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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Apr 22, 2013 - 03:28pm PT
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Yes Ron, thanks for being there for Layton.
Peace
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rick sumner
Trad climber
reno, nevada/ wasilla alaska
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Apr 22, 2013 - 03:28pm PT
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One of the very greatest of his generation. Friends and i grew up dreaming of following some of the paths he pioneered.
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Latitute 33
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Apr 22, 2013 - 03:36pm PT
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The generation of which Layton Kor was a part and leading force, were the true pioneers of modern rock climbing in the U.S. Simply put, he helped define what was possible.
In addition to leaving a legacy of scores of beautiful climbs -- which have stood the test of time, his climbing both inspired and terrified many a young climber in succeeding generations.
Let us toast a great climber who fundamentally shaped rock climbing and our experience of it.
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jogill
climber
Colorado
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Apr 22, 2013 - 03:38pm PT
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I will always think of Layton as the energetic young man I bouldered with in the Tetons so many years ago. Wearing argyle socks and corduroy knickers, with a stocking cap and alpine sweater he carried on a delightful conversation as he worked the rock. A beautiful memory.
Good for you, Ron!
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couchmaster
climber
pdx
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Apr 22, 2013 - 03:38pm PT
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It is no consolation to realize that all of us will follow along all too soon, yet few in life will have cut such a wide swath as Kor did. It warmed my heart to see Ron helping him out. RIP
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DanaB
climber
CT
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Apr 22, 2013 - 04:01pm PT
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I'll never forget Bob Culp's description of Layton Kor. Culp was trying to understand why Layton was so good. Culp mentioned eneergy, strength, etc. and then wrote something like " . . perhaps Kor just had the commitment to climb through whatever he found."
Think about it.
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Mees
climber
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Apr 22, 2013 - 04:03pm PT
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Thanks for all you gave to climbing Layton
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Jan
Mountain climber
Okinawa, Japan
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Apr 22, 2013 - 04:32pm PT
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I did my first climb with Layton in Eldorado in 1963. Personally, when I remember Layton it is not his climbing I think of, but his larger than life energy, humor and cheerfulness. He faced his long and demanding illness with those same qualities.
I was able to visit with Layton one last time three years ago and meet his wife Karen, thanks to Ron Olevsky arranging the logistics. While he died in poverty from medical bills, it was in spite of having insurance. Although a former dirtbag, he had become a devoted family man. Royal Robbins called Layton "the only true Christian" years before either of them became Christians. Although he will be remembered for his climbing career and the raucus stories from his youth, Layton himself, always looked forward. His own inner growth in later years was equally important to him.
I look forward to Cam Burns' bio of Layton and the more complete understanding it will provide, and hope that the climbing community will remember Karen also, who followed Layton to a foreign land and was devoted to him through many demanding and depressing years. She too never gave up.
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Jennie
Trad climber
Elk Creek, Idaho
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Apr 22, 2013 - 04:46pm PT
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Personally, when I remember Layton it is not his climbing I think of, but his larger than life energy, humor and cheerfulness. He faced his long and demanding illness with those same qualities.
He will always be with us while the crags stand.
he was one of the most fully realized human beings on the planet. Yes he was arich man at his passing. I loved him.
Precious tribute from steadfast friends...
...perhaps no veneration is as palpable, or loyalty as sublime as the homage spoken from shared adventure and adversity...devoutly held and sustained through the passing succession of years...
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steveA
Trad climber
bedford,massachusetts
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Apr 22, 2013 - 05:07pm PT
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Layton leaves behind a most incredible and enduring legacy, which will be shared by future climbers long after he is gone.
RIP
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Sierra Ledge Rat
Mountain climber
Old and Broken Down in Appalachia
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Apr 22, 2013 - 05:10pm PT
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I owe my life to people like Layton, and I will never forget that.
Infinite gratitude to all of my heros.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Apr 22, 2013 - 05:10pm PT
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I salute the Great with a toast & remembrance ever after. Here's to ya, Layton. A damn good Man.
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S.Leeper
Social climber
somewhere that doesnt have anything over 90'
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Apr 22, 2013 - 05:15pm PT
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yes, long live the king! What a man, what a legend.
Let's hear some personal stories, did you climb with him?
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steve shea
climber
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Apr 22, 2013 - 05:16pm PT
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I'll remember Kor as an Alpinist as much as a rock climber. Diamond routes and Diamond in winter with Wayne Goss and the Eiger Direct etc.
