RIP Douglas Snively

Just learned that Doug Snively died today. Nothing final yet but he was found along one of his favorite fishing spots in Estes Park. Probably a heart attack or something similar. He wasn't known so much for what he climbed (although he did some incredible things) but more for how he climbed - all his life and always in the most mellow, enjoyable way possible. I'm not the best person to summarize his achievements in terms of names and numbers, but he was a hero to me. He was the first climber I saw with 5.13 footwork, and he never was too caught up in climbing as the most important thing in the world. Seemed to me he liked friends and enjoying the little things way more than grades. I don't think Douglas would really think of his life as being summarized by first ascents, but since this is a climbing forum, to put it in perspective he did the FA of the most famous hand crack in the world, the Incredible Hand Crack in Indian Creek, the Squid (WI5) in RMNP, and, according to the Estes Park Museum, another 150 some other FAs. He was a rigger for movies from Cliffhanger to Iron Man, but probably wouldn't want to be remembered for his work either. Maybe for his fish, his friends, and his shoes. I certainly will.  He made my first pair of climbing shoes before my feet were big enough to fit in rock shoes and before enough kids climbed to make it worth production, a pair of my running shoes that he resoled with sticky rubber. Then my second pair, shown here, that he made out of another pair of shoes before he got into making custom rock shoes. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who will miss Douglas and his ultimate climbing goal:  "Go out to Lumpy and climb some cracks."

Thanks for the post.  I am one of Doug's niece's.  I dont climb but always wished I'd had. Doug took me on my one and only experience climbing on the Twin Owls. I loved it. We were all so shocked and saddened to learn of Doug's death today.  I hope that friends in his climbing community will pass the word on as the family doesn't know too many of Doug's friiends but would undoubtedly love to have them share memories with us . Our family and the climbing world lost a good man. 

damn man.  sorry for your loss.

Nicely said, Topher.  RIP Doug!

Nice tribute to Doug and a life well lived. Sounds like not a bad way to go. Heart attack while fishing your favorite hole, hope his last fish put a smile on his face. Thanks for the news of his passing.

Our journey on this gorgeous planet often ends up far shorter than we imagine it will be. Everyday is a gift. Savour it friends. RIP Doug, you will be sorely missed.

That is a beautiful tribute. I can only imagine how excited you must have felt when he unveiled those shoes.   

Wow, what a life!

I have a deeper appreciation for MCU movies (and Cliffhanger!!) learning that Doug was a part of making them happen.

It looks like Estes Park’s Library/Museum has an oral history interview with Doug available.

I haven’t found a link to the digital audio file itself (it’d be awesome to get these oral histories uploaded to the ‘net), but here’s the text transcript of the interview.

Condolences to the bereft.

Met him several times around Estes Park in the 80's.  He was a great guy and  wealth of information about Lumpy for sure.
Sorry to hear of his passing.  RIP Doug.

""Go out to Lumpy and climb some cracks.""

Amen.  Nice tribute, Topher.  A life of climbing in the high country of CO is a life worth living.

This has nothing to do with climbing but one of my memories of Douglas.  I lived up on Davis Hill with my 2 sons and Douglas would come by after visiting friends at  Harry and Kate Kent's climbing school.  He challenged my kids to a spitting contest off the deck of house an told them to aim towards Komito's house.  Such a sweet, funny man.

I doubt that Doug had any enemies.  He was our neighbor and friend beginning with meeting him at Komitos and on through the years. There are actually some other people like him, but too few.  Topher, with his special perspective, pretty well said it all.  There are other special memories, silly as they were, but my fun memory to share is one day when I was driving onto 'Spur 66 on my way home on Eagle Cliff Road when I saw Doug in his van making the turn towards town, hanging out of the driver's seat, yelling, "Hi!, Sawnie!"  Made my day (and others that followed).  His last moments were, as others have mentioned, in the right setting.  Goodbye, Douglas.  Carry on.

