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Pat Hadley - Forever in the Sierra

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 2:28 pm
by orbitor
It is with deepest regret I have to announce the passing of a remarkable human being, my dear friend Pat Hadley. Pat died in a climbing accident yesterday on Day 7 of the Sierra Challenge. She was one of the best climbers, cyclists, runners and overall adventurers you can think of. Her positive attitude was infectious and her experience vast, the combination of which resulted in such inspiration to all who were privileged enough to know her. Words cannot express our loss.

I feel blessed to have done several trips with Pat, most recently to Mt. Williamson. Pat was in the lead most of the time and the first to reach the summit. I cherish all our summits and all the moments we spent together. It is devastating to know I can never again look up at Pat and find the motivation to keep climbing, higher and higher, but our memories together will never be forgotten. Thank you for teaching me that life IS worth living on the highest summits!

REST IN PEACE, PAT. YOU WILL BE MISSED DEARLY.

Re: Pat Hadley - Forever in the Sierra

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:08 pm
by maverick
My condolences to the family and friends. Wish you strength and peace in this hard time
Orbitor! Cherish the great times you spent together climbing these beautiful mountains.
Rest in Peace Pat!

Re: Pat Hadley - Forever in the Sierra

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:25 pm
by maverick
Some info posted by Bob Burd:
I am very sorry to report that Pat Hadley fell to her death yesterday morning on
Diamond North. She was climbing alone at the time along the NE Ridge from Baxter
Pass. Though rated class 3, the ridgeline is composed of very loose rock over a series
of gendarmes and steep chutes. Some hours later her body was spotted by three other
participants who reached the summit, about 150ft below the summit on the SE side
of the ridge. One of them went down to check her pulse, but found she had probably
died instantaneously. SAR is currently working to bring her remains back to
Independence this afternoon.

All of us are devastated by this tragic loss. Our prayers and thoughts go out to her
husband, family and a wide community of friends that will undoubtedly be greatly
affected. Over the short time I had known her, I found her to be one of the most
accomplished and kindest persons I have had the privilege to meet.

http://www.summitpost.org/phpBB3/2013-s ... 04-90.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


The rest of the Challenge has been canceled out of respect for Pat and her family.
You will be sorely missed, Pat. God bless.

Re: Pat Hadley - Forever in the Sierra

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 4:01 pm
by orbitor
This is Pat holding the summit register of Williamson. It's one of my favorite pics of her because she looks so triumphant - it was a great climb.
highres_263413062 (small).jpeg
Don't have a photo without sunglasses, sorry.

In addition to everything outdoors, Pat was also a very good photographer. You can see many of her trips here:
http://pathadley.smugmug.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Pat Hadley - Forever in the Sierra

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 4:12 pm
by maverick
Thank you so much Mihai for this great photo, it really does shows off her high flying spirit!
Also thanks for the smugmug link!

Re: Pat Hadley - Forever in the Sierra

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 4:27 pm
by giantbrookie
I am very sorry to hear this. My condolences to those close to her. This is a really sad year in the High Sierra.

Re: Pat Hadley - Forever in the Sierra

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 4:30 pm
by TehipiteTom
My condolences to Orbitor and everyone who knew her.

Re: Pat Hadley - Forever in the Sierra

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 6:03 pm
by Rose
Pat Hadley was Coach Hadley to many students at Valencia High School. To many of us parents she was a friend and an incredible person who motivated our kids. Of ALL the teachers at Valencia High School she was the best at dealing with kids. She ALWAYS found something positive to say to the kids. She built their confidence, spotted their weaknesses only to turn it into a self-motivating challenge to improve themselves. You here knew her as an amazing athlete while I as a parent knew her as one of the most caring teachers to ever teach at Valencia. She is the mold that God made for teachers to follow. My heart is broken by Coach Hadley's passing. We will always remember her words to our runners - "Pain is temporary. GLORY is FOREVER!" I am blessed to have had Pat in my life.

Re: Pat Hadley - Forever in the Sierra

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 6:11 pm
by maverick
Hi Rose,

Welcome to HST! Thank you for you moving tribute, and letting all of us know more
about the kind of person Pat was.

Re: Pat Hadley - Forever in the Sierra

Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 6:25 pm
by Ranboze
I am so saddened by this news. I hiked with Pat only once, but always looked forward to her trip reports. She was a genuine soul. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. I weep.