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I never met Terry but interacted with him on the forum at times. Like many of us, Terry had his challenges and his detractors, but one thing was clear: Terry loved his mountains and those that shared his love.

Tonight when I got home I got my statement from the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and found that Terry had contributed his life insurance policy to their cause. You can debate that choice, or not, but it reaffirms my earlier comment: TM loved his mountains.

I think his choice reflects well on us in these challenging times: Follow your heart, and then follow through.

Good on you, Terry.

highpilgrim wrote:I never met Terry but interacted with him on the forum at times. Like many of us, Terry had his challenges and his detractors, but one thing was clear: Terry loved his mountains and those that shared his love.

Tonight when I got home I got my statement from the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and found that Terry had contributed his life insurance policy to their cause. You can debate that choice, or not, but it reaffirms my earlier comment: TM loved his mountains.

I think his choice reflects well on us in these challenging times: Follow your heart, and then follow through.

Good on you, Terry.

As someone who was part of his final group text this is awesome to hear. I didn't know that. Thanks for bringing this to everyone's attention!!

Well said. Most of my own team members don't even know that when someone was in trouble in the Elks........Terry...... was the person I would call or text, sometimes "in flight" to get beta on "Who" might be on "That" peak, their experience levels, gear carried, etc. Terry could often provide critical information assisting advanced rescue teams and planning. He knew most of who was climbing where, when and routes. Like many of you, he was a huge supporter of Mountain Rescue Aspen and our educational initiatives. His passing hit me particularly hard, in part like Kushrocks, I spend a lot of time speaking and texting during his final days. While I attended his funeral, I was unable to attend the Needle Climb for Terry and until this moment hadn't realized that I did not yet have closure. I think that this piece of the puzzle will allow me to close his chapter in way way I had not yet been able to. I will smile, think of Terry and be reminded of his generosity on approach. Thanks HighPilgrim & Kushrocks

Nice work. I may have met Terry at a party of mutual friends, but I know they all told me I should go hiking with him, when I was first starting out. Regrettably, I never got the chance. Guess I'll get to thank him a little bit to myself the next time I'm tramping on Shavano!

highpilgrim wrote:I never met Terry but interacted with him on the forum at times. Like many of us, Terry had his challenges and his detractors, but one thing was clear: Terry loved his mountains and those that shared his love.

Tonight when I got home I got my statement from the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and found that Terry had contributed his life insurance policy to their cause. You can debate that choice, or not, but it reaffirms my earlier comment: TM loved his mountains.

I think his choice reflects well on us in these challenging times: Follow your heart, and then follow through.

Good on you, Terry.

Thanks for sharing this bit info... I didn't know he had done this and am glad to hear it...but not surprised. I would agree, he loved the mountains. I think he was most at peace when he was climbing and in the backcountry.

Peter....thanks for sharing your perspective. I didn't know that...that you would contact Terry for info on 14er climbers. But that makes sense....as he was very connected to this community.

Ryan....thanks for reposting the memorial video from Crestone Needle. I haven't watched it in a while. And it still brought tears to my eyes...even though I've seen it numerous times since I made it.

We miss you Terry. And thanks to all of your contributions to our climbing community.

Related Thread: Rest in Peace, Terry Mathews

Thanks so much for posting this. I still think of Terry often. His kind, forgiving spirit is a welcome reminder of what's possible in this world.

-Susan

susanjoypaul wrote:Thanks so much for posting this. I still think of Terry often. His kind, forgiving spirit is a welcome reminder of what's possible in this world.

-Susan

+1

I never posted in the original thread about his passing. I was actually in CO for 2 1/2 weeks during this time and by the time I got back home, it didn't seem right to post such a late reply. I was also at a complete loss of words.

I had just driven to CO for the start of my annual vacation and was doing the Arapaho Traverse with K and A. I mentioned to A that I was hoping to meet up with Terry when she told me he had just committed suicide a few days prior. It took my breath away I was so shaken by the unfortunate news. Terry and I had exchanged several emails and were possibly going to meet up to do the Crestones during my 2013 trip. I regret I was never able to actually meet and climb with him. A completely selfless and generous person indeed! Always willing to offer help or assistance in any way he could! He is deeply missed!

I got my CFI booklet yesterday, and on mine I saw that Dancesatmoonrise (Jim) also donated (part of ?) his estate to CFI. For those of us without dependents, it makes sense to donate our estate(s) to causes we feel strongly about. As I've been contemplating the future and what to will my estate to, CAIC and CFI rank pretty high on that list.

Terry and I never met face to face, but like many others, discussed the possibility of getting out together. He was such a strong ambassador of these beautiful mountains. He wanted everyone to enjoy them, and enjoy them safely. He always seemed to stick up for new folks who sought info, yet were often persecuted for one reason or another. I wish many of our newer members and FB population were around to listen to his inclusiveness, experience, and expertise. Grace & peace to all