Re: unhappy news
Shane was good people and the world is a less interesting place with his passing. I can't say I'm surprised - but in saying that I neither mean disrespect nor feel any less sad for the absence he leaves behind. He was of the "cowboy" mentality of BASE - a dangerous group to call home but an essential part of our culture.
I'm still sorry I "broke" him jumping the Chief back in 04 - but I'm not sorry to have met him and shared an exitpoint. He's the kind of fellow who, hung up on a cliff after an object strike and awaiting rescue and the usual law enforcement drama (but otherwise safe and stable), was able not only to ok my departure before the full swarm of media + cops arrived - but also to laugh good-naturedly about my needing to get back to the barn to feed dinner to the stallions. THAT is the kind of jumper I enjoy knowing - when we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves, we've lost the path altogether.
I'm glad he shared his life with the rest of us - it brightened the whole world. . . and that's about the highest compliment any of us can earn. Condolences to close friends and family - it never gets any easier to let go.
Peace,
ds
