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Off White
climber
Tenino, WA
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Ahhh Tyrus, you should know that there was nothing you could do to change the outcome. Your dad loved you very much, and while feeling great grief is normal, you shouldn't feel any guilt over your dad's decisions. He will indeed be missed.
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Grant Meisenholder
Trad climber
CA
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Tyrus-
As you probably have always known, your father was a giant. But what made him proudest wasn't his ability to climb things that we mortals couldn't even begin to comprehend. It was you. I'm sure that even when you both had some disagreement over whatever it was, his love for you was like El Cap - solid & immense. You will never lose that because you know that in your heart. And it will keep getting stronger to help you through whatever life throws at you. He is a part of you 24/7, in darkness and in light.
I lost my mom at a young age and it sent me for a loop. Took me years to get over. But when I finally realized what I've just told you, things started falling back into place. It's hard and it will take time for the pain to recede, but take a moment now to look at the huge swell of support you have from this community and those you see every day. We're all here to help in whatever ways we can. Just say the word.
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JOEY.F
Social climber
sebastopol
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It is so diffucult young man to loose a parent.
So many here can tell your heart is broken.
Please know, time really does heal.
Sincerely,
Joe Fortney.
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dirtbag
climber
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In times like this you'll realize how many people love you, care about you, and will extend a helping hand.
Lean on them, they want to help!
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Mark Hudon
Trad climber
Hood River, OR
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I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad, Tyrus.
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Your father has made an inestimable impact on the lives of so many here.
He was true to himself, and true to you Tyrus, right to the end.
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micronut
Trad climber
fresno, ca
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Tyrus,
I'm so sorry for your loss man. I can't imagine what you are going through right now. As you can tell from the site, your dad had an impact on many many lives. He was a vital part of the climbing world, and you are too. You are his flesh and blood and his magic lives on in you. Someday, a long time from now, the pain will fade. You will have to be extraordinarily strong in the coming days and years. Find somebody to hang out with that you can talk to about all this. Keep talking. Keep letting it out. Don't think that being tough is all about keeping it inside. I've spent time with soldiers from different wars. The old guys who talk about it do much better than the dudes who bottle it up. Don't be in a rush to figure it all out. Just put one foot in front of another for a while. Keep breathing. Surround yourself with friends and family. You have a long life ahead and your dad will always be a part of the man you are and will become. See you around.
Scott.
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quietpartner
Trad climber
Moantannah
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Tyrus, in the brief moment I talked with your dad, he impressed me a lot with his good heart.
Don't try to numb yourself to what you're feeling. Let your grief flow. And accept the outpouring of love from everyone here.
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Pennsylenvy
Social climber
A dingy corner in your refrigerator
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I was always waiting for the day your dad could show me a few licks on the saxophone. To say he was admired by many doesn't come close. People live on in the hearts of others, especially someone like your dad. Peace. Tim
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Really sorry for your loss, Tyrus.
I always enjoyed seeing the pix of you that yr dad posted.
Best
Wishes
Kerwin
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Tyrus, truly sorry for your loss. Be strong, follow your own intuitions and path and remember you have an extended family among your father's many friends.
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Hello, Tyrus-
The last time I talked to your dad, several months ago, we were just finishing the text for the new Stonemaster book. As you probably know, your dad much preferred to climb than to write about it. But I had to have a story written by THE Stonemaster himself (your dad), or the book wouldnīt fly. So I hounded pop for weeks and we went back and forth over a period of months and finally got a story that captures what his climbing was all about. Itīs called, Waiting in the Shade, and describes Johnīs free solo ascent of Butterballs, circa 1976. I never imagined that this book would be a testimonial for your father, for his courage, vision and uncompromising approach to life. Of course, your dad is featured on the cover - who else belongs there? Nobody but your dad, thatīs who.
Anyway, that story does say in plain and simple terms, what your dadīs climbing was about. But it doesnīt say what He was about. Tyrus, he was about you. Any friend that talked to John had to be prepared for the conversation to end up about you, because thatīs where it was going to go. Never mind some stupid book or story - John Bacharīs life never made real sense till you were born. Any friend can tell you as much.
I grew up with your dad. We climbed and horsed around out at Joshua Tree every winer weekend for many years. We did our first soloing together - Iīm sorry to admit, and we pushed each other up increasingly horrendous stuff till he just took off on his own.
