Pete Absolon killed in Wind River accident

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Terry Y

Social climber

montpelier

Aug 14, 2007 - 12:29pm PT

Hi, I am Pete’s brother-in-law – married to Molly’s sister Ann. Many, many thanks to all who have posted such kind words to this forum and for keeping Molly and Avery in your thoughts and Prayers.

I didn’t know Pete as well as many of you, but nonetheless, his many attributes were not lost on me; kindness, steadiness, diplomacy, patience, clarity, a passion for nature and his part in it and of course a mischievous humor. My deepest and most lasting memory of Pete comes from our first meeting at a family wedding in Washington D.C. It was the end of the night and many were sitting around the dance floor watching the kids dance. I looked over to one little nook near the dance floor and there was Pete with Avery in his lap snuggled in close. I watched intently for many minutes as they were enveloped in a perfect stillness, a unity of heart – a sanctuary. I am certain all parents know of what I speak – I was not yet a father – but I could feel the peace and the unconditional love enveloping them. I am now a father of a 3 year old son and I know that peace and I have often remembered Pete in that moment, even before this unfathomable loss. For me, that was the core of Pete, a core and a unity into all his incredible skills and attributes.

This forum, the upcoming service and the hearts and minds of all who love Pete are not unlike that sanctuary – where we can hold him in that perfect stillness, that unity of heart to carry the gift of his life into our lives – there to stay alive…

Much love,
Terry

DaveBragg

Trad climber

Lander, WY

Aug 14, 2007 - 12:46pm PT

Like many of us I find myself still in shock, disbelief, and unable to digest the loss of such an incredible person, Pete Absolon. Pete was a real “quality” person that I knew the moment I met him that I wanted to keep as a friend and more importantly close in my heart.

I can remember in the not so distant past when I was a seemingly reckless nols instructor going out to work a canyon course in S. Utah. I had the pleasure to work with Pete as my semester course liaison and Steve Herlihy, along with Paul K.. The time spent was incredible, it was the start of my friendship with Pete and cemented the bond I share with Steve. The support I got from Pete was amazing and inspiring. At the end of the course Pete took me aside and praised me for a job well done. His words meant more to me than he could know. I walked away feeling a little taller that day. That experience… that moment, I will always cherish, thanks Pete.

I will always remember and value the times spent with Pete in the canyon. Those times were always spent with a combination of childish banter, catching up with one another, talking about my life troubles, or just plain conversation. Pete always had words of encouragement and passion for the success of those around him.

I will also remember the life coaching Pete would give me walking up to Sinks or when I would stop in to see him at work. He was one to give me advice or his opinion no matter if I asked or not, just because he cared. I always listened and took his words to heart. I will continue to hear to those words, learn from them and grow. Becoming the better person Pete inspired me. Thanks, Pete.

Molly, and Avery I am sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you. If there is anything I can do, please never hesitate to ask. Pete was a great, loving, incredible person that has touched many people in beautiful ways.

Steve, buddy, my friend,….hang in there. My heart is with you and if there is anything, anything, I can do, please you know it would be my pleasure. If you need someone to listen, I have two ears.

With a heavy heart
Sincerely,
Dave Bragg

Ed Schmults

Mountain climber

New York

Aug 14, 2007 - 12:57pm PT

Molly and Avery,
Such awful news. I am so very sorry for the loss of so cherished a man, husband and father. You both should know that all of us are ready to help you - whatever you may need - now and in the future.
Love, Ed Schmults

skm

Sport climber

Cody, WY

Aug 14, 2007 - 12:58pm PT

Dear Molly,
Ever since Sunday afternoon when Missy called me with the news about Pete I have been struggling to find the right words to say to you. I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for Pete and how much I have been thinking of you and Avery.

I was talking to Bobby's mother yesterday and I told her what had happened and she said, "oh dear, just like what happened to Bobby." The irony of the situation had not struck me until then - within a matter of weeks two friends caught in the wrong place at the wrong time both hit by a random rock thrown by a stranger,

In thinking of time that I spent with Pete over the years I remember the ski trips on Togwotee, the climbing days up at Sinks, our trip to West Yellowstone. But what really stands out for me are the times spent working construction together. All those days building the garage and climbing gym – I was so impressed by Pete's ability to think big. Remember the day we hung the trusses with your neighbor's front end loader? I vividly recall the spring of 1995 when Lander had that crazy windstorm and we all lost our roofs. Pete organized a workday where friends showed up and helped you guys re-roof your house. I thought it would be fun to help and also a good skill to learn so I came ready to work with no expectation of payback. Well, Pete fully expected to not only provide the food and beer and to thank everyone for their efforts but he planned to help us all with our own house projects in the future. Just a few months later Pete was at my house teaching me how to tape and mud drywall. After showing me how it worked he lent me all the perfect tools. Fast forward five years and I was re-roofing my own little house and Pete insisted on showing up to put in a day of work and he even lent me a scaffold that he had built – again, the perfect tool for the job. Pete taught me how to use a compound miter saw and his new table saw – never thinking I might not be able to handle it, just pointing out the safety features and letting me go.

