Is it just me, or does it seem sometimes that the world takes away the very best people? Recently, I was invited by Guy Lacelle to go ice climbing in the Bow Valley this December, with him and some friends, I would have left in about 5 days. As of this morning I had not yet decided if I was going to go, (my last ice climbing mission didn’t turn out to be much fun) but I truly loved hanging out with Guy, his presence was always so youthful and refreshing. He was like a Zen master in my eyes, he always had an optimistic enthusiasm, and a beginners mind.
This year has been especially difficult for climbing deaths and losses. I can’t begin to imagine the strength it must take to lose someone so close to you, so full of life. I’ve lost a handful of family members during my time on earth, and a handful of friends. It’s incredibly sad. And now Guy is gone too. Guy was probably the kindest man I ever met, humble, honest, soft spoken, real, genuine, funny and a friend to everyone. He was a legend of an ice climber yes, but even more so as a human being. He will be greatly missed. I sincerely wish his family and loved ones my warmest condolences and deepest sympathy. There are no words to describe a loss like this. May we all enjoy our lives as much as we can, while we can, and give to others what we can and leave this world a little better than when we found it. Guy did. I hope to.
Arc’teryx Photo.
