TalusMonkey died one year ago today.

[rastro]

TalusMonkey's Sister:
Although I had been a 14ers.com member for almost a year when David fell, I had only used this site for route descriptions and trip reports to help plan my 14er outings, and I had never used the forum until after a month or two after the tragedy...so I never had the privilege to read David's posts while he was still alive. Once I became active in the forum primarily to find partners for some difficult peaks, it didn't take long before I began seeing references to TalusMonkey and something he had done or said. At first I thought nothing of it, but soon I would see a reference to his passing. Over the last year, my curiosity led me to read all the information about him that I could, including all the posts that fateful day one year ago today and all the members' posts about prayers that he would make it. From I have gathered, your brother was intelligent, witty, adventurous, thoughful, funny, passionate, responsible and was one of a kind. Although it''s cliche, I'm really sorry for your loss. It sounds like you had a pretty cool brother.

Sincerely,
Russell/Rastro

[Aubrey]

David certainly won't be forgotten -- today or any other day.

Holly, how is Talys? (Did I spell that right?) She's getting close to a year now, isn't she?

[JimR]

David's personality and humor are greatly missed, even by those of us who only knew him through this site. Our thoughts and sympathy continue to be with you and your/his family.

[COmedic04]

I can still vividly remember being firmly rooted to my chair for hours last year, waiting for updates on 14ers.com about David. I only met him once, but the impression he left on me, I'll never forget. He was a king among men; witty, kind, spontaneous, quick with a smile or a joke, and a true outdoorsman. I actually ended up purchasing a jacket of his from Caroline during her gear fund-raising and now always think of him when I slide it on...wishing I could have gotten a chance to get to know him better...gotten to glean from his overwhelming enthusiasm and experience. I'm truly awed by him and the void he has left in his absence. TM, you'll never be forgotten!

[She-Brett]

I'll raise a glass of something tonight for David. It may just be some Dannon Light and Fit but whatever works right?

Rest in Peace.

[RenoBob]

We all miss David, he filled a huge space on this site and in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. I hope David's family can recover and move forward with knowledge of how much joy David left on this earth.
I also suggest that we take a moment to remember two other forum members who have past away, Kiddrockies and Larrygang. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families as well.

[Skitch14]

Thoughts and prayers to their family and friends.

[ocomik]

I'm sure there are many new folks to this forum that are probably asking, "Who is Talus Monkey? And what happened?"

In effort to *NOT* be sensationalistic but to answer the questions, I offer this link.

It's a long thread and keen insight into the emotional ups and downs of the whole ordeal BUT MORE SO I think it speaks to the kind of person that Talus Monkey was and the impact he had on those he came in contact with taken from their (those who knew him or knew about him) perspectives.

I'm sorry for the loss of your brother but if it's any consolation, please know that I'll take the thought of Talus Monkey with me as I make my foray into the 14ers this summer, not only for his love of the high country and mountaineering spirit, but to make sure that I'm prepared and safe on my journey.

~namaste~

[Iguru]

I think of the Monkey often, and it is cool that, when I am atop a 14er, I know that he had been there, and is again in spirit.
I am planning to hike Humboldt later this year in his honor, being that I missed the original Humboldt honor hike.

Respectfully,
Paul

[UrsaMajor]

TalusMonkey, you are missed even by those of us who never got the chance to meet you. There will be some Colt 45 consumed in your honor. RIP, gone but certainly not forgotten. To David's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope that you find peace.

[goatgirl]

A horrible loss - David was a bright spot on this forum. I hoisted a glass to his memory on the anniversary of his death. He will always be missed.

[Steve Climber]

I never got the chance to meet/chat with him on this site or any mountain, but based on the general attitude toward him, I may just have to pour out some Colt 45 tonight. Hell, the root beer colored, crushed velvet suit may even have to come out on my next 14'er.

David, you sound like an amazing soul, and I regret not getting the chance to have met you.