I met Dick in the 1980s when I was beginning my bicycle racing on Tuesday evenings at the Research Park near the University of Calgary. Then, over many years, we spent time riding together on the CBTL track in Calgary and cross-country skiing in Canmore. Also, my most difficult traditional route I ever did was Dicks's Route on Yamnuska; my brother Raphael lead all three pitches.

Dick and I never spoke much with one another, and I regret that I lost an opportunity to chat with a man with whom I shared several passions and interests; notably, beyond cycling, skiing and climbing, there was mathematics and music.

All I can do now is to sit with a glass of a single-malt scotch and ponder about a companion of my sport activities whom I wish I knew better or ... rather ... about whom I wish I knew more when we still had a chance to chat ... .

Cheers,

Michael Slawinski

Dick introduced me to snow and ice climbing in the 1950’s on Ben Nevis (Scotland) when I was still a school boy. We spent two Christmas’ camping at the foot of Tower Ridge. He gave me the grounding for something that I enjoyed for many years and I thank him for that.

I toured the Canadian Rockies in 2005 with my wife when I visited him and (I think) I was surprised to find he had a file of newspaper cuttings of my exploits.

He will be missed

I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. I knew Dick from his Scottish Country Dancing days at St. Barnabas Church in the 1960s.

We leave the memories and moments of our past to be revisited. For me sharing time on a rope and other occasional evenings with Dick was alw ays a pleasure. He was well educated passionate with English style music and dry humor. Will not be able to share in your goodbye tomorrow but will shall your sorry with a dram or two condolences. RIP Dick you led a wonderful life with great family and many friends.

Don Vockeroth

We were sad to hear about Dick’s passing.

I met Dick in the early 50’s in the Lake District in England, climbing the same route as he and his climbing partner. We often met in Langdale. In 1955 I caught up with him again in the Moraine Lake area, climbing with Brian Greenwood. Those are happy memories.

We will be able to join you tomorrow at the wake.

We were saddened of Dick’s passing, he was an excellent rock

climber. I climbed occasionally with Dick back in the 1960’s, brings

back fond memories. Unfortunately we are unable to attend the wake, since I am dealing with my parkinsons.

As a proud current member and Administrative team member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, I am all too cognisant of how we are walking on the shoulders of giants. Much gratitude to Dick and his contributions to professional certified guiding in Canada.

I was saddened to read of Mr. Lofthouse’s passing. He was one of my SAIT instructors in 1969. You always wonder over the years what happened to those who helped you in your education. It sounds like Mr. Lofthouse led a full and happy life. It makes me happy today to have learned that.

We will be unable to attend the wake as we are in Mexico. However l wanted to pass on a memory of Dick. I was in Nagano, Japan attending the Japanese Alpine Club’s celebration of the Mt Alberta Ice Axe event. During a tour of an exhibit they had of their 1965 ascent of Mt Alberta, l came across Dick’s Canadian Mountain Guides’ license (I think it was license # 4), which Dick had left on the summit of Mt Alberta during the first “British” ascent with Brian Greenwood. I was fortunate enough to retrieve the license and give it back to Dick in Calgary. He was surprised that it had ended up in Japan but was delighted to get it back. We’ll raise a glass in Mexico

I too shared a rope with THE MAN on Mount Yamnuska’s south face on one of Dicks original routes. It was a great moment in my climbing career. A good man and a legendary climber.

Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing Ian.

– Joni-Lynn and Peter

So sorry for your loss!

Words are of no comfort during this time of hurt!

Wonderful memories are that which remain!

A life well lived by a great climbing and life mentor!

I was very privileged to share a rope with “the real thing”!

Rest in Peace!

So sorry to hear of the loss of your father, father-in-law and grandfather. What a life! We will raise a glass in his honour and memory.