John - was with Alan Altman and Wayne Sladek today, we remembered one of the first trips I led as a leader, a scramble to Observation Rock, and you and David joined as well. This was August and the road was gated way way down from Mowich, so we hiked up the road. Shortly after a Park Service truck drove by, didn't even give us a ride. Then David had to run back 1.5 miles and get his ice axe, he was strong and fast and caught back up to us at Mowich Lake. So the day is getting long already. We hiked up to Fay Peak and then saw Observation so so far in the distance, called it a day. Meanwhile the Park truck was doing wheelies in the parking lot, the driver said he was trying to break up the snow. Wayne remembered the loud Loons that were playing in the lake, I guess that is a rare event to behold. Anyway, this was the first of many trips with you, I saw how much you loved to get out with your son David.
I talked you into taking Basic and then mentored you in Intermediate, and you then became a prolific climb leader. I remember the stories of the difficult job doing accounting for some company, wanted to change jobs. You had several stories of David and how he was progressing in school at Hilo, you were very proud of him.
I'm going to miss you John, you were always there to volunteer for the Mountaineers, leading committees that others would rather not, you led Scrambles Leadership for a couple of years, then MOFA instructor (whew!), and kept leading Basic climbs. You will be missed. I am glad to have had the privilege of knowing you. Dan Lauren
I have so many memories of John! John deep frying turkeys at Pre Thanksgiving Thanksgiving in Vantage. John telling his copious jokes. John always ready to help at a field trip.
ReplyDeleteMy most vivid memory of John was at the 2004 Ice II field trip. It was raining pretty much non stop and John had been smart enough to pick up rain gear. It was very yellow. I remember him looking like the Gorton's Fisherman all weekend! That weekend I was soaked through to the skin, had no dry clothes, and was sitting in my sleeping bag in my underwear when John came to the tent door and asked if I was coming out for shared appetizers. I explained my predicament and a short time later there was John's voice at the tent door - "Susan, do you want some pork?" After handing me some bbq pork through the door, he went to his tent and retrieved his dry long underwear. I was SO grateful for his help and generosity! Eric had to force me to give John his dry long undies back the next day :) We have laughed about it many times.
Most recently I helped at Intermediate Rock II in Squamish and was happy to see John there too. We caught up a bit. John told me about his family and his pride in their success and accomplishments was apparent. My heart goes out to all of John's family for their loss.
John will be missed. By friends. By family. By me.