great one of Pete and Molly that they sent me.
See you at Seneca Rocks on the 10th,
Sally
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page pegram
Social climber
albuquerque, nm
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I just read the news about Pete and my first thought was, "Oh no, not Pete, he's so nice. That's not possible." I haven't seen Molly and Pete in years but this news certainly hits me hard. My thoughts go out to Molly and family.
Page Pegram
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John Gregory
Trad climber
washington, dc
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Gathering at Seneca Rocks 4PM this Saturday November 10 to remember Pete. Beer, food and lots of memories to follow at The Gendarme. Email gregoryj@mindspring.com for further information.
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Molly Absolon
climber
Lander, Wyoming
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Here is a picture of a cairn we built on a piece of land Pete and I own outside Lander. Many of you know the land from our parties there over the years. It has been a special place for us and I hope the cairn serves as a memorial and a meditation place where people can go to remember and think about Pete. It has certainly served that function for me. Thanks to all who helped conceive of and build the cairn. It means a great deal to Avery and me. (Although I have to be honest and say Avery is getting a little sick of going out there all the time.)
We are up and down. Life is hard and sad, but I'm probably as fit as I've ever been! Amazing what a distraction exercise can be. And our community of friends continue to be there for us in every way.
I hope to see people in Seneca on Saturday.
Peace,
Molly
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Mary Absolon
climber
Edina, Minnesota
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Nov 14, 2007 - 10:46pm PT
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The November 10th, 2007 gathering at Seneca Rocks, West Virginia celebrated the wonderful life that my brother, Pete, lived. We thank everyone for touching our lives through showing us the way Pete lived his life when he was at Seneca.
The Seneca Rocks Climbing School proved not only to be a school and store, but also a museum. You see, under the leadership & mentoring of John Markwell, Pete was an original climbing instructor along with Pete's dear friend Topper Wilson. Wonderful photos of him, Topper & others are on display which provide a history of the climbing leaders who came from this school. This school is set against the backdrop of Seneca Rocks National Park & visitor center where we reminisced about Pete with the towering Seneca Rocks in the background. Pete was with us - as he will always be. We walked the paths he walked and gazed up the rocks just as he gazed.
Arthur and Diane Kearns currently own the Seneca Rocks Climbing School and demonstrate the same wonderful commitment for rock climbers as Markwell did.
Going to Seneca was also painful because it was a reminder of the tragedy of his preventable death. The rock that fell that day on Pete was an act that should not have been. Falling rock is a danger that climbers are aware and take safety precautions for -like wearing helmets.
Actions to intentionally create falling rocks is a potential weapon that can hurt, maim, and in this case kill someone so dear.
To this end, we must all work in our outdoor circles to get the message to everyone that intentional rock throwing/dropping is dangerous & must not be done.
Thanks again for helping us remember Pete in such a wonderful way. We miss him as he would miss us; we laugh as he would laugh; we hug as he would hug; we pursue our dreams as he would pursue his dreams - until all our spirits unite.
Love Always,
Mary
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Sally Kimmel
climber
Shepherdstown, WV
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Nov 30, 2007 - 12:09pm PT
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Here are some photos that were forwarded from Pete's memorial service at Seneca Rocks.
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Arjan Goemans
Mountain climber
Hoeselt , Belgium
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Dec 14, 2007 - 01:23pm PT
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Dearest Molly,
I just found out about the sudden loss of Pete through the article in the January Issue of Outside. Soon I hit this blog. I met Pete only briefly during our Spring Semester Course 1991. You were our instructor for the whole period. Midway we had our climbing section in the Wind River Range, not too far from Lander. Not too far from Pete. You wanted too go and celebrate your anniversary together and you asked me and the rest of the group permission to “sneak” out for the evening and the night. Although we made a lot of jokes about it that night amongst each other and kept teasing you about it the following weeks, it seemed like a small thing to do back then. Looking back now
who were we not too have granted you that precious moment.
I also still remember vividly my first climbing experiences, balancing on ledges and muscling my way up, you shouting “have a grip and use your legs!”... You we’re belaying me and I had to put trust in myself and in you. At this time you maybe balancing on ledges yourself. Now it is your time to have trust in yourself , ‘cause I’m sure someone is belaying you.
I hope you can find the strength to carry on.
Arjan (Lumpy)
Spring Semester 1991
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Teeg
Trad climber
Kittredge,Colorado
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Dec 14, 2007 - 04:34pm PT
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I've only read this story just about 15 mins ago and was very sad to hear that the death of anyone could be caused by such reckless behaivor! I have not yet read all the posts here and will not add any of the anger that rose in me but just want to say that I've been climbing since the early 60's ('yep I'm a little older) lol and how sad I feel for Pete's wife and little girl. Please use common sense whenever outdoors, as bad things can and do happen to good people.I've seen my share of broken bones, been involved in recovery efforts and have seen a few climbers who have died. I myself have had 4 back surgeries and can still do a little bit of climbing although my 'Trad' days are over. Thank you for all who are safety consious when out there and always remain good stewards for the next generation. Goddess Bless --Teeg p.s. After reading most of the postings here I'm still so proud of the climbing community and how they have pulled together with all the heart felt writings here. This is my first time at this site but I've saved it and will visit often. Blessings to Molly and Avery, Pete's friends and family as I will also say a silent prayer.
