RRC Archives

Today marks the second anniversay of Mike Robison being killed in an early morning car wreck on his way to work. The driver that hit him was intoxicated and swerved to miss a Deer, overcorrected slamming head on into Mike and his small Honda Civic. Mike died instantly having kissed his wife (Nancy) goodbye only 10 minutes earlier. Mike was a great climber in his day and was my climbing Mentor. I in turn taught Josh and the three of us in turn built Hoosier Heights where many RRG climbers learned the ropes so to speak. Mike was unpopular on this site and for some reason unknown to me seemed to enjoy doing the interenet B.S. that often goes on. That being said Mike loved the Gorge, climbed hard and put in many hours swinging a hammer as we built the gym. He donated time and money at the first Muir Valley trail days and always would lend a hand when needed. There were evenings at Miquels when only a few folks were there and we sat around and chatted with Miquel about his great carvings. Jeff the friendly phamacist (Mikes original climbing partner) was living in the Love Shack and there were still Porter hangers on Sunshine and Moon Beam. Anyway I just wanted to honor Mike and remember him and the many great days we had on the rock across the U.S. and especially at the RRG. CLIMB ON MIKE.

The man certainly made this site interesting. Rest in Peace

Has anyone heard from Hughes lately??

What did he call himself on this site?

Mike was the infamous Zspider on this site.
The last I ever heard of Jeff was a number of years back. He use to go to Mikes house and Mike would take care of him and let him hang out at his place. He called Mike from a phone booth one night and Mike said Jeff said the police are here I gotta go. Have not seen or heard of Jeff since. After his accident and recovery I ran into Jeff at Roadside. My partner and I were climbing A.W.O.L. and there was only one other person up there and he was sitting at the far end reading. After awhile he got up and walked by us. I did not recognize him as he had grown a full beard. He had several books with a belt around them and a pair of climbing shoes and as he passed by he said "Be Careful" I responded "We Will" Jeff stopped and asked if I was Mike Thurston as he seem to know my voice but was not sure. Before he got hurt and while staying at the Love Shack I saw some papers he had written on 'Climbing As A Religion.' A short time later Mike, Larry and I were climbing at Shackmans Quarry near Avoca, IN. Mike and Larry were going to the Red the next day and I could not make it. As we were going our seperate ways I told them I had a bad feeling about Jeff - he had his accident shortly after that. Jeff is a really nice guy he just got too far out there and that is not a good place to be when you are climbing, rappeling and such. I hope he is o.k. and has found some peace.

ditto- I didn't make the time to see him at the hospital before he moved out west ( I think his dad was a MD in Calif) and I have always regretted that.

Thank you for the reminder to remember those who have influenced us in life as we become who we are and will be.

Rest in Peace, Mike

I only knew Mike through his Zspider persona on this site. I thought he was a lot of fun, and was shocked and saddened by his passing. We never know how long we'll have on this plain, do we?

Mike had character! A great guy in person, no doubt. RIP