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Janeen
climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 13, 2007 - 11:27pm PT
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Molly and Avery my heart goes out to you as you grieve this tremendous loss. I can’t even fathom the heartache that you must be experiencing. Please know we are here for you and our prayers are with you and your family.
Pete was such an amazing man and mentor. I can’t stop thinking about his infectious smile. I have fond memories of our trip to Indian Creek when Avery as a toddler “toddled” around the base of the crag with her fingers wrapped around mine as we negotiated the crumpled terrain and Pete effortlessly cruised his way up an impossibly difficult route with Molly belaying and encouraging him. I often tell the tale of me asking Molly that day what the name of the strange plant was at my feet and Avery, barely two years old, responded with “Mormon Tea”. I was dumbfounded that as a toddler she was already identifying desert flora and fauna. But it quickly became apparent that she was a gifted young lady who had been blessed with truly amazing parents.
There were many winter nights where we spent climbing with John Abel, Camilla Barnes-Kelly and Pete working impossibly hard routes Pete had set in the garage gym. Although I could barely link the difficult moves Pete would encourage me and coach me through the intricate moves. Regardless of my awkward movement he believed in me, as a climber and as a budding instructor and later as a branch director. Often he was climbing while listening to “the game” as Avery and I practiced downward dog or jumped on the trampoline. I will forever cherish these memories.
Just last week, Ryan and I returned from the field and Pete invited us into his office to hear of our “field tales”. As always he took the time to catch up with old friends regardless of his busy schedule. It struck me what a true leader he was, caring, interested and passionate about his work. He truly was a role model and always has been, as a husband, father, climber and friend. Words cannot describe what an amazing person Pete was and the tremendous affect he had on those he touched. Molly and Avery, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Pete’s love and energy will truly shine through you two and all of us for years to come.
Janeen Hutchins
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Bob Vallevona
climber
Salida, CO
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Aug 13, 2007 - 11:31pm PT
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Dear Molly,
It was just over eight years ago that your words comforted me when I lost Christine. How I hope you find some comfort in all the loving words your friends are sharing now.
You and Pete were blessed to have each other. It is always beautiful to watch two people you love and respect so much, find each other. That love you experienced will forever be a part of you and Avery. Please know that the gift Pete gave to your lives will continue to grow. Though I miss him right now, I know he will never completely leave us.
I've been flooded with memories of Pete all day. I see him everywhere.
I love you and will see you this weekend,
Bob Vallevona
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Andrew Davison
climber
Boulder, CO
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Aug 13, 2007 - 11:32pm PT
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Dear Molly and Avery,
Gary Wilmot called Brooke and me today with the horrible news of Pete's death. We are so sad for your loss and our hearts ache imagining the pain and sorrow you are feeling on this day. Pete was a person who touched many lives and left a lasting legacy through his family, his passions, and the NOLS community.
Molly my memories of my time spent with you, as my CL on an OEC in 95, left a lasting and positive impact that I carry with me to this day. Avery is a lucky girl to have a mother as strong and capable as you to guide her through this challenging time.
Please know that you and Avery are always welcome in our home and hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Andrew & Brooke Davison
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Susan Gray Gose
climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 13, 2007 - 11:58pm PT
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Dear Molly and Avery:
I am so, so sorry to hear about Pete. Not 10 minutes of this day have gone by that I haven’t thought of you and grieved for what you must be going through. The news is shocking.
Molly, I look forward to seeing you soon to give you a big hug and let you know how much I love you and Avery. I have always been drawn to the two of you. I know that this will be a dark, dark period to get through. But I also know that you two have so much life to live and so much to offer the world and all of us. I—-like so many of these great people around you-—will be there for you through this and on into the future when the living of life will go on.
My sharpest memory of Pete—-who in my mind was such a fun-loving, down-to-earth all-around great guy—-was at your birthday/anniversary party two summers ago out on your land off Baldwin Creek. Pete stood up on a rock, as I recall, and asked the large crowd of friends to hush as he had something to say. He then shared with all of us how much he loved and cherished you and the many years you’ve spent together. He called you “the love of my life.” It was such a beautiful moment. He didn’t hesitate to share the depth of his love for you in front of a large gathering. I was moved to tears then as I am now.
Molly, I love you and love Avery. My heart is with you. I will see you soon.
Susan Gray Gose
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Robin & Chris
climber
Missoula
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Aug 14, 2007 - 12:20am PT
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Hello to Molly and Avery, and family and friends of Pete --
Chris and I got the news about Pete via email just a few hours ago, and the world still seems to be wobbling. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.
