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Tribute Gallery to Brent's Life
As people send in stories, poems, photos or other tributes to Brent - they will be posted here.
Brent was my instructor at NOLS in the summer of 2000. We are saddened by this news and my wife
and I are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
These pictures from our course are both magnificent and hysterical. The water crossing picture was taken immediately after Brent was teaching us the basics of how to safely cross streams and rivers while staying dry. Ironically this picture was taken as he was fishing all of his gear out of the stream because needless to say, it wasn't a dry crossing!
(Submitted by Kendal Land Dec. 30, 2004)
Brent & Jenny
(Submitted by Kendal Land Dec. 30, 2004)
Another one shows him in a chef's hat made from a bedroll.
(Submitted by Kendal Land Dec. 30, 2004)
(Submitted by Kendal Land Dec. 30, 2004)
(Submitted by Kendal Land Dec. 30, 2004)
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This is a shot of Brent teaching a course for the U of C Outdoor Centre
on Heart Mountain (June 20, 2004).
Brent taught courses for us for the last 3 years and was always eager to
share his knowledge with students in the hopes that they may see the
mountains the way he did.
Thank you Brent for enriching those lives.
Shaun King
Climbing Programs Coordinator
Outdoor Centre, University of Calgary
(Submitted by Shaun King Dec. 19, 2004)
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I met Brent back in 1999 on a NOLS Mountaineering course in Wyoming. He was one of our instructors. Brent and I bonded instantly and shared many stories during that 30 day expedition.
Brent and I sitting up high in the Wind River mountain range. I am reminded of how the Arapaho Indians used to say that from up high in that mountain range, one could see heaven (heaven being the green land at the foot of the mountains. We looked out over heaven that day.
(Submitted by Frank Martinez Dec. 11, 2004)
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Elephant Head is a special place for me. It's where Brent took me up on
a multi-pitch climb to the top. Just him and I.
I still remember the day... Brent and I got up at about 4am. It was very cold. After grabbing a quick bite we gathered our gear and prepared for the long trek. Before leaving, I asked Brent if I could say a Navajo Prayer to the 4 directions to ask for protection. He agreed and joined me in the prayer. We then headed off to the foot of the climb...
It was one of the best days of the trip for me and a day I won't forget. I can still feel that cold, windy day. I can still see Brent with his red helmet, his yellow wind breaker, leaning over the last ledge of the climb cheering me on. Then, at the top with a high five before noon. I wouldn't have been able to make it up there without him.
On the way down, we took a route down the backside of the mountain. Over a massive boulder field. At one point, I stepped on a giant, unstable 100 lb. boulder. A quick step on that rock and 2 seconds later it had trapped and pinned my left ankle. After lifting the boulder and pulling my leg out it was obvious I couldn't walk much less climb down the next part of the route down the mountain. Brent was able to rappel me down the rest of the way (a long way). A one hour climb back down to to camp ended up taking about 4 hours. I was reminded and thankful that we had prayed that morning.
I am reminded now and thankful that Brent and I climbed that day and celebrated at the top. A great day in my life for sure.
(Submitted by Frank Martinez Dec. 11, 2004)
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Here are a few photographs from the days when Brent was still climbing smaller 'hills', a trip to the Adirondack mountains - in winter (1995). The pictures reflect the essential elements of Brent's life: friendship, wilderness, laughter, food, and the constant search for the next trip.
(Submitted by Isabelle Schmelzer Dec. 9, 2004)
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(Submitted by Isabelle Schmelzer Dec. 9, 2004)
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(Submitted by Isabelle Schmelzer Dec. 9, 2004)
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(Submitted by Isabelle Schmelzer Dec. 9, 2004)
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(Submitted by Isabelle Schmelzer Dec. 9, 2004)
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When Brent visited us, Barry's brother and family, in Australia in 1990, we all went to the zoo near our place to see the Australian animals and birds as Barry was interested in capturing them on film for his slide shows. This photo of Brent bonding with the chickens in the baby animal section is such a classic. How many people could get a handful of chickens to respond so easily.
Brent was obviously a very talented person with lots of charm and skills. His gentleness was one of them.
Love from Uncle Mike, Aunty Robyn and Arlia.
(Submitted by Robyn Raymond Dec. 5, 2004)
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I had the privilege of being guided by Brent Raymond on the Multi-Pitch Rock section of the yam mountain skills semester.
(Submitted by Jacob Johnson Dec. 4, 2004)
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On September 23rd we climbed Twilight Zone on Kid Goat, and on the 24th we climbed Takakkaw Falls in the Little Yoho Valley. I had an excellent time sharing those couple of days with Brent.
(Submitted by Jacob Johnson Dec. 4, 2004)
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(Submitted by Jacob Johnson Dec. 4, 2004)
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(Submitted by Jacob Johnson Dec. 4, 2004)
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Brent's Backyard (Submitted by George Gervais Dec. 2, 2004)
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Daily Grind (Submitted by George Gervais Dec. 2, 2004)
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Our Friend Brent (Submitted by George Gervais Dec. 2, 2004)
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Shredding Powder (Submitted by George Gervais Dec. 2, 2004)
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Apres Ski Smiles (Submitted by George Gervais Dec. 2, 2004)
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This is Brent belaying one of our clients at the 2004 Outdoor Challenge Conference for adults with developmental disabilities. Brent was a gift and he will be sorely missed by many in our community. Submitted by Greg Lowan, Nov 29, 2004.
