Rest in Peace, Terry Mathews

[Mountain Ninja]

Terry encouraged me through my first couple years of climbing, and I always looked up to him as a big brother in the mountains. I am so sorry to have lost him, and I will miss him greatly.

Here is Terry on his 14er finisher Windom Peak, July 1st, 2011:



Thank you for leading me up the Crestones for my first time, Terry. This is a memory I will always cherish.

[doggler]

I didn't want to believe this was true.

Terry was a good man. He needed help.

This hurts. Life is too precious. I'm not sure what else to say.

terry 50.jpg

[hunterwf]

Be at Peace Terry. I spoke with you a few times in Colorado Springs and once on Quandary and will never forget it.

[EatinHardtack]

I met Terry on multiple occasions. I think the first was at one of the Colorado Springs happy hours, though few and far between he was always there for camaraderie. I was saddened to hear of his passing this morning, he was a unique individual and I always thought fondly of him.

Last time I saw Terry was a few months back. I had gone up to ski some laps on Little Italy on Pikes and here he was trudging down the mountain. We chatted briefly and I asked how he was doing, he said "not good". I offered support but ultimately this was the last time I would talk to him and see him. I Wish I could have done more.

RIP Terry. You're smile and humor will be remembered.

[semitrueskerm]

I am so sad to hear this. Jeff, thanks for sharing the photo from San Luis. I did have the pleasure to meet and hike with him that day. When I met him, I had already known of him by his reputation as an experienced climber and mentor to others, like myself. He also reached out to me two weeks ago to update me on conditions on North Maroon. I had noticed his absence on 14ers.com the past year, and also had hoped that his PM to me was an indicator that he was back to share his always helpful wealth of knowledge to this community.

I was in Alamosa tonight having dinner with some fellow New Mexicans after we climbed Kit Carson early today. When I saw the thread on my iPhone, I immediately went numb.

I don't know the circumstances, nor do I know what was going on in his life. I am just extremely sad that his illness took his life.

Prayers to the family, to all those who knew Terry or climbed with him, and to all others who are in the grips of mental illness. Please know that such mental struggles are not character flaws or signs of weakness, rather an illness. An illness, that like a broken arm or infection, can be treated.

Again, terribly saddened to hear about this.

--jim

[ameristrat]

Terry's trip reports were a major source of inspiration for me when I first started climbing. I am praying for his family and friends. May God give you strength through these trying times.

[PKelley]

I wish peace and serenity for you Terry. You were always making good out of every situation. Glad that you are not hurting anymore.

[KentonB]

Wow... This was tough to hear. I had exchanged some e-mails with Terry a couple years back and he helped me tremendously with beta for certain routes I was planning. Then, ironically, I ran into him on a hike but didn't recognize him! After getting back to camp one of my hiking partners said his name was "Terry" and it clicked. I e-mailed him right afterward and sure enough, that was him!

Such a great guy... I wish I could have hiked more with him... He will be missed!

[Greenhouseguy]

I was very sad to hear of Terry's passing. My heartfelt condolences to his parents, family and friends. I pray that you will have peace and comfort in this time of sorrow.

Terry was a major contributor here on 14ers and was always willing to share from his knowledge to answer questions anyone posted. I only hiked once with him but we periodically traded emails and PM's. Though Terry hadn't been posting on the forum recently, he still cared about it and read it. He sent me an email with a helpful answer to a question I had posted just a couple months ago. He will be missed.

January on LaPlata dnsz.jpg

I'm standing behind Terry to the viewer's right in that image. I'll remember Terry as a friendly person who was enthusiastic about hiking the 14ers and sharing his experiences. It's always a shame when a good person leaves this life too soon. Peace to his family and friends in these difficult times.

[BillMiddlebrook]

In 2011, shortly after my wife was diagnosed with cancer, I drove down to the Sangres for a solo climb/ski Ellingwood Point and ran into Terry at 13,000', near Crater Lake. We spent the next couple of hours chatting about everything and anything which was nice because it took my mind off issues back home. He waited for me as I hauled ski gear to the top and then took pictures while I skied down. Since then, I kept in touch with Terry and it's sad that the happy mountaineer I saw on the mountain could not overcome other issues. Very sad.

14ers.com seemed to be a place where he made a lot of friends. A few of those friends he lost through tragic mountaineering accidents.

[Dan_Suitor]

So sad. I remember meeting Terry and chatting with him at last year’s Happy Hour in honor of Rob Jansen. My condolences to his family and friends.

[KeithK]

I remember running into Terry on the Needle two years ago. He was guiding his partner into the west gully. This is surely how most of us will always remember him; Terry the caring, passionate, helpful man. An enduring character of 14ers.com for sure, and an inspiration to many.

The mountains may provide solace, and even answers, but we still have to find the strength within to dispel the unhappiness in our souls. I wish Terry could have beat his demons. He is missed.