Rest in Peace, Terry Mathews

[psycholoco]

I typically do not post much on this site, and even less so on these types of subjects as I haven't really had a chance to meet many of you in person, but I felt compelled to post something when I saw this post. I never actually met Terry, but I can honestly say that there are few people that match the level of respect I had for him. The genuineness and unselfishness that came through his posts really struck a chord with me. I'm truly saddened that I will not have the opportunity to know him outside of this forum.

[bjkent76]

I never met Terry, but when I started my own 14er journey the summer of 2011, he was a source of constant information and a shining example that a very regular guy like me could get into shape and start climbing the high peaks.

Thoughts and prayers to Terry's family and friends. Such sad, sad news.

[Lamb]

I am very sorry about everyone's loss. I only know of Terry from his posts, and already feel the loss to this site.

[12ersRule]

I only had the opportunity to climb with Terry once. A few years ago, FCSquid and I were about to do the SW LB Ridge, and Kevin Hayne had died in an accident on the mountain a few days before. Terry was so distraught on the forum, that we invited him to join us to honor Kevin's memory. At first, Terry declined and then quickly accepted. Terry apologized that he didn't have much class 3 or above experience at the time. He rocked the route though, he was extremely strong that day. He also was the one to bring a sign for us to honor Kevin at the summit. He also put together an excellent trip report on our day.

Met him a year and a half later on El Diente by sheer chance. Our group got extremely strewn out on the mountain and I was nowhere to be found. There was also the sound of rockfall somewhere on the El D/Wilson ridge above at one point. I'll never forget Terry's smile and look when he saw my partner and I went we met up with him near the summit. I was touched when I learned that he had asked a ton of people if they had seen me.

Sad that this happened. Like many others have stated: Terry was a caring and passionate person. He'll be missed.

[Doctor No]

Oh, man - not the way I wanted to start a Monday.

Rest in peace, Terry.

[Dave B]

I only met Terry once, right before the knife edge on Capitol, he was absolutely stoked. I remember his smile and stoke calming me a bit before continuing on the ridge. Interestingly, I didn't know it was him at the time (realized it a few days later after he posted a TR). After that we shared a few PMs here and there and he always seemed like such an energized and genuinely good person.

I knew nothing of the demons that Terry faced. I have, however, lost a close friend who took their own life because they also couldn't find peace elsewhere.

My condolences to Terry's friends and family, losses such as these can be absolutely devastating to those left behind.

[Phill the Thrill]

I am so sorry to hear this news. What an awful loss. To Terry's family and friends, I offer my deepest condolences and prayers.

[Brian C]

Another loss of a genuinely kind and caring person. What a shame.

[Presto]

[Scizzo]

I'm so sorry to hear this.

I ran into Terry once at the South Colony Lakes Trailhead. He was on an emotional high having just completed a 14 hour late-Spring solo climb of Crestone Peak. I enjoyed chatting with him for about half an hour before we went our separate directions. Terry seemed like such a great person, and I wish I got to know him more. RIP.

[madbuck]

Very sorry to hear, I only remember his helpful posts, reports, and pictures...the testimonies of other folks here show how much he will be missed. My condolences.

[altidude]

Rest in Peace, Terry.

Been a rough few weeks in here...