Dave...you will be missed a friend fell into a ravine while hiking on dec 23rd. He died instantly. He will be laid to rest today.
You should have told him about stairs Good wishes to his loved ones, makes you think that you should tie things up in case you croak huh?
One of the things that alures people to these kinds of activities, hiking, climbing and genral adventuring is the danger factor. Unfortunatly sometimes the worst happens. At the very lest he left while doing something he loved. For that he has my respect.
Any untimely death is a terrible loss. Its the unrealized potential and the unfinished business that makes it so difficult. As another stated, he died doing something he loved and I hope that gives consolation to the ones he left behind. My thoughts are with you, doctorie.