He was very well known within the Colorado Mountain Club community, and word was he was possibly training for the Matterhorn. Certainly a very experienced and knowledgeable climber who seemed like a great guy to boot. Condolences to his friends and loved ones. RIP.
Re: Torreys Peak Fatality
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 2:07 pm
by Mickeys Grenade
Don was training for our trip to Europe. The plan was to climb the Matterhorn and Mount Blanc. We were also going to take a train and go visit the Eiger. Not to climb, but just to check it out. We always enjoyed watching the Eiger Sanction. Don likes the green hard hat that Dr. Hemlock wears in that movie and so do I. I was texting Don on Monday and I didn’t hear back from him. I thought it was odd. On Tuesday we found out that no one else had heard from him either. Search and rescue was called. His car was at the Stevens Gulch Trailhead. Brian (Don’s son) drove to the trailhead to see if his car was there. The next day Brian and I climbed Kelso Ridge together. We couldn’t find any sign of his Dad. We knew this was really bad. Don carries a spot beacon, but it was never activated. Don was a great friend and climbing parter. I have known him for 15 years. We did a lot of climbing and training together. I miss him so much. Just last Saturday, Don, Chuck, and I climbed the East Ridge of Bancroft together. I can’t believe he is gone so suddenly. He was scheduled to travel to Geneva and meet me at the airport today. I decided to still go on the trip. I’m in Chamonix now. I’m hoping to summit the Matterhorn and Mount Blanc to honor Don. It’s truly heartbreaking to lose a great friend. I think he would be happy that I still went on our trip. An unexpected tragic loss. Words cannot express how much Don’s family and friends will miss him.
Rest In Peace Don Chambliss. I love you and I will think of you often. Climb on! Jeff
Re: Torreys Peak Fatality
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 4:55 pm
by polar
Condolence to all Don's friends and families.
Re: Torreys Peak Fatality
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 6:33 pm
by nyker
Sorry to learn of this, Condolences to Don's family and anyone who knew him. Sounds like he was a a good guy.
Re: Torreys Peak Fatality
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 9:01 pm
by Tornadoman
It sounds like Don touched many members of this community. Condolences to his friends and family.
Re: Torreys Peak Fatality
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2019 8:22 am
by I Man
Sad news. I am not sure if I ever met Don, but I sure heard a lot about him. Jeff (Mickey's Grendae) and Don were close friends and had done a lot together. My thoughts are with Don's friends and family. Wishing Jeff a safe and enjoyable trip as he climbs in Europe in Don's honor/memory.
Re: Torreys Peak Fatality
Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2019 8:46 am
by ZNixon
Mickeys Grenade wrote: ↑Sun Jul 21, 2019 2:07 pm
Don was training for our trip to Europe. The plan was to climb the Matterhorn and Mount Blanc. We were also going to take a train and go visit the Eiger. Not to climb, but just to check it out. We always enjoyed watching the Eiger Sanction. Don likes the green hard hat that Dr. Hemlock wears in that movie and so do I. I was texting Don on Monday and I didn’t hear back from him. I thought it was odd. On Tuesday we found out that no one else had heard from him either. Search and rescue was called. His car was at the Stevens Gulch Trailhead. Brian (Don’s son) drove to the trailhead to see if his car was there. The next day Brian and I climbed Kelso Ridge together. We couldn’t find any sign of his Dad. We knew this was really bad. Don carries a spot beacon, but it was never activated. Don was a great friend and climbing parter. I have known him for 15 years. We did a lot of climbing and training together. I miss him so much. Just last Saturday, Don, Chuck, and I climbed the East Ridge of Bancroft together. I can’t believe he is gone so suddenly. He was scheduled to travel to Geneva and meet me at the airport today. I decided to still go on the trip. I’m in Chamonix now. I’m hoping to summit the Matterhorn and Mount Blanc to honor Don. It’s truly heartbreaking to lose a great friend. I think he would be happy that I still went on our trip. An unexpected tragic loss. Words cannot express how much Don’s family and friends will miss him.
Rest In Peace Don Chambliss. I love you and I will think of you often. Climb on! Jeff
So sorry for the loss of such a close friend to you. I think it's awesome that you're still going to summit in his honor, I hope you bag them both!
Re: Torreys Peak Fatality
Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2019 5:36 pm
by Mickeys Grenade
I was able to summit the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc! I know that Don (Blind Mule) would be proud! I’m very thankful that I was able to summit these beautiful peaks and honor the memory of my close friend. It was real tough to be there without him. I could feel him encouraging me to climb through the difficulties. It was bittersweet for sure. I still can’t believe he is gone. I realized that when Brian and I were looking for him on Kelso Ridge that I should still go to Europe and climb. The Matterhorn is magical and reminds me of why I started climbing in the first place. I miss Don so much, but his legacy lives on through me, his family, all of his friends, and through his unwavering love for the mountains! -Jeff
Re: Torreys Peak Fatality
Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2019 6:51 pm
by desertdog
Mickeys Grenade wrote: ↑Thu Aug 08, 2019 5:36 pm
I was able to summit the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc! I know that Don (Blind Mule) would be proud! I’m very thankful that I was able to summit these beautiful peaks and honor the memory of my close friend. It was real tough to be there without him. I could feel him encouraging me to climb through the difficulties. It was bittersweet for sure. I still can’t believe he is gone. I realized that when Brian and I were looking for him on Kelso Ridge that I should still go to Europe and climb. The Matterhorn is magical and reminds me of why I started climbing in the first place. I miss Don so much, but his legacy lives on through me, his family, all of his friends, and through his unwavering love for the mountains! -Jeff
What a great way to honor your friend! He sounded like a great guy. Very sorry for your loss. Best wishes Richard
Re: Torreys Peak Fatality
Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2020 5:48 am
by bmcqueen
Very cool video done by Don's son, Brian Chambliss, showcasing Alpine Rescue Team's work.
Re: Torreys Peak Fatality
Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2020 6:05 am
by daway8
bmcqueen wrote: ↑Mon Dec 07, 2020 5:48 am
Very cool video done by Don's son, Brian Chambliss, showcasing Alpine Rescue Team's work.
Wow, that's a powerful video - thanks for sharing!
