In Memory of Mike Neu (the Rock)
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I received the terrible news that Mike Neu died on Feb 28. Mike was a totally solid climbing partner, and I felt could climb anything when Mike was belaying me. |
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My condolences also to his family and friends. |
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I didn't know Mike well, but climbed with him a number of times when I lived in Colorado. He was a great guy who had a calm, even-keel approach to climbing that made his partners feel comfortable. He would joke about he couldn't get his kids interested in climbing. I'm really sorry to hear about this, and condolences to his family. |
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did mike climb at the BRC a fair amount in the winter? he looks really familiar. i think i climbed with him there a couple times, and saw him at eldo and boco some. if so, he was a super nice guy and it is a bummer to hear the news. |
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slim wrote:did mike climb at the BRC a fair amount in the winter? he looks really familiar. i think i climbed with him there a couple times, and saw him at eldo and boco some. if so, he was a super nice guy and it is a bummer to hear the news.Yeah, that's where I met him about 5 years ago. |
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Rock was an incredibly giving friend and the best climbing partner I've ever had. |
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That really f'en sucks. I only met Mike (Mitts) a few years ago, but we probably climbed a dozen times or more. Half of the time we were both partner less in Eldo, and when I would see him across the parking lot, a big smile would wrap both of our faces. Both knowing a great adventure would be ahead. I haven't spoke to him in the last 9 months or so, and that brings tears. As Matt and others stated, he was a great friend, and a great partner. I hope to meet his wife and children someday. The great ones always leave to early. I will miss you man, many great climbs in the sky. |
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'mitts'. yeah, that's him. really nice guy. i think the last time i saw him was last spring or early summer in eldo, or maybe up at castle rock. |
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Hey chaps, |
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I spent a lot of time climbing with Mike. He was a favorite climbing partner. I always called him my portable guidebook. He knew every route and every move. If I was leading and he noticed that I was hesitating on a move he would offer the perfect beta. I trusted his belay and always felt confident working on my projects with him. Everytime I climb in Eldo it is bittersweet. I know he loved climbing there and that makes me happy to get on routes that we climbed together, but also terribly sad knowing I will not be able to enjoy climbing with Mitts again. |
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This is Kathy, Mike's wife. I just wanted to say how wonderful it is to read your stories and know how you miss him too. To see him in the picture from Matt was wonderful- healthy and enjoying the climb. Thank you for that. |
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Hey Ed, |
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I just found out. I'm stunned and speechless. I climbed extensively with Rock through the 80's. Best partner ever. Kathy, I have many, many shots of Rock. I'll contact you. Here's another shot of Rock on the same pitch, appropriately attired in best 80's style. |
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Matt and Godfried, |
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I've got a lot of photos, but they're all slides. It'll take me a few more days to acquire the technology to scan them all. |
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Godfried it is so wonderful to hear from you. It has been too long. I would love some pictures of Rock especially for the kids. Climbing was his love and his legacy. Even my parents remember a slide show you put on probably with slides from Yosemite. I remember the slide from Joshua Tree where he is jumping across a rock? to get off the climb?- fortunately you all only told me about that when you were safe at home. |
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Matt, you and Rock were crazy climbing in that weather- too funny. What a great picture. All of you need to know how wonderful it is to hear your stories and see the pictures for me and for his family. |
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Yeah Kathy- totally nuts, I never thought I'd really, really miss days like that one in the photo. Sure wouldn't trade those days for anything now. |
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Still looking for words. Matt, I too had countless days like that with Rock. Whatever we did or didn't do was fine as long as we were outside. I remember many days trying to climb with numb fingers. Of course there was also the opposite extreme. Here's Rock on Glacier Point Apron in Yosemite with the thermometer nudging 100. |
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Godfried- Those are great photos. Color and life. Man, Rock could climb in the heat. The hotter it was, the more psyched he got. |
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A few more. |