John Bachar's Death Affects His Son and Friends

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.