Pete was a great believer in people always expecting the best. He was a great believer in you – in reference to climbing I remember being at Devil's Tower and you were nervous about leading a certain climb – I can't remember which one - when Pete asked you, "is the danger real or perceived?" You were quick to identify it as perceived and then went on your way to lead the climb. I was so impressed but Pete just smiled, he knew you could do it. I believe in you too Molly. This is such a difficult time for all of us and especially for you and I'm here for you as are so many good friends. Please reach out to us all for help as you discover you need it.

Love,
Sharon

Mingusmanymules

Trad climber

Grand Junction, CO

Aug 14, 2007 - 01:30pm PT

The matrix of human connections brings me to my knees again this morning. I've been gone from Lander for many years, but at one time I lived in Pete and Molly's house off North Second street while they were in Alaska. It was a summer where you absorb something subtle from sitting on their couches and working in their kitchen. I sat on their back deck at sunset and wondered how many mosquito bites everyone is taking in the Talketna's.

Later, when I needed to borrow power tools for some project and work in the driveway, Pete always said, "Whatever you need buddy." He came over to my house and did all the drywall work that I was terrible at, all the while talking about living in Berkeley while Molly was getting her degree in journalism...there were stories about Seneca Rocks...I was amazed that he would come over and plaster and sand drywall for nothing -- and tell great stories that made me feel like I was part of his life.

He even took me on a scouting trip with Greg Collins to the House Range in Utah, where we beat up the NOLS crew cab getting to the crags. He immediately jumped out in the evening hours and wanted to get on this hellish 5.11. The thing I always find most hilarious about Pete was that as the climbing got harder, his subsconcious would open up, and he would mutter from a deep well of ideas that made no sense to someone outside his head, but it seemed to focus him. The more he linked into "Gabriel Garcia's " magical realism", or Kerouac's "On the Road" the better he climbed!! I knew then that I was with someone really special.

After that he soloed the North Face of the Grand, reluctantly telling me in my office -- and I had to drag him into John Kanengieter's office to tell the story so someone else could share in his accomplishment. The point of this, is that he was too modest to proclaim something so significant. From everything I have read here, you have all experienced the endless giving Pete.

I hope to come around in the next life to be as good a person as Pete was.

Love to you Molly and Avery. I'm so sorry not to make it this weekend...but I am there in full spirit...Eric M

Molly Doran

climber

Bow, WA

Aug 14, 2007 - 01:39pm PT

Molly, Avery and all of Pete's extended family

Pete was so loved. I echo what so many have said - no, not Pete - no. Pete was a mini solar system of positive energy, love, kindness, adventure, laughter, and friendship - how could someone so good be gone? I was thinking today that he didn't have one foe - he seemed to be able to find something good about everyone and every situtaion. And he was so grounded and sensible. More than once he brought me back to reality with a wry comment or joke or a "Do you think..?" Pete was an inspiration to me in so many ways. He always reminded me that life was for living.

I have so many wonderful memories of Pete and you three as a family. The serenity and grace and love was always all encompassing.

I love you Molly and am so so sad for you and for Avery and for your family. Andy and I will see you this weekend. We both feel such a strong need to say goodbye to Pete with so many who loved him and to see you and Avery.

Love Molly

Tuggs

Social climber

Garland, TX

Aug 14, 2007 - 02:08pm PT

Molly and Avery,
Take heart and be strong, for i know thats what Pete would want of you right now.He touched my life in a very personal way during my time at NOLS just as he touched so many others. Our hearts reach out to you during this sad time.
Tuggs & family.

