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Andrew Barnes

chaddy · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 5

I was hoping to post to the site sooner, but learning of the lose of Andrew was so shocking and heart wrenching that I have found it hard to keep a thought in my head, let alone write them down in some meaningful way. Andrew and I were cousins and always kindred spirits. I remember Andrew when he was barely big enough to walk or run. Even then, he was a fearless little guy. I can clearly picture him egging me and another of his cousins on, so that we would chase him around and knock him down on the grass. He would laugh and laugh, and then come back for some more. Another similar memory is of a family raft trip when he got us so fired up that we grabbed his legs and dunked him, head first, over the side. However, he would be so happy that he could mix it up with us, that it was impossible to ever be mad at him.

As the years went by I was fortunate to join Andrew on many adventures and hear him tell the stories of countless others (in an extremely entertaining Andrew way). I also was able to watch him change from a charming little hellion to a thoughtful man who never lost the mischievous twinkle in his eye. There are a few things about Andrew that never changed. He truly cared about those around him. He could be counted on to help anyone of his friends from his days in Laurel, to 'The Springs', to FOCO, then those he climbed with. He and I knew each other so well and for so long that we had nothing to hide from each other. Therefore, when I saw Andrew I could expect endless 'uncut' stories of his nearly constant shenanigans, and he spoke absolutely lovingly of those he considered his friends and partners in crime. It seemed his spirit of adventure changed over time, but was always strong and ever constant. When he was young, Jayne and Ron could truly count on a constant supply of hijinx from Andrew. Also, before he was a climber, Andrew was a ripping snowboarder. There were many a cliff drop or rope ducked in my time riding with Andrew and I can't remember a single time when he was anything but 'all in.' Though with other pursuits his spirit was always strong, it seems that climbing really brought his adventurous spirit and passion to a whole new level.

The one thing that sets Andrew apart from anyone else I have ever known is his bravery. He, not only, had the creativity to come up with wonderful feats, but he would go into them whole heartedly even knowing that they would probably end badly. Be it stealing his parents car, jumping his bike and landing full force on his collar bone, climbing the library in a cape, or just completely going against society's norms; Andrew would enjoy the moment and accept the outcome without judgment. I think that is one of the main reasons it was impossible not to be drawn to Andrew. Not only was he wildly entertaining, but when you were with him it was impossible not to feel a feel a bit braver yourself. If he could throw himself in without hesitation, those of us around him often knew we could too.

The celebration at Vedauwoo was wonderful tribute to a beautiful, kind soul. One theme that seemed universal was that we should all remember to live a little more like Andrew. Possibly in remembering him we will be able to remind ourselves to live the life we love and be brave. But I think, maybe, he had so much spirit and bravery in him that now he is gone there is a lot more out there for us to share.

Best frog/winter hat ever

Tagen Bierley · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 5
Barno in high school!

This has taken me a while to find some old pics but I found a couple. First I would like to say I did not stay in contact with Barno. I did see him once in a while when I went to FoCo. No matter what some people in your life will always have an impact on you and Andrew Barnes was one of those people. I loved having classes with him because you never knew what funny things he would do. My favorite class with him was geology. Almost every time we had a field trip Barno, Booty and I would look at each other and think how are we going to get out of this and go to Alfonzo's. We did go a lot that year. Anyway, I hate when this world has a loss like Barno. My heart was broken when I heard and it still is. Everyone of his friends and family members are in my heart because if he can make such a huge impression on someone like me that he wasn't even very close with then I can only imagine what others he was close with are going through.

With love to the Barno community,

Tagen Bierley
Kayla Barnes · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 0

Dear Friends and Family,

As I began this note I thought, “What would Andrew want me to say?” I believe he would want me to thank each and every one of you. He loved life and he loved you. The celebration of his life was amazing and yes he would have been right in there saying, “there is a party going on in there.” I believe that has to be one of the best celebrations of life ever, as you cannot even explain how magical it was, and the amount of positive energy brought to each and every one of us. As Andrew’s Mom I am not sure how life goes on from here, yet I know that Andrew would want me to do as