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d. posada
Social climber
portland, OR
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Dec 21, 2007 - 07:41am PT
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Molly,
I just recently learned of Pete's accident from a past instructor on the opposite coast. I have such fond memories of spending time with you and Pete on a bunch of instructor seminars in the early 90's, (the red Ford Ranger days) probably starting with the WIS before a number of us went off to proctor that spring semester in the rockies. We also crossed paths a number of times in Lander and at Wind cave...
Its 4 am and I've just read or skimmed many of the postings here - it's devastating to hear the news and imagine your loss, sad to realize how long its been since I've been in touch with so many people I shared such wonderful, pivotal experiences, but also reassuring to realize the strength of the NOLS community and the love and sincere kindness represented here.
One thing stands out to me from my times with you and Pete. In contrast to so many of the accounts of Pete's climbing accomplishments, I recall seeing Pete in activities that were a bit more unfamiliar at the time - skiing, paddling - new skill areas for a lot of us taking the seminars. What stands out was his grace and ease with being a more of a beginner, the fun he had with being a little out of his element, and the kind and generous support he gave to all those around him who flailed or struggled far more than he did.
I feel lucky to have spent time with Pete in the field, and know that his joy, gusto, and equanimity is a model and inspiration for me still. While no one can replace him, I hope the kindness and support of your family and community is filling in parts of what must have felt like a gaping hole. Your courage and honesty to share your reflections here have been touching as well, as we all learn to navigate this unfamiliar territory.
My kindest wishes for you and Avery this holiday season,
David
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Mary Absolon
climber
Edina, Minnesota
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Dec 22, 2007 - 09:39am PT
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Hi Everyone~
Here are some Christmas stories from the Absolons...
Pete, Molly and Avery came to Minnesota for Christmas a few years back. We always have a lots of gifts and food around at the holidays. We went to see "Toad and Frog" at the Minneapolis Children's Theater and the kids loved it!
PetenMolly went out cross country skiing at Hyland Hills. Getting our workouts in is a "must".
We had a grand time and just hung out together. I remember Molly singing karaoke in our living room!
We also put on a great 70th and 75th joint birthday party for my folks at one of our Christmas'. I served fresh sushi as I knew Pete LOVED sushi! It was awesome.
The year before last PetenMollynAvery came back from out east and were delayed a night in Minneapolis for New Years. We were all the better for it as they joined the Herber family for a great party. Avery played with Kate Herber from Chicago in their imaginative play. I remember Pete talking with my husbands family and sitting back with his legs crossed like he would do ~ just enjoying the conversation. This is a special memory for me forever.
Pete drew my name for Christmas in 2001. I told him I loved family photos. So that year, I received a wonderful black and white framed photo of Pete, Molly & Avery. Yesterday I found a handwritten note in Pete's handwriting on the back of this photo. It says, "Christmas 2001. Picture taken July, 2001 at wedding in Teton National Park. To Mary, With love & affection. I know how much you like family photos. Love, Pete, Molly & Avery"
These are just a few of the more recent family memories that will be with me for ever at Christmas time.
We also have all the memories of my grandparents & aunt from Annandale, Minnesota~ Mongy, Paka & Norah who always spent Christmas with us. Pete shared alot of same interests as my grandpa, Paka, did i.e. hunting, fishing, outdoors, but most of all a warm personality and ability to connect on a personal level with the people they came in contact with.
Our holidays were always filled with football games ~ with the Dallas Cowboy games in the forefront especially after Fritz died. In fact, one year Mom and Dad gave the boys tickets to a playoff game when we lived in Dallas, Texas. Amidst the excitement, we lost the tickets - only to find them after great effort at the bottom of the Christmas trash. We all laughed.
So as I write here, my dear relatives are laughing from their heavenly pirches...I wish I could laugh like them, but that will come and go my whole life just like those powerful sea waves some larger than others.
Thank you for keeping our family from falling into doldrums as we cope with our loss. Thank you for keeping Pete's memory alive in our future as we relish in remembrances of him,
enjoy mountaineering and climbing activities and help us along our life paths.
Love Always,
Mary
Pete's sister
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Molly Absolon
climber
Lander, Wyoming
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Dec 24, 2007 - 01:51pm PT
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Hi all,
It's wonderful to read some new postings and to hear from people like Dave and 'Lumpy' from way back when. Thank you for writing. Avery and I have had a few weeks of character-building, homeowner, traveler hell. Seems as if everything in our house started breaking and Pete wasn't there to take care of things. Once again, my friends rallied and help defuse the emotions and take care of the problems,including someone shooting down the well with Pete's rifle!The well driller recommended that treatment. It seems to have helped although hasn't totally resolved my water woes. I have to admit I think my character has endured enough building lately and I wouldn't mind coasting for a while.
Christmas feels pretty empty and I would probably just skip it this year if it weren't for Avery. But we're surrounded by family, the sun has come out, my luggage arrived, so I'll be okay.
Thanks for writing. I still check in periodically and continued to be very moved to see new postings from old friends.
Molly
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Dec 24, 2007 - 03:49pm PT
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hey there dear molly and family... i never knew you all, but have learned from so many wonderful shares here...
may your family now have the open doors of new and unique traditions, to come you way, that you will cherish, in new and near unbelievable special sweet ways.... the new year is soon to dawn, and may it be even brighter than expected, for you both, as you grow, after facing such great sorrows....
god bless... happy christmas of rememberances.. and happy new year, as to new creativity, as to those remmeberances...
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