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I am very sorry to hear about your brother's passing, Sam. I never met him, but I remember you from years ago. I remember one of your early comments when we met that your dad was an iceman. Upon my request, you sent me some newspaper articles about your trip to Patagonia. I've still got them in a drawer at work.

ZSpider

So very sorry for your loss, Sam. Ben was much too young to leave us.... may his memory live on

The last time I saw Ben we were at Miguel's trading stories of new lines we'd seen or had done at Cliffview. Sympathy and good memories, Sam.

Remember the good times and stay positive. I know you feel like a bomb has been dropped on you. I lost my brother back in 2003. I wish I could tell you otherwise but the pain never leaves. It still hurts like it was yesterday. He was my best friend and climbing partner. You will have those moments when you know he is with you in spirit though. I have had many. The Canadian goose that dive bombed me on the highway an instant before I got the call from the coroner on how he died. The day of over ten different rainbows, which was my first day back climbing without him. Several freaky dragonfly incidents - one time a huge dragonfly followed me from my house and got into the car with me like it was ready to go. It flew in the passenger window and hovered over the seat for a while. I was heading to Eden Park to boulder like we had done so many times before. They don't happen too much any more. I think he was just letting me know everything is OK and to carry on just like I now know he is. He now goes on every big climb with me and I spread some ashes at the top. My heart goes out to you and your family.