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Halloween in second year at Guelph University - Brent is the one in the orange geisha girl outfit!! (see our recent post "U of G Memories"). Submitted by Robyn Bragg, Marijan Grobbink and Elaine Fallas (Nov 28, 2004)
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This is Brent and
Marijan wrestling (see our recent post "U of G Memories"). Submitted by Robyn Bragg, Marijan Grobbink and Elaine Fallas (Nov 28, 2004)
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For me this picture has all the essential elements of a Brent trip -
mountains (we'd just got back from the Bugaboos), food - one big sausage,
laughs - no shortage of those and good company.
There are many people here who will miss him immensely....
Kindest Regards
Alan Johnson (Submitted Nov 25, 2004)
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Brent dressed only in balloons with Roger & Zhiish at Outward Bound (Eastern School, 1998/1999) (Nov 24, 2004)
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Outward Bound party (1998/1999) with two of his friends Zhiish Mackenzie and Danielle Perron.) Photo by Zhiish Mackenzi, sumbitted by Sarah Wiley (Nov 25, 2004)
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Brent climbing in Peru 2000 - posted by friend and climbing partner Angus Murray (Nov 24, 2004)
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Brent climbing in Peru 2000 - posted by friend and climbing partner Angus Murray (Nov 24, 2004)
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Brent climbing in Peru 2000 - posted by friend and climbing partner Angus Murray (Nov 24, 2004)
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Brent climbing in Peru 2000 - posted by friend and climbing partner Angus Murray (Nov 24, 2004)
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Brent at Mt.Ayesha High Up Slogging in Deep Snow
I had the pleasure of knowing Brent for some time (about 4 years or so). We worked together for a seismic company, roomed together and did a bit of climbing and skiing to. I have a few pretty good pics of Brent from a 3 day ski trip we did, and i thought you might like to see them (my camera died shorty after the summit so there are no skiing pics).
Brent was a great guy, I really liked him alot. He had an excellent sense of humor. I'll miss him. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Thomas Choquette
Submitted on Nov. 23, 2004
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Brent on Mt.Ayesha Heading Up the Long Snow Slope
Submitted by Thomas Choquette (friend & former work mates) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Brent on Mt.Ayesha Approaching the Summit
Submitted by Thomas Choquette (friend & former work mates) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Brent on the summit of Mt.Ayesha (10,055 ft / 3,065m) April 14 2003
Submitted by Thomas Choquette (friend & former work mates) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Brent, What an amazing man. Vivacious, intelligent, a sparkle in his eye, a warm smile, a wonderful photographer and a kind heart. We got to know Brent through Heather and especially during a wonderful photography weekend together in Jasper. We appreciate having been touched by your friendship. We will miss you.
Paula, Leonard and Declan.
Submitted by Paula, Leonard and Declan (climbing friends) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Submitted by Paula, Leonard and Declan (climbing friends) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Climbing on Yam #1 (Assistant Rock Guide Exam, 2001)
I had the pleasure of meeting Brent on the ACMG Rock Courses. I was one of his instructor/examiners but more importantly a friend. Brent was a strong candidate and a pleasure to be with. He was extremely conscientious and it was obvious that he was gong to be a talented and resourceful guide.
I join with the rest of the climbing and guiding community in expressing my deepest sympathy to Heather and to Brent's family and friends.
Sincerely,
Chris Miller
Submitted by Chris Miller (climbing friend & instructor/examiner) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Climbing on Yam #2 (Assistant Rock Guide Exam, 2001). Submitted by Chris Miller (climbing friend & instructor/examiner) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Climbing on Yam #3 (Assistant Rock Guide Exam, 2001). Submitted by Chris Miller (climbing friend & instructor/examiner) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Placing Gear #1 (Assistant Rock Guide Exam, 2001). Submitted by Chris Miller (climbing friend & instructor/examiner) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Placing Gear #2 (Assistant Rock Guide Exam, 2001). Submitted by Chris Miller (climbing friend & instructor/examiner) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Racking Up (Assistant Rock Guide Exam, 2001). Submitted by Chris Miller (climbing friend & instructor/examiner) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Tandem Rappel (Assistant Rock Guide Exam, 2001). Submitted by Chris Miller (climbing friend & instructor/examiner) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Tandem Rappel Set Up (Assistant Rock Guide Exam, 2001). Submitted by Chris Miller (climbing friend & instructor/examiner) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Brent up in the Bugaboos. Submitted by Mike Good (climbing friend) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Brent up in the Bugaboos. Submitted by Mike Good (climbing friend) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Brent up in the Bugaboos. Submitted by Mike Good (climbing friend) on Nov. 23, 2004
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Brent up in the Bugaboos. Submitted by Mike Good (climbing friend) on Nov. 23, 2004
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I am remembering what a complete outdoors nut brent was at University - going off on camping weekends to Algonguin Park - in February - and biking in any weather. His jacket always had that brown streak up the back. When he was at home he was eagerly cooking for friends. Nothing simple for Brent - dessert would have to be Pavlova.
I would like to share this earlier picture of Brent climbing, from a U of Guelph paper in 1994.
Valerie Powell
Nov. 22, 2004
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From Paul Kokkin - a client of Brent's. Taken 2004. Black Fang. Received Nov 22, 2004.