Rich Becheler has passed away RIP

I almost forgot to mention that near the end of the day at Prunes memorial a DL ranger showed up and proceeded to write tickets for those of us who did not have a parks pass(he was actually quite an asshole)Somethings "REALLY" never change!!
Dale mentioned that it was quite fitting that he was being such a dick on this particular day given the circumstances.
I wonder how he knew to come hassle us?

How did the DNR know? They once put chips in all of us when they found us passed out one night many years ago, and can track us anywhere now for life. Well, it just seems that way anyhow.
Nice tributes coming up on MProj the last few weeks. Good to read and see how all are doing these days. Escape to Wisconsin' a few times a year isn't enough.

In a way Rich's passing has gotten many of us back together, I think he planned it somehow, and perhaps is haunting us, so watch your kids, dogs, backs...... and do keep in touch, because you never know where he will pop up, even if just in spirit....

dale.moir@gmail.com

Dale, Yes ,that is what I thought too, that old prunes sent the DNR over to hassle us as some sort of mischeavous prank that rich would enjoy pullin' on us.He probably really enjoyed seeing me squirm as I had to explain myself to the MAN as to why I had not paid the required fee and also produce my drivers license so he could enter my name into the computer to see ifn I was a repeat offender.
The ranger made me pay the entry fee plus a $5.00 penalty fer not getting it first.
Very funny PRUNES but like a bad hit or some manky dirt weed "I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!"
I will note how ever that the sight of us all drinking swill in front of him did not seem to phase Mr. DNR one bit.
When I related this story to old Dave Salisbury he suggested that maybe it was even the dreaded Ranger Gerkin who Rich sent to hassle us.

Steve Sangdahl wrote:the required fee and also produce my drivers license so he could enter my name into the computer to see ifn I was a repeat offender.

They actually did away with the spring Alcohol ban several years back - imagine that ...

Thinking about Rich Bechler lately as it's been about 4 years since he moved on to the next phase of his life. I believe he would have been 54 years young punk. Already have raised a glass of swill in old "Prunes's" honor and headed to the fridge for another. Please toast Rich,s life with what ever beverage you wish. I will try and post a short story of some sordid incident or perhaps just another tale of one of Rich,s many ascents at the "lake" during our time together. Rip Rich ,we miss ya and will always remember ya. Peace and fuk-nes Steve Sangdahl .........now puke!

Steve Sangdahl wrote:Thinking about Rich Bechler lately as it's been about 4 years since he moved on to the next phase of his life. I believe he would have been 54 years young punk. Already have raised a glass of swill in old "Prunes's" honor and headed to the fridge for another.

Just raised a beer or a few in honor of old Rich Bechler aka "Prunes" Thinking about ya bro and all the awesome times we had together. I will always respect the bonds of our time spent pulling down and having the more fun than we probably should. Club Salute ! Peace out and Merry Xmas Rich.

Steve Sangdahl wrote:

Just raised a beer or a few in honor of old Rich Bechler aka "Prunes" Thinking about ya bro and all the awesome times we had together. I will always respect the bonds of our time spent pulling down and having the more fun than we probably should. Club Salute ! Peace out and Merry Xmas Rich.

Steve- I've been doing the same.  My Spotify has been offering up a lot of music that he's probably playing in his beat up Toyota truck in the sky.  Club salute to you.

Was just on a trip to Jackson with some hard climbers who were pulling down on Detox...such a cool looking route.  Sad to hear he passed.

Leo, Thanks. Hope you are doing well. Imagine what antics Prunes would be up to as some cranky old geezer. Wait he was kind of a cranky geezer in his youth. Will be in New Palz for a wedding in July. Maybe we can drink some beer. Thanks for everyone who keeps Rich,s weirdness alive. Cheers.

Steve Sangdahl wrote:

Leo, Thanks. Hope you are doing well. Imagine what antics Prunes would be up to as some cranky old geezer. Wait he was kind of a cranky geezer in his youth. Will be in New Palz for a wedding in July. Maybe we can drink some beer. Thanks for everyone who keeps Rich,s weirdness alive. Cheers.

Steve- I will make full effort to get down to New Paltz when you're there- I'll try and drag Rugo along.

Leo, I will let you know the dates when I have the details down. Happy New Years to ya! 

Public service announcement: Friends don’t let friends climb slabs or something like that.

Its been a number of years now since old "Prunes " Bechler's passing. The fall weather always brings up memories of our time together ,we tended to climb better but also had more memorable episodes of mischievous behavior and antics. Must've been the longer nights!  Rich would usually be in fine form ....in more ways than one. Rich, thanks for the motivation, the belays, the first ascents , the antics, and the friendship. Climbing at its best. Rest in peace Bro. 

Now puke!