Seems like most of our memories from my days in J-school in Berkeley involve you and Pete. I suppose that was because we were next-best-things to neighbors in El Cerrito. It's easy to picture Pete at potlucks or dinners in your little upstairs apartment, snitching all the scallops when your back was turned. And I remember all the Friday evenings we ended up at the Mexican restaurant in the nearby mall. Can't remember the name of the place. But I do remember that the guy who made the homemade tortillas really had to work to keep up with the number we ate. (But we needed them to soak up the beer!)
I also think of Pete almost every time I ride my old mountain bike -- new back in California 18 years ago, an old dinosaur (but still moving!) now. The couple times we rode in Wildcat Canyon with you guys (well, you two rode ahead, and Chris and I chugged along way way behind), Pete would wax enthusiastic, in the way only he could, about how much lighter and better our bikes were than yours. Lately I think "Not anymore, Pete!" every time I wrestle the bike down from its rack in the garage. Such a little thing, but it is always great to think about Pete. He was a rare one, one of the world's truly bone-deep positive and generous people. The planet is a better place because he was here.
Molly, I don't know your grief. Losing a son after a long illness is much different than losing a husband. But I want to be whatever support I can. And if Rosie can offer any kind of support to Avery, that is a bonus. We will be in touch, friend.
Much love to you all,
Robin Nielson-Cerquone
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alars
Social climber
Tucson, AZ
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Aug 14, 2007 - 12:22am PT
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Molly, Avery, and the NOLS community,
My mom called me today with the new of Pete's death. I am so very sorry for your loss. I got to know Pete a bit when I worked at the RMB Issue Room in '97 and '99 and always found him to be psyched, smiling, and accessible. I cannot allow myself to believe that spirits like his ever leave us. Reading Phil's update makes this all the more senseless.
You are in my thoughts.
Alicia (Long) Larson
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Ret
Mountain climber
Laguna Beach, California/Merna, Wyoming
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Aug 14, 2007 - 02:01am PT
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I was just reading through some old NOLS course logs I found in a box after our move, and I came across Pete's name. It made me smile. What a thoughtful, kind, generous, alive, and good person. What integrity. What character. And Molly, with her intellect, passion, empathy, ability to communicate, and enthusiasm for life. Before I got married, I remember telling my soon-to-be-wife Karen that I hoped we would be like Pete and Molly. Pete and Molly.
I had not heard the news yet.
Jason Dittmer called me tonight. What a bittersweet call it was. How easy it is to fall into the old banter and trash talk when suddenly hearing from an old Lander friend—like no time has passed at all. But this call was different. Jason told me about Pete. I shared with him the news about Bobby—he had not heard. Pete. How could this happen to someone like Pete, I kept thinking. It’s a cliché to ask why. But why? Why Pete?
And Molly, my whole being bleeds for her.
It's easy to get caught up in the shoulda, woulda, coulda of it all, and after I hung up the phone with Jason, that’s exactly what I did. I should have made an effort to stop by Pete and Molly's house last time I was in Lander—I had meant to—but I wanted to make it home to Merna before dark. I would have told Pete about the support I felt from him as a young instructor back in the early nineties—about how much an encouraging word in Sinks or a smile in the RMB meant to me—if I'd only known he wouldn't be with us forever. I could have made the effort to write a note to Pete and Molly about how I looked up to their relationship as my own marriage was just beginning....
It’s warm here tonight and quiet as I write this and think about Pete and Molly. There is barely a breeze, but I can still smell the faint smell of the Pacific. I think I’m coming to realize that the most important thing to do right now is to reach out to those I love. I’d like to do that in the spirit of Pete's great generousness of self. His largeness of heart. His humility. And with that in mind, I think it’s wholly appropriate to want to hear Jason tell me all about Allison and Casey and Abe (and the new mutt). At any rate, we made plans to get together very soon…to just be together. Thank you, Pete.
It's pretentious of me to say that is what Pete would have wanted—for people to find in this tragedy a renewed love of life and a desire to reach out and care for one another, but (perhaps selfishly) that's the way I'm going to try to live my life tonight and tomorrow and hopefully every day thereafter. I'm going to call some old friends, tell people what they mean to me, and hug my wife.
Goodnight, Pete.
I hope you feel how much love there is for you, Molly; you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hold Avery tight.
