Dad and Moz: Together again.
Daddy passed away yesterday morning. I guess some part of me felt that if we didn’t announce his death, it wouldn’t be real. I actually found myself going to Dad’s page on Wikipedia to see if a death date was listed, yet – and when it wasn’t listed I figured that meant Dad hadn’t really died – because Wikipedia knows everything, right?
I wasn’t with Dad when he passed – I was walking on the boardwalk in Bellingham. But he was surrounded by the dear care-givers who took him into their home three years ago and loved him as family. Our whole family has been so blessed by the care shown Dad at Cedar Grove. Thank you, Gwen, Amanda, Megan, and Dietrick. I don’t know what we would have done without your love and support the last three years.
I have felt the support and love of all of you, too. I might go into hiding for a little while – so if you don’t hear from me, please don’t take it personally. It’s just me doing what I do. I love you all – each and every beautiful one of you. Thank you for joining Dad and I on our adventures together the last three years. We couldn’t have asked for better adventure-comrades.
As Dad would say, “Berg heil!”
Karen
Adventures of the Madcap Christian Scientist 
My heart goes out to you… I have lost my parents some time ago but it is often like it happened today…
Thank you so much, Johann! ❤
Oh no. I’m so, so sorry to hear this. Sounds like he lived an incredible life though, and on his terms. My thoughts are with you and your family. 😔😔
Thank you so much, sonofabeach! Yes! He had a remarkable life! ❤
Karen, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your Dad is a super hero to all of us. We kept in touch by you
letting us know of your driving adventures with your Dad . We will remember Dee every time we
look at our fireplace and the beautiful painting of MT Rainier he painted for us.
Berg Heil
Thank you, Jeff! Berg Heil!
I just opened your email & and felt so sad when I read about your Dad. I have enjoyed reading all your stories about your Dad & felt like I knew you both as dear friends. My parents are both gone & I miss them so much. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Karen, you have been such a devoted, loving and wonderful daughter. Your Dad lived a full beautiful life with his family & all his adventures.
Thank you so much, Carol!
Sorry for your loss Karen 🌷🙏
Thank you so much, Krista! ❤
I just saw this. I am at a loss for words right now as I feel a deep connection to you and your family. The photo of your dads hat and Mozs’ shoes has really gotten to me. Just know that I am thinking about you and that I love you. Rick
Thank you so much, Rick! I love you back! ❤
I’m so sorry to hear this. On January 19, I was reading Tod Olson’s upcoming Into the Clouds: The Race to Climb the World’s Most Dangerous Mountain , so was thinking of your father. I was so impressed that he thought so much of his family while he was climbing. I hope you have many good memories.
Thank you so much, Ms. Yingling! I have an abundance of wonderful memories! ❤ (And *Into the Clouds* is a wonderful book, isn't it?)
Karen, I just heard of your father’s passing from David Stevenson, an Alaskan friend who recently published an article about Mount Kennedy in the Alpinist. He had met your dad in 1975 when he and some Michigan buddies drove to Seattle to make and sell backpacks they had designed for climbing. Dad rented a dumpy storefront to them…it was cheap and came with an introduction to your father who, of course, was a climbing legend/god to these young men. Some time ago, I had given David a copy of your dad’s book “Memoirs of a Dinosaur Mountaineer” which I believe you co-wrote. David told me that the section on Mount Kennedy helped him immensely in the writing of his article. I had meant to reach out to you to see if you would pass that compliment along to your dad. While it’s too late to share with him, I thought you might enjoy hearing it. My thoughts are with you and your brothers as well as with all those who will miss your father’s presence on this earth. Your parents were both pretty amazing people and I’m sure you miss them a lot. I don’t know if any type of service is planned. If so, I would love to hear about it. I live in Anchorage, but am in Seattle this week and come down often. I appreciate your parents and, in particular, their friendship and acceptance of my folks. I wish you peace. Carla Beam
Thank you so much, Carla! I remember you! You’re Kurt and Ruth’s daughter, yes? How lovely to see your name pop up here – and thank you so much for sharing these memories of Pop! We’re trying to put together something for Dad – maybe in March? – I’ll keep you posted. Love, Karen
Sorry to hear about your dad’s passing, Karen.
Your love, care, and respect for him– and your mom–show what kind of caring, loving, respectful people they were. As well as other attributes you’ve shared in writing about your family.
The stories are your memories shared so unsefishly.
Thank you.
Peace and comfort to you.
Thank you so much flourgirl-writerbakes! Thank you for accompanying us on our journey! ❤
I couldn’t imagine being in that situation. I dread the day. Sorry for your loss.