We lived about fifty miles away from each other but when one or the other of us would do an interesting problem at Stoney or Rubidoux or wherever, weīd call each other and get the other guy on the problem right away. I remember hitchhiking all the way out to Stoney just to repeat your dadīs classic problem, Umma Gumma, V7, which he did in 1974.
I was super impressed with Bruce Leeīs work outs in Return of the Dragon. I took your dad to see that movie and he started working out like an Olympian. In six months he was cranking off one arm pull ups like nothing and soon built the first rope ladder. He basically invented modern cross training for climbing, including the first crude hang board, and many of the basic movements.
There was one time that we were obsessed with John Gill. Weīd talk on the phone for hours about meeting the Legend and doing his boulder problems - all of them. Finally, in 1976, we drove all the way out to Fort Collins from Yosemite - to go bouldering. Nobody did that back then. We traveled to Pueblo and met Gill and did many of the problems. We went all over, wherever there were Gill problems - Split Rocks, Horsetooth, Pueblo, Boulder Canyon, El Dorado, Estes Park, Needles, and many more. It was like being on a treasure hunt. Hardly anyone did any of these problems back then and it was a rush to get up on such hallowed ground and pull down. Your dad was never happier - till you were born.
I remember we were on the last pitch of Astroman. We had the thing done, which amazed us - but there was this last pitch. I led out the thin ledge and climbed up to the top of a pinnacle. This was in 1975 so we only had the old nuts and pitons. The aid route went up and left via a bottoming, pocked groove that was rated A4. But it looked like I could free climb straight up. Maybe. The rock was real grainy and the only protection were tied off pins I had hammered in a pin scar way off left. I kept climbing up a few moves and then downclimbing back to the pinnacle. I didnīt want to commit to a bouldery sequence of unknown difficulty - if I whipped off I knew the nested, tied off pitons would rip out and Iīd take a huge winger.
I finally yelled back at Ron Kauk and your dad that I wasnīt sure if I could do this. I wanted one of them to take a look but they were fried and this was my lead - it was my turn to do my part. Finally your dad yelled that it was face climbing, for Christīs sakes, and that it could not be harder than the stuff Iīd been doing for years out at at Suicide and so forth and so on, and just like that, he got me believing I was the best man for the job. Weīd been rooting each other up stuff since we were in the 10th grade. I wasnīt sure I could make it but your dad was, and that was good enough for me. And your dad was right - it was far easier than the stuff weīd been doing for years.
So many stories . . .
Your dad was a hero to many of us but to my knowledge, John Bachar only had one hero - you.
John Long
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wbw
climber
'cross the great divide
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Iīm very sorry for your loss.
At a time when I needed a place to go, an identity on which to hang my hat, I looked up to your father and found it.
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graham Johnson
Sport climber
Antioch
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TB, our prayers go out to you and the family on such a sad occassion. My wife and I got the call last night from Yerian and spent quiet some time consoling him, he like so many others loved your dad.
The King as left the building but his accomplishments and memories will be forever with us.
RIP John.
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Buggs
Trad climber
Eagle River, Alaska
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Tyrus,
I never met your father. But he is legend and I knew him through the words of others who knew him well. We are not required to live any certain way, just to follow our hearts, and live FULLY. That, I am certain, is what your dad did, and all he would ask for you. Blessings be upon you in this sad time. As you see and feel the love from those who loved your dad, know that he is at peace. And peace be with you.
Michael Seizys
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philo
Trad climber
boulder, co.
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TB your dad will be missed but never forgotten. The great ones always blaze a path of incredible achievement for the rest of us to marvel at. Please know that in this community you will never be alone. If there is ever anything that would be helpful for you all you need to do is ask. My sincerest condolences to you. Be strong.
Phil Broscovak.
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Double D
climber
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Tyrus I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a very special person and touched many lives.
God bless you and your family.
Dave Diegelman
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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This is hits hard for all who knew the man and knew of him. I am so sorry for your loss Tryus.
I can't believe it.
A legend to me since I was a kid, then I move out here to the Eastside and I run into him from time to time, boulder some problems with him every once and a while. For a legend in his own time, he was always down to earth and game to do a few problems with hack like me.
He will be missed.
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