Douglas Snively died yesterday (6/15/20) fly-fishing in Estes Park. So, Douglas, you've lived so much of your life as so many of us dreamed of living but now you've left this world in a way that we'll envy as well. Way to early but...perfect. Strength, humility, generosity, competence, drive, virtuosity in many realms, and an abundance of joy. When I moved to Estes Park 37 years ago he was my idea of what I hoped living here would turn me into. You ran a splendid race, my good friend, and finished at the top of your game. The mark you left with me and many others is indelible.

Off Belay,
Mike Caldwell
(fellow climber and fly fishing conspirator.

In the 1980s when my friends and I first rolled into Estes Park, we went to Komito's Boots to get the beta on Lumpy Ridge. Douglas didn't scoff at our youthful exuberance, nor did he try to protect the local crags from a bunch of outsiders. Instead he welcomed us, he became our mentor and friend. He shared his experience and knowledge without bragging or bravado, but with the enthusiasm of a man who wanted us to be part of the world he loved. Time has come and done its work, yet the memories are fresh as if it were all yesterday. Bright sunny Colorado mornings, the smell of pine, a cool summer breeze, nervous excitement, the clanking of hexentrics, and Douglas rolling a cigarrette at the base of the crag. His smile reassuring. Those were the best of times and he was part of it all, and for that I will always be thankful. Estes Park has lost a real local legend. We all have lost a friend. The girls are doing great Douglas. Thanks for asking.

Very sorry to hear this. I was friends and climbed with the Estes/Colorado Springs crew a lot during my college years in the early 70's.

But damn...to die while fly fishing...I could only wish to be so lucky when my time comes....

Rock And Ice - R&I Remembering Douglas Snively

Ohhhhh Douglass-will miss blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup-will miss knowing your in the world-pretty sure you can’t beat passing away at your favorite fishing spot... your a bright star now-will look up when I’m out and about
you were such a balance traveling with you, mugs, billy west bay-thank goodness you were there with that smile-yelling for ‘toast’ in a country that offered lots of rice and so psyched for those memories❤️❤️❤️

Oh Douglas! How sad I am to never see you again. How glad I was everytime we got to spend a few moments together. You were so funny - always kind and so easy to be with. You were so good at and happy doing many things; climbing, fishing, woodworking, archery, cleaning up the Nat'l Forest, eating, and being a friend. And I will always remember and appreciate the special support you gave me when we lost Brad to the mountains. Bob and I love you, man! michelle

Dang, Douglas was an Estes Park legend.  He was really looked up to as a member of the community.  Deepest condolences to friends and family.  RIP

Damn this year. Douglas was a great friend and a great spirit. I met him when he was guiding for Fantasy Ridge in Estes Park; he dragged my brother and I up Taylor Glacier in 1978 or 1979, when I was still in high school. We became friends after I moved to Estes; he took me backcountry skiing for the first time and I've been obsessed ever since. He would try to drag me up ice climbs, but that didn't work out so well. He was just such a warm, mellow, supportive person. He tied me a fly that looked like me for my birthday one year! I moved east and lost track of him. But I few years ago we were back in EP, and I got his number from Komito, and we had the most wonderful dinner, catching up on the last twenty years. Douglas, you are the best. You did so much good in this world.

Thank you everyone for your stories and support. Douglas was my husband’s uncle and they were very close. Brent is deeply and hopelessly sadden by Douglas’ unexpected passing. Brent loved to tell me stories of his young climbing years, climbing with Douglas and his buddies. I recall vividly my first encounter with Douglas, while climbing with Brent at the Garden of the gods, nearly 15 years ago. Douglas had an ease an aura about life and climbing I couldn’t grasp then, but naturally drawn to. Brents entire world was shaped by growing up with him as his climbing mentor that I could never put into words. But those of you lucky enough to climb with him might understand, what a horrible loss this is. You can reach out to Brent on Instagram @anejobrent, I’m sure he would love to trade tales.