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BORN
1923
DIED
2017
Fred Beckey Obituary
Megan Bond, a close friend who managed his affairs, told The Associated Press that Beckey died of natural causes in her Seattle home Monday.
"He was an extraordinary mountaineer. He also had a personality and humor that almost dwarfed the mountains around him," Bond said. "He was a brilliant writer. He was a scholar. He lived based on what was important to him, and he was not going to sell out."
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Beckey was known as much for his eccentric personality as for his singular obsession with climbing.
He was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States as a child. His family settled in Seattle, where he got his first taste of hiking and scrambling with the Boy Scouts and later The Mountaineers club.
In 1942, he and his younger brother Helmut wowed the climbing community with an impressive second ascent of Mount Waddington in British Columbia.
He went on to accomplish hundreds of first ascents on peaks throughout the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Canada and Wyoming. In 1954, he established new routes on three of Alaska's mountains: McKinley, Deborah and Hunter. He also climbed in the Himalayas and China.
"Fred got the golden age of climbing first ascents," Alex Bertulis, a former climbing partner told the AP last year. "That will be his legacy."
He authored more than a dozen books, including the three-volume "Cascade Alpine Guide" that details hundreds of peaks in the North Cascades in Washington state.
Beckey once wrote that climbing gave him a unique sense of control over his destiny. "The exaltation one can get in the presence of mountains can be a memorable lesson in humility and an aid to self-realization," he wrote.
"Fred was a true American icon. His legacy is profound, and he has inspired countless people to explore this amazing planet," Dave O'Leske said in a statement. He directed the documentary feature film, "Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey" and spent the past decade filming Beckey.
Even in his 90s, Beckey was still plotting routes and climbing — though more slowly and with the help of a cadre of fiercely protective partners.
Bond said they were planning a trip to the Himalayas next spring and she was working on arranging porters to carry him. In recent weeks, she and others took him climbing to Squamish, British Columbia. It was logistically complicated, she said, but he was able to get about half a pitch.
With Beckey, she said, "there was always more to do."
Beckey is survived by his younger brother Helmut. Beckey will be buried in private services this weekend, Bond said. A public memorial service will be scheduled in November.
Written by PHUONG LE
Copyright © 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Beckey
26 Entries
donald donikowski
June 22, 2019
Dang it Fred...you were an idol for me!
I never climbed a mountain but your achievements were awesome.
I'm sneaking up on your age and can only hope to be as strong and
driven as you were. Thanks for dropping in to my place when you came to Socal. I'm still waiting for the phone call when you get here.
You friend from many years and more to come...rest in peace Fred.
Don Donikowski
January 9, 2018
What an amazing life ! I am honored to have know you ! Thanks for keeping my compass pointed to true north, you shall be in my heart forever
LO Calif.
Fred Beckey, North America's Most Prolific Climber
ec joe
November 4, 2017
Fred & I in CA, 2001
ec joe
November 4, 2017
Fred will always be my brother in spirit.
- ec joe
Ann R
November 3, 2017
You will see Fred again. 5:28,29
Jennifer Hernandez
November 3, 2017
My deepest sympathies for your loss of Fred. May you find comfort in prayer and may God comfort you, Psalms 119:76
November 3, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy to the family on the passing of your love one please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Ry
CC.
November 3, 2017
May 'God' give the BECKEY FAMILY peace during this most difficult time. -Romans 15:13
November 2, 2017
So sorry to hear of the loss of such a talented man may the God of comfort continue to bring comfort to your friends and family, My deepest and sincere condolences to all.
November 2, 2017
"May the mountains bring peace to the people and the hills righteousness."-Psalms 72:3
C.M
Christian
November 1, 2017
My deepest condolences for your loss. What Fred accomplished in life is utterly amazing. And the zeal he had even in his later years is motivating. May the God of all comfort prove to be your stronghold in the days ahead and may his memory provide you comfort.
Psalm 18:2
November 1, 2017
What a long and full life! So many cannot say the same. May Fred Beckey forever be in our hearts and in God's book of life.
October 31, 2017
With heartfelt sympathy. Please accept my deepest condolences. May you continue to cherish his precious memories together. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort to offer you comfort and to give you the strength to endure during these difficult times ahead.
At the Bugaboo Hut
John Shockcor
October 31, 2017
Fred was my childhood hero. I had the chance to climb with him in the Bugaboos and will never forget the amazing way he changed, the moment the climb started. He had Incredible focus and drive and really came alive. He made eccentric and admirable quality.
Lillian Eng
October 31, 2017
What an adventurous mountaineer who kept pursuing his passion well into his 90's. May friends and family be comforted in knowing that Fred will return to his youth as promised at Job 33:25.
Scott Chamberland
October 31, 2017
Rest in Peace
October 31, 2017
What an amazing man to still have the desire and assisted ability to climb LITERAL mountains at the age of 94! A true inspiration.
This is someone I look forward to meeting when God gives His son Jesus Christ the command to awaken all those asleep in death to live on his new paradise earth. (John 6:40;Psalms 37:29)
October 31, 2017
My condolence to the family. God be with you all during this difficult time.
Yvonne
October 31, 2017
Mr. Fred Becket seemed to be a very adventurous man, even at the young age of 94. He certainly lived past those special strength years mentioned at Psalm 90:10.
May he live on in the hearts of his family. May the family take comfort in knowing that he is in the God of the heavens, memory.
I am sorry for your loss.
October 31, 2017
Remember the kind deeds of Fred. Hebrews 6:9,10
J W
October 31, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
A Caring Neighbor
October 31, 2017
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and acquaintances of Mr Beckey. May God grant solace to the family and acquaintances during this most challenging time. Beckey was truly an amazing and accomplished climber. He will be truly missed. With Love & Prayers
Harry Simpson
October 31, 2017
Godspeed Fred, and now you have climbed the ultimate mountain.
October 31, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
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