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Red Rock Icon Wendell "The Dean" Broussard Has Passed

Original Post
Gunkswest · · CA · Joined Jan 2010 · Points: 20,233

Wendell passed away at home in Las Vegas on October 18, 2021. Wendell was a leader of the 1980s and 90s Red Rocks climbing scene, doing many classic first ascents. He also was a long-time dealer at Caesar's, working in the later part of his career in the "high roller" area. He had many great stories from his work and climbs. Another long-time Red Rocks pioneer described Wendell as "larger than life, generous to a fault."

Wendell's Obit

John Hegyes · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Feb 2002 · Points: 5,681

Horrible news! He was a great man who contributed much to Red Rock Canyon.

Kurt Burt Arend · · Las Vegas, Nv · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 150

A beautiful soul. Wendell used to hang out with all us "kids" at the gym telling us stories that kept us at the edge of our seats. Even for the loud mouth punk that I was, he was always patient and so kind. "The Dean" was a class act, and always greeted you with a smile and true interest of how you are doing. 

God speed 

Kurt Burt Arend 

Mark Limage · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 25

Sad news for all that knew Wendell and had the good fortune to spend even a little bit of time with him. I was surprised upon reading his obit (Thanks for link Gunkswest) that he was 81 yrs old. He had such youthful energy and a very colorful manner of sharing his life. He was a mentor to many in the Red Rock, not simply providing beta and counsel, but often entire racks of gear to virtual strangers. His stories were always entertaining, be it the tales of growing up poor in the Louisiana Bayou, or moving to Vegas, or climbing with the Adventure Punks in RR, or the sharing of his experiences dealing at Caesar's Palace. If he had written a biography, it would be a page-turner. He started skiing late in life but he made turns like he'd been doing it since he was a kid. The Dean loved life and interacting with others. 81+ years of high-quality living. We should all be so lucky. ~RIP DEAN~   ...you will not be forgotten...    

Arin F · · Las Vegas · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 64

Sad news. RIP Wendell

MIchael Plapp · · Madras OR · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 5

Met Wendell on my first trip to RR in ‘87. A very self-effacing, open, memorable person. He was generous with his time showing us around while he regaled us with FA stories of himself, Harrison and Van Betten. RIP

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Nevada
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