Sunday’s death of John Bachar is playing out in a very public forum, particularly on the SuperTopo website in California. So many of John’s friends and admirers have written posts in shock and disbelief that one of America’s climbing legends, a man who climbed with control, strength, and purity, could fall and die.
The one thread on SuperTopo, however, that is most poignant and moving was started by John Bachar’s young son Tyrus. On Sunday night at 11:22 p.m., Tyrus reached out to his father’s many friends, writing: “Dude I'm soo sad right now my dad is dead he fell of of the dike wall. I knew it was a bad idea to go soloing today. I knew it. JB 09 I LOVE YOU DAD.....” Reading that tears you apart.
Through the rest of the night, Tyrus posted several other notes. At 12:36 a.m. on July 6 he wrote, “I appreciate all of the kind words and offers to help me. If I need help I know who to call.” Four minutes later he wrote, “i miss him :(”
Many of John’s close friends and climbing partners wrote to Tyrus, offering solace and understanding to a boy who just lost his father, a boy who couldn’t sleep.
The next morning John Long wrote a long letter saying: “The last time I talked to your dad, several months ago, we were just finishing the text for the new Stonemaster book. As you probably know, your dad much preferred to climb than to write about it. But I had to have a story written by THE Stonemaster himself (your dad), or the book wouldn´t fly…. I never imagined that this book would be a testimonial for your father, for his courage, vision and uncompromising approach to life. Of course, your dad is featured on the cover - who else belongs there? Nobody but your dad, that´s who.
”Anyway, that story does say in plain and simple terms, what your dad´s climbing was about. But it doesn´t say what He was about. Tyrus, he was about you. Any friend that talked to John had to be prepared for the conversation to end up about you, because that´s where it was going to go. Never mind some stupid book or story—John Bachar´s life never made real sense till you were born. Any friend can tell you as much."
Yesterday afternoon Kurt Smith also wrote a moving tribute to John Bacher: “Tyrus, be proud of your father and all who he touched. Be proud of your father to sticking to his guns and never taking the easy way out. Be proud of your father for all that he did to progress the sport that we all love so much. Be proud of your father for showing you so many wonderful adventures. Every time I saw him he would light up like a roman candle when he would talk about you. He loved you and was proud to have you in his life. His life was never easy and not always fun but he stood his ground and never compromised his dreams, his vision and I will always hold him in the highest regard. He did more to influence me than anyone in my life and I owe him for showing me the way and letting me try to follow in his footsteps. he was greater than a great man, he was and will always be my hero, my idol, my friend.”
The loss of John weighs heavy on all of us climbers. He was a great climber. He redefined the game. He was a friend and inspiration to so many climbers. But his loss is most acute for his family, particularly for his son Tyrus. Our hopes and prayers and best wishes are with him now and in the future.
Photographs: Top: An iconic image of John Bachar soloing “On the Lamb” at Tuolumne Meadows that was used on a Boreal poster. Bottom: John Bachar relaxing on Joshua Tree granite. Photographs courtesy John Bachar Collection and Karl Baba
What do you think about John Bachar's death? Do you have any stories about John? I welcome your comments below.
Comments
So many beautiful words of tribute and memories about such a loss…
We will also send our thoughts and condolences to his son and family.
I hope that so many, as I wrote about last Dec. 2nd, will ‘on a summit say his name’…
DSD
I admired John Bachar’s climbing feats. John Bachar followed his truth. I can only assume Tyrus knew his dad for who he was through his actions.
I know, as a father, the importance for me to continue to follow what I feel is right in my heart, even if it leads to my death. My son will truly know me. If I abandoned my passions – alpinism, ice climbing, snowboarding, rafting, mountain biking and other activities which carry a consequence with participation – on account of being a parent, my son would not know this very important part of who I am.
I feel it is better for my son to know the lion in me for a moment vs. the lamb in me for a lifetime. It boils down to your own truth. Are you living it? If one is living their truth, as I assume John Bachar was doing when he died, that is good.
May all those suffering as a result of John Bachar’s death find ease of being and be free from this, and all, suffering.
How old is Tyrus???
So sad.
I believe Tyrus is 13 now…far to young to lose your dad.
Dear Tyrus
Although you and I have never met I knew your father well. He was one of ,(my boys),and I will miss him greatly. As evolutionary humans we all have faults and indiscretions but your father followed his choice of goals, ethics,and mores with unwavering commitment and courage, as he did his love for you. I hope to meet you soon. Nothing I say can fill the void or pain of your loss. Until we meet let me leave you with a quote that has helped me in some small margin to cope with unremitting sorrow. ” To every man upon this earth death cometh soon or late, what better way to die than defending the gate.” Tennison: Horatio at the bridge.
compassionately yours,
jJim Bridwell
Thanks Jim, for your sincere and honest and inspirational thoughts. John B was one of your Valley boys and I know that your influence and energy helped make him the man and climber he became.
It is truly tragic when someone dies climbing. I’m saddened at JB’s passing and Tyrus’ loss. Condolences to those who knew him.
I would like to contact John’s Brother, Dan Bacher. They are my wife’s cousins. If you know how to reach him, please let me know at Scottmq@msn.com
We love you john and miss your adventure.
John Bachar was uncompromising in his defence of traditional values.As an English climber I was inspired by his soloing.A sad loss of one of the fathers of American climbing.
John – lived and breathed at the center of his soul and dreams. This allowed him to solo at the cutting edge as a mensch as well as climber. I send a prayer to the wind and white light to Peter Croft – another StoneMaster.
With sadness i read this. May he be in peace. May we all go forward in his spirit. Live strong. Let the sun shine bright on the walls of earth and Heaven. Don Lounibos
John was my best friend in high school. I, a year older, had the drivers licence, and was able to drive us out to Stony Point. So, I was the earliest enabler, so to speak. I’m very torn on this and I think have sort of blocked thinking about it since he died. I know he lived his dream and had a very full, exciting life. But I viewed his climbing as an addiction, and that part saddens me.
Basically in the end, I think you could argue that he got away with it–if your calculus includes how much he lived. Lindbergh made that same calculation in his barnstorming days. Bachar once told me (in his 20s) that he didn’t want to grow old. So, probably he knew at some level what the deal was.
Still, it’s sad. You could view it as a tragic addition, or as an astounding achievement and extraordinarily successful life. Both, I figure.