"Life is short, and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk the way with us. So be swift to love and make haste to be kind, and peace will be always with you."
Goodnight
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Neil McCarthy
climber
Seattle
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Aug 14, 2007 - 02:41am PT
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Molly
I can only imagine your sadness. Reading this thread brings back so many wonderful memories of times I spent with him. Pete has been an incredible influence on me and will continue to be even though he is gone. Time does not lessen the impact of a soul like Pete's. I am sad I wont get the opportunity to tell him how grateful I am.
Neil
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solar
Mountain climber
Victor ID.
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Aug 14, 2007 - 03:17am PT
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Pete – you are a mentor for many of us. You are a mentor for me in so many ways. You were the “course leader” and I was the new instructor. You were a friend. You weren’t chatty, but you were present (unless there was a game on!) You were thoughtful and preferred to be funny. You liked to tease but you were not mean. You are one of the best climbers I knew – it rounded your life, never defined it. Climbing was always a pleasure to be had, never a vice or an escape. You were happy to push yourself and loved to push your partner to their best in kind of a competitive way, but really just friendly encouragement. You loved your family. You supported them and encouraged them, which made you three seem like a awesome team.
Pete, your tragic departure is incongruous. You were climbing, but it was not really a climbing accident. In the climbing world you knew your limits and boldly but carefully acted. I can only imagine your analysis of the account. Eyebrows raised, tight, kinda frowning mouth, and I am guessing not much to say, but a clear message would be had: live life well and love your friends.
You continue to teach. You always pushed your partners to be their best - again you push us forward, to try and learn and not to despair.
Miss you Pete. Love you Molly and Avery.
Andy
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klenard
climber
Missoula, MT
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Aug 14, 2007 - 04:58am PT
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A world without Pete is a poorer one for us all. Today, I cried tears I never knew I had. Tears for the loss of a fine, fine, father, husband and dear friend. I don't think I can say any more that Molly hasn't already captured in her tribute to Todd. I will miss you, Pete, and try every day to live a little of my life in your memory.
Keith Lenard
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Aug 14, 2007 - 08:27am PT
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My sincere condolences to the family and friends. May he rest in peace.
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Gary.Wilmot
climber
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Aug 14, 2007 - 09:29am PT
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It is wonderful to see all these stories and messages carrying similar themes and descriptions of Pete: his grin, his compassion, his joy in being outside and his deep love for and committment to Molly and Avery.
I will always remember him as someone who got things done, whether he was cooking a fabulous dinner or getting draws up on a climb. He could really focus on the moment. While on a climbing trip in the Caribbean, Pete was the only one of our group to see the endangered Cayman Brac Parrot, because he was the only one to get up daily at 5 am, jog 2+ miles with his binos and wander through the bird reserve - which he did about 9 days in a row. He came back crowing in triumph while we were all sitting around the breakfast table, nursing our coffee, so excited about his glimpse of this colorful bird.
My glimpses of Pete over the past three years have been of adventures of a different kind - seeing him biking a local Lander loop at high speeds by himself, or pedaling along with Avery on a shorter loop, or skate skiing with Molly. One day I was out walking at "the bus", near town and came across two sets of footprints: Pete's and Avery's, meandering along the paths. I could see them ahead on the ridge, and as I got closer I could overhear them talking about flowers.
Pete managed to blend so many things with such apparant ease, including high intensity work, serious outdoor pursuits and a rich and busy family life with Molly and Avery. They were such a tight, little family unit. My heart aches for Avery, who has lost such a great Dad and buddy, and for Molly, who has lost her best friend and life partner.
To Pete's family I send my sympathy and thoughts - you raised a wonderful son who became a person who had a big impact on our lives. To Molly's family I send the same- I know Pete will be sorely missed.
Molly and Avery - I love you.
Aileen
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horst
Trad climber
Lancaster, PA
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Aug 14, 2007 - 10:20am PT
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So tragic. My thoughts and prayers go out to Pete's family.
Pete was also active in the early days at the New River Gorge...he put up several FAs...I believe "Welcome to Beauty" (mountain) is Pete's route...a NRG classic.
Eric
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Natalie K
Mountain climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 14, 2007 - 10:30am PT
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Molly and Avery,
I am so saddened by the news of the loss of Pete. I am away from Lander for the week but will be returning this weekend. It is hard for me to express anything to you through my computer, but please know that I will be there to support you this weekend and all the other weeks and weekends to come. I have really enjoyed training with you Molly this summer and chasing you last weekend in our training triathlon. And this past year I have truly enjoyed becoming better friends with you. Please count on me to take Avery at a moments notice when you need it. I so much enjoy her spark and her desire to learn and teach her friends all that she has learned from you and Pete.