Jason Dittmer

climber

Aug 14, 2007 - 02:13pm PT

I had just moved to Lander and was living in the Noble. I had taken a job at the school and fancied myself a climber. My first week there Molly and Pete invite me to go climbing in Sinks after work. We go to “warm up” on this climb. Pete puts up the draws, Molly pulls the rope and fires it and I go next. We spent the rest of the day there, me flailing and barely getting past the second bolt. Molly and Pete never complained, never looked at their watches. They empowered me and cheered me on till the sun went down and we had to go home.
Later in the month Pete approached me and asked me if I wanted to put in 300 bucks to be a part of his climbing gym. “where is it?” I asked “my Garage” he replied. Now let me get this straight, You want me to pay you 300 bucks to help you build a gym in your garage? Needless to say I accepted on the spot, not because I was wild about the idea or had lots of disposable cash, but because I wanted to be near Pete and Molly.
I used the gym once and would often tease Pete about my “membership” there. But to date it has been the most rewarding 300 bucks I have ever spent.
Pete became a dear friend and role model. Through his actions he showed me those attributes a good person possesses. Kindness, compassion, humor, selflessness and dedication to ones family and to ones core beliefs and passions. I continue to aspire to be the kind of husband, father and friend that Pete was.
Molly,I cannot begin to fathom the sadness that you and Avery must feel. I can only pledge mine and my families unconditional support and friendship. We are here if you need us; today, tomorrow or in the months and years ahead.
Our prayers, support and love are with you always.
Jason Dittmer

Basso

Social climber

Laramie, Wyoming

Aug 14, 2007 - 02:16pm PT

This is Shaun Kelley. Don't climb much anymore, I'm now a bass player for an artist named Jalan Crossland when I'm not flying a desk.

I worked for NOLS in the early 90s and Pete and Molly were/are both friends that I hadn't seen in years. My not-too-trustworthy memory does seem to recall going caving with Pete in Jewel Cave as the only field experience I had with him. Don't ask me what he was doing in a *cave*, man. Maybe he was proctoring a semester, and it was their caving section. He, of course adapted beautifully, and was a very stylish caver in a very "climby" speleo environment.

The kicker for me is that Absolon family attended a show we gave in Lander in late July--at which I met Avery for the 1st time--I had hardly seen Pete or Molly in a decade. I am so grateful that I got to see Pete again.

I am just sucker-punch-blindsided by this. I am a dad of a little guy that is about Avery's age. What to say? What to do? The only answer I can imagine is to just be here for Molly and Avery.

VLOXY

Social climber

Dallas, TX

Aug 14, 2007 - 02:21pm PT

Unfortunately I came to the knowledge of this horrific and tragic story from the thrower's side. I don't know the thrower, but I am six degrees separated from them so to speak and connected to you via the Internet. I don't quite understand it myself, but I felt compelled to speak about it.

After hearing this story through a network of friends and family, I needed to gather more information. And what I have learned is unimaginably tragic and deep heartfelt emotion.

Pete Absolon is an amazing individual for he was able to touch and improve upon many lives that he never encountered. That is the true nature of a person who is well respected and loved by not only his family and friends, but from strangers as well.

I can only offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends that he leaves behind.

And since I am somewhat removed, and an observer of these tragic events, I can say that the families of both sides are feeling the anguish of confusion and pain. I can only think of how the slightest of actions can affect so many. Pete apparently understood that for he helped to change the lives of numerous people through his simple and positive actions.

May peace be upon the family of Pete Absolon.

Basso

Social climber

Laramie, Wyoming

Aug 14, 2007 - 02:31pm PT

Ah, I forgot to mention my wife and Molly's friend and co-writer Chavawn. Chavawn was who tearfully broke the news to me about Pete. I think we will try to see you on Sunday.

Shaun Kelley

Terri Watson

Mountain climber

Lander, Wyoming

Topic Author's Reply - Aug 14, 2007 - 02:35pm PT

Molly and Avery

It was all I could do to get this thread started and couldn't write much at the time ---- and not know anyway to say the millions of things on my mind --- I remember so many things about each of you, and of you as a couple.

I hope, over the coming months, to smile and tell you these things in person, and I will be over there Thursday on.....

Hugs, love, and a commitment to be around over the long haul.

Terri

Trina

climber

Nederland, Colorado

Aug 14, 2007 - 02:56pm PT

Dear Molly, I am so very, very stunned by this terrible news. I will be thinking of you and Avery not just this weekend as you mourn and celebrate Pete's vibrant life and deep love for you both, but in the weeks, months and years to come as you carry forward in your own strong and thoughtful way. Trina Peterson

Sally Watt

climber

Lander, WY

Aug 14, 2007 - 03:07pm PT

Dear Molly,

I didn't really know Pete and after having read all this wonderful storiew I wish I had had a chance to know him better. I have always liked and admired you and I am truly sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy.

