My good friend and occasional climbing partner, Keith Spencer, 45, from Laramie, WY (originally Reno, NV...uncertain) was knocked off an ice climb by an avalanche near Cody, WY on Friday, Jan 2nd, 2009.

There is an article available from the Billings Gazette.

www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/01/05/news/wyoming/18->>>

He was a very experienced, well traveled, and passionate climber, a profoundly thoughtful human being, and my friend. My condolences to his family and friends.

I had the privilege to share some wonderful experiences with him while climbing, conversing, traveling around the world, appreciating the world outdoors, and enjoying a beer as we watched another day of climbing come to a close wherever we were at the time. It is with a heavy heart that I submit this information and I hope that there are others on this site who had a chance to enjoy a climb, a conversation, or a beer with Keith. He will be missed.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Eli

Thanks for sharing the news of this tragic event. It is good to hear about what a great person Keith was in life. Keith is now at rest, but those who remain are not; I hope and pray for some peace and comfort and understanding for his family and friends during this time of their need.

My condolences to you, and his family. It's always a tragedy when one of our own passes...

Doug ~ though we've never met please accept my sincere condolences for your loss

to Keith's other friends & family is also extended a wish for peaceful repose

Very Sad, My condolences to all his family and friends.

I only climbed with Keith a couple times... I was looking forward to this summer. Keith was a class act and his love of climbing showed in his willingness to climb with me on some routes well below his level. His patience was encouraging and I learned allot from him. Keith you will be missed.
My condolences to all of his family and friends in this sad time.

Big love going out to all who were close to him. Sad news.

Printed today in the Reno Gazette Journal:

Keith Osborn Spencer, 45, passed away on January 2, 2009 in an avalanche while ice-climbing near Cody, Wyoming. Although a longtime Wyoming resident, Keith was born in Reno on March 14, 1963, the son of John S. and Faith P. Spencer.

He attended Reno schools, graduating from Hug High in 1981, and earned degrees in Biology and Geology from the University of Wyoming. Keith was an avid backpacker, a competitive distance runner and biathlete, and an accomplished worldwide alpinist. At the time of his death, he lived in Cheyenne and served with the Wyoming Air National Guard 153rd Airlift unit.

Keith is survived by his parents, brothers, Robert H., J. Peter (Susan), and Eric V. (Anne) Spencer; nephew, Quinn H. Spencer, and uncle, Alton Pedersen.

Donations can be made in Keith's name to the Mount Everest Foundation online at www.MountEverestFund.org or by posting a check to the Mount Everest Foundation, PO Box 123, Lakebay, WA 98349. A memorial service will be held in Wyoming at a later date.


Godspeed, Mr. Spencer.

Thank you for your service, Keith.