Toby and I love you very much.
Natalie and Toby
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High Mnt
Trad climber
Potomac, MD
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Aug 14, 2007 - 10:41am PT
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I just got an e-mail from Greg Collins about Pete's untimely passing. I remember Pete from his days as a climbing guide at Seneca Rocks in WV. What a gifted climber. Some of his routes at Seneca are still unrepeated. I know I wouldn't want to do them, too scary! One of the best climbers I every had the pleasure of knowing. It truely makes me sad when I see such a talented climber pass so early, but he was doing what he so obviously loved. My prayers go out to his wife and child. Rest in peace.
Jack Beatty, Potomac, MD
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bigskyry
Mountain climber
Bozeman
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Aug 14, 2007 - 10:42am PT
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Oh man -
Molly, Avery,
We are aching for you guys. Hang on to hope for a bright future and know that Pete has left an awesome legacy.
Ryan Jordan
Bozeman
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gee double
climber
victor idaho
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Aug 14, 2007 - 10:53am PT
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Molly and Avery...We are thinking about you two...and Petee...
We look forward to seeing you two and everyone this weekend...
Me and Sue are very sorry for your loss.
It was unbeliviable to grow up climbing with Pete...That Charlie Bronson look alike, high praise in the late 70's, free soloing the Nose at Carderock. Making the scary, knob high step look so casual...he kept us kids in line and focused on climbing... Free solos of PHD, The Sloth, The Dream, Merve's Nerve...together....
Sidewinder and Crack of Dawn at Seneca...all the obscure Potomac crags...
Then through Great fortune we were here, with you three in the western mountains and canyons...and your gym...He still kept us in line and focused...We even got to free climb Half Dome, listening to the World Series under the stars and the base jumpers...benighted on thank god ledge by the late October day...I was looking forward to much more life with Pete. I will try harder to keep myself in line, thanks Pete!
Peter Absolon, a hero, a friend and partner to me and many others... I miss him...g
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Quincy
climber
Casco, Maine
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Aug 14, 2007 - 10:56am PT
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Sadness spreads from Wyoming to Maine, and much farther as we try to grasp the world without Pete. Life doesn't seem quite right. Molly, you and Pete were an inspiration to me in my life and in my relationship with Mark. It's been many years since our paths have crossed, but we always want to hear how are the Absolons and we loved your annual letters. Avery glows as a beautiful reflection of yours and Pete's love. We feel so fortunate to have worked, partied and lived life having known Pete - he was a genuine great guy. Molly we are thinking of you and wish we could be closer to help. It is in Pete's memory that we will work to stay positive, face challenges and love the one's around us.
Quincy & Mark Van Winkle
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katekoons
Trad climber
Victor, ID
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Aug 14, 2007 - 11:29am PT
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Pete has been a constant presence for me in my years at NOLS whether it was at the RMB or in staffing. As everyone has mentioned here, he was an amazing supervisor - so supportive, so positive, so full of the right thing to say and a person I have always looked up to. I had the chance to babysit for Avery one summer and meet Molly. Instantly, I thought to myself, someday if I ever have kids I want to have a cute family just like these guys. Avery and I walked through the park and she pointed out all of the names of the flowers (at 4 y/o!). Needless to say, I was impressed with this young sparkplug and even more impressed by her parents. Molly and Avery, I do not know you all very well, yet I feel so much sadness in my heart for you right now. I also feel happiness and hope that you are and will be well taken care of by the amazing community in which we live. Kevin and I will be there on Sunday to show our love and support for you.
Steve, I can't imagine what it is that you must feel right now. It was just last week that we were laughing around the dinner table. Hang in there, my friend. We love you and look forward to seeing you this weekend. Love Kate and Kevin
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lida
climber
boston
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Aug 14, 2007 - 12:16pm PT
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Dear Molly,
Pete was so vivid to me from years of stories that had the quality of legends. I remember the aura of wonder that spread to Cambridge around his climb in the Himalayas. And what a vital, centered, loving partner he was for you and what an adoring father of dear Avery. I am so very sad for your loss, and so grateful for the memory of his extraordinarily beamy face and all the fun and happier woo woo times in Vermont last August.
with tears and sorrow and love,
Lida
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