Sally Watt

COT

climber

Aug 14, 2007 - 03:18pm PT

Pete on Sister Ray in Sinks Canyon this winter

COT

climber

Aug 14, 2007 - 03:33pm PT

Molly and Avery I am so sorry for your loss. I still have not come grips with the reality of Pete’s passing and am not sure if I ever will. Not only was Pete a wonderful, caring husband and father but a solid, stand up friend as well.

Beside his unwavering commitment to his family, Pete’s next love was climbing. As a climber of 30 years he left his mark on hard free, aid and ice routes in the Rocky Mountains, East Coast, Yosemite, Indian Creek, France, Nepal and Pakistan to name a few. Even at 47 he was still sending 5.13 sport routes in his beloved Sinks Canyon and was inspiration for the rest of us quadragenarians

I feel privileged to have shared a rope with Pete. He and I spent many days clipping bolts near Lander and climbing routes in the Wind Rivers. Just last month we put up a new route on War Bonnet in the Cirque of the Towers and as usual Pete on-sighted the licheny 5.11c crux.

One of my fondest memories of Pete is climbing Mt Hooker in the Winds. Pete somehow convinced me to try and climb the Original Route (free variation) in a day. The 15 mile approach to the route, encumbered with a big free climbing rack and food and supplies for several days, had my back in spasms by the time we set up our tent at the base of the wall. The next day it rained and while I recovered, Pete spent the entire day gleefully fly fishing in the nearby ponds and streams. The following day we swapped leads up the route and were able to top out just as it was getting dark. But earlier in the day,1000 feet of the deck, a short lived storm pounded us with high winds and hail. Trying to be a fast and light alpinist my rain gear consistent of a large plastic garbage bag. When Pete would tell the story he would say, “Ya Dave’s Hefty raingear was definitely lighter than my Gore-tex jacket, but hey I’ve got a family and we both know who was more comfortable.” Practical Pete!

As a consistent luker for the last two years on supertopo.com I have all too often read through posts written about members of our climbing collective that have passed on. In the last few years some of the pillars of the Lander climbing community have been taken from us or have been badly injured including Jim Ratz, Todd Skinner, Bobby Model and now Pete.

Most of you reading this post, whether you knew Pete or not, probably feel a sense of helplessness and the desire to do something. We can’t help it, by our chosen addiction (climbing) we are caring, creative people. But what can we do?

Pete really enjoyed meeting visiting climbers giving beta and finding common friends. He also remarked on numerous occasions that the people who we climb with are just as important to the overall experience as the climbing itself.

Right now our little climbing community has taken quite a hit and we need you climbers - your fresh energy and enthusiasm (I am in no way connected with the Chamber of Commerce or anything like that). So if you have been thinking about where to road trip during the end of the summer or this the fall, take trip into the Winds, or pull down on some of the fine sports routes in the Lander area. I know Molly, Avery and the rest of us would like you to experience the place Pete loved.

Dave Anderson

Susan Meeker

climber

Lander, Wy

Aug 14, 2007 - 03:38pm PT

Molly, Avery and all of Pete's family,
Words cannot possible convey my sympathy for you during this most difficult time. I heard about it Sunday when we got back, and have been trying to come up with something meaningful to say to you, but feel so helpless. Pete was such a tremendous father and loving husband. I remember how lovely it was to see you all at the MAW just recently for Jalan's show and how happy your family was that night. I am sure there are so many memories for you that will bring a smile to your face over the years, and I just hope that you can always be grateful for the happiness that he brought and will continue to bring you. I pray for you to find the strength you need to get through this very sad time. I know that Pete will always be with you in spirit and he will be so proud of how you are handling everything.
I will be there on Sunday, and look forward to giving you a big hug.
My deepest sympathy,
Susan Meeker

Sallie

Social climber

Charleston, West Virginia

Aug 14, 2007 - 03:39pm PT

I'm a childhood friend of Molly's who was one of the many lucky people who attended Pete & Molly's wedding on one of the most beautiful mountains in West Virginia on a beautiful, sunny day! The bride was radiant and lovely, the groom was the luckiest guy in the world and was smart enough to know it. It was a joyous & memorable event and I'm so glad I was there on a happy day of smiling, smiling, smiling! The photos of Molly & Pete sent with Christmas letters were full of smiling too!
Your loss fill me with sadness for you Molly and for Avery and for the Armbrecht and Absolon families and the NOLS family too.
Please know that you are in my prayers and that your friends in West Virginia love you, care about you and share in your grief.
Love, Sallie