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Jello
Social climber
No Ut
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Apr 22, 2013 - 05:42pm PT
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I just have to say Ron is one of the truest friends you can ever have. His generousity toward Layton has actually overflowed onto me in recent years. I didn't know Layton personally all that well. The first time I met him was in 1965 at the Jenny Lake ranger station in the Tetons. Layton was reporting in after a climb and my brother Greg and I were checking out for something like Irene;s Arete. I was 14 and about 110 lbs, Greg was a year or so older and probably 15 lbs heavier. Of course we instantly recognised that the giant leaning on the counter must be Layton Kor, rendering each of us a degree or two shier than normal. When the ranger asked us what climb we were planning to do, I was barely able to whisper our objective. That's when Layton reached down with one massive paw and scooped me up so I was sitting on the counter and he could look mee in the eye without bending down too far. "Irene's Arete, did you say? That's a pretty big climb for a couple of kids like you..." The ranger on duty knew us pretty well and vouched for our competence. That seemed to satisfy the big guy, and he turned and waalked out of the cabin, saying "Well, have a good climb then, see you later".
I actually climbed with Layton long after his whirlwind 60's period. So I got to see him in action in his natural habitat, and in his full spirit, if somewhat de-tuned from his salad days. But I hadn't seen him in a couple of decade until Ron arrange a rendezvous at Sawmill Bench. in July 2010. Amazingly,together with a stellar cast of characters, Ron had gotten all four of us together who had been on Latok in 1978, and that was accomplishment enough, but just after sunset, we were all sitting around the fire when I sensed a large presense standing beside me. When I turned to look I was looking at someone's knee, about three feet above ground. When I tilted my head all the way back, there stood Layton, smiling down at me, still the genial giant of a man from all those years ago -- Ron's treat for all of us!
Ron arranged one last meeting for Layton and me about a year later. We met for breakfast in Mesquite, Nev, then drove up to Kolob, above Zion. I had done on route there and tried two others. Layton had done none. We drove to the last lookout, and sat on the stone benches, with the whole wide screen panorama of the Kolob spread before us, with only a handfull of routes extant. Layton and I played a game. First, one of us would pick out a line and point out the features that made the line attractive to him, then the next of us would take a turn and so on. It was an enjoyable game, revealing something more of ourselves to each other, both of us knowing we would never again be heading out for an adventure like that again. Layton and I agreed it would have been fun to have shared an adventure or two like that. It was once again the genious of Ron;s generousity that allowed us to have that magical time together, and I'll be forever grateful to him for those moments.
My deepest condolences to Layton;s family and friends...to the entire climbing community, actually.
-Jeff
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Apr 22, 2013 - 05:51pm PT
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Great share Jeff, thanks for the story. Just got off the phone with Bridwell.....he had not heard and is saddened to say the least. Had some good talk with Jim about his good friend. I hope he posts up, he has some great things to say about Layton.
Peace
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Apr 22, 2013 - 05:57pm PT
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Ron is a hero for what he did for Layton.
I got interested in climbing from the photos of Layton on one of those junk towers (Titan?) out in the desert in an old issue of Nat Geo I saw as a kid. I just kept staring at the pics thinking, I'm going to do that someday. Few ever did it like Layton Kor.
JL
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Apr 22, 2013 - 06:06pm PT
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Yes, Jeff, Sawmill Bench was a special time among special times.
Jody, Kevin and I kept it a secret that Tom Cochrane was going to fly Layton up to the Latok rendezvous, but then he ended up driving and showing up in the dark.
It was a blast to see everyone surprised by his appearance (especially George), and the stuff we shot the next day ended up in Metanoia!!
I've been trying to reach Jody, and hope that he can get through to Karen.
So sad, so many concerns now. I hope things are going well for you up in Eden. Your grand daughter is a real bundle of joy, all sweetness and light.
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Seamstress
Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
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Apr 22, 2013 - 06:16pm PT
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WHen visiting an area, I always seek a Kor climb. You know it will be a good line. Love hearing the stories about him. Condolences to those left behind. Eventually we will follow his lead.
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ELM !
climber
Near Boston
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Apr 22, 2013 - 06:18pm PT
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Ron you a good man for standing up and helping Layton. Jeff...that was an amazing story. Fun to hear how one giant stands in awe of another.
I posted on a local board that someone needs to call George Hurley and let him know. He does not have internet access. You know him Ron. I bet he'de love to get a call from you...even if it's a sad one.
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