Greg left Durango Colorado; his new fiance, his family and his friends in pursuit of something. He never returned. He disappeared on the mountain after turning back from his summit attempt.
Word of this soon reached our town.
At that time there was no internet, no cell phones, no e-mail...nothing except long distance phone calls and information passed from one circle to another.
There were vigils. There was faith like I had never witnessed before. There was hope and there was so much love for those it affected most.
Gregs disappearance and death did something to me. It helped me be a better man, a better friend and a much more compassionate human being. He also showed me that the drummer I was moving too....could play a much better song.
It was months before he was pronounced dead. His body was finally recovered and returned home to Ignacio.
Greg's memorial service was magical. There was laughter, tears, more laughter, music, there were a thousand toasts and raised pints, there were people from everywhere....and there was LOVE.
His service was one long act of LOVE.
His service was one long act of LOVE.
He united us in celebration. Hippies, feminists, jocks, drunks, stoners, cooks, bartenders, skiers, snowboarders, old, young, cowboys, indians....all of us were one when it came to that day. That is when I learned the power of a life. 23 years old and he had done that much already....I love him still.
He had taught me about living and he taught me about death......he was a teacher in every way.
Until his body was found, I know many of us were not convinced. He could easily have become the chief of some tribe.......gone off to study with a jungle shaman; learned how to cure cancer, become immortal and unlock the secrets of this universe that was truly too small for him. Actually, that still sounds about right.
His journey to Orizaba was a classic example of who he was and how he did it. His long black hair, his big smile, his way of moving through the world was different....he just did it better than most.
His drummer was a rocker for sure. The beat he heard, we all wish we had more of.
His drummer was a rocker for sure. The beat he heard, we all wish we had more of.
This climb is for him. This climb is because of him. My wish is to honor Greg and all those who still feel the loss of someone so pure. I love you all....he was one of the teachers who showed us how......to just be happy.
I believe Greg would love this....getting children into nature. It is in his name, that it shall be done.
"One bourbon, one scotch and one beer" he ordered from me more than once...I always laughed my ass off, and Greg would always wake up in the park.
Horns to you Greg Walker, HORNS TO YOU.
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