|
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,991
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,991 |
Today about 9 AM a long time friend to us all took his last climb some knew him as some guy others as Bob and all by Rockwell.
Bob spent many of his years on Whitney doing Rescues and volunteering on the Whitney Trail.
I will post as we find out when gathering is planned.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,373
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,373 |
 Condolences to Sheila and the rest of Bob R's family and friends...
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 608
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 608 |
It was an honor to know Bob and an even greater honor to hike with him.
He was a gentle giant.
I remember the group hike we did many years ago up Thor that Bob guided. It was a memorable experience. But what was more moving was when we stop for a break and Bob, pulled a sandwich out his pack. Inside was a note from his wife, sheila. Bob smiled and put it in his pocket.
Paul
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 578
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 578 |
Very fortunate to have known such a remarkable man.
Bob's enthusiasm, energy, and generosity will remain on Mt Whitney forever.
Condolences to Bob's family and friends.
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 43
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 43 |
I don't know how many times I have used his photo album link (Bob R) to research a hike or just live vicariously thru his adventures.
RIP and condolences to his family and many friends.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 196
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 196 |
I never met Bob but I sure felt like I knew him. His knowledge and wisdom really showed on this board thru his posts. He will be missed by a lot of people including me. My condolences to his family.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 330
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 330 |
I met Bob on the Whitney summit in 2010. It was a “WPS Senior Climbâ€. Bob was handing out $2 Baskin Robins gift certificates, with the “BR†logo enhanced to say “Bob Rockwellâ€. I still have mine, and I will never spend it. We all miss you, Bob.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 608
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 608 |
Bob wrote the following newsletter, "The China Laker" in the Spring of 2013. Good reading....... Fifty-Seven Years to Closure
By Bob Rockwell
May 24, 1952
".....My first ascent of Mt. Whitney was on May 24, 1952. Years later, I couldn‘t remember what possessed us to do it. There were five of us who started up that day: Burroughs High School buddies George Adam, Ben Woolever, Charlie Reed, Jim Hurtt, and me. At home in China Lake, it was summer-like, so we wore only T-shirts, Levis, and street shoes. We probably each took a light jacket, but no gloves or warm hats. Or canteens, or food except for a few Hershey‘s bars. Or packs, sunscreen, map, compass, flashlights. Or emergency bivouac gear. As I think back upon it now, I shudder......" https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5...Spring+2013.pdf
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 904
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 904 |
A true legend... and an inspiration to many. My heart goes out to his family and close friends... and to us all.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 696
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 696 |
A very nice person as well as amazing outdoorsman. His contributions in so many areas impacted the lives of many.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 415
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 415 |
Oh my, what a great loss. I never had the honor of meeting him in person, but we exchanged a series of emails about Corkscrew Peak many years ago. He was so helpful in responding to my questions. Rest In Peace, Bob Rockwell. You will be missed. He saw my register entry for Corkscrew and put a picture of it in his Flickr album. The caption is "Congrats, Richard". 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 492
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 492 |
Bob was one of the first person I met on Whitney from this message board and it seemed I would bump into him almost every time I was at the portal or on the mountain. He was the most reliable source for beta and would always give it to you straight (really straight! ;-).
You'll be missed, Some Guy.
Last edited by GigaMike; 10/30/19 11:04 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 327
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 327 |
Bob was an amazing guy.
Always ready and willing to sacrific and be sandwiched between two smelly, sweaty girls for their photo opportunity. I always looked for him when Mouse and I were out. Seems Mouse always brought out the mountain stars. His will be one we sorely miss.
Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.
Helen Keller
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124 |
A sad day... a legend of my day and I am so blessed to have shared even just one trail with him. May he climb every mountain...
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 291
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 291 |
Condolences to his family and friends. I had the pleasure of interacting with him when I took a mountaineering class at China Lake as well as sharing a mountain or two with him and others over the years. He always had stories and was willing to share the wisdom he had acquired through his many years of experience in the mountains. "some guy" indeed......
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?ref=name&id=1477964166
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 50
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 50 |
May Bob R.'s wisdom, love of the outdoors, love of Mt. Whitney, and love for his fellow human beings be an inspiration to all who hike/climb Mt. Whitney. Enjoyed the many years he contributed to this board.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 720
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 720 |
My heart is sad. Our condolences to Sheila and the Rockwell family.
Journey well in heaven, Bob!
Journey well...
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 353
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 353 |
Very sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. Bob was probably my 1st virtual mentor to the Sierra as I poured over his Whitney MR beta and other details before my 1st time up the MR ~2004. Every time I bumped into him in the mountains, I told him how appreciative I was for all the Sierra knowledge he shared. He was a true ambassador to the Whitney area and the rest of the Sierra and will be sorely missed. RIP
Rick Graham
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 43
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 43 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 298
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 298 |
I'm sorry to hear of Bob R's passing. I, like everyone here, gleaned information and knowledge from what he shared. My condolences to Sheila and family. Next time I am on the MWMT I will have a toast at the source of the Finest Water on The Planet for Bob. RIP Some Guy.
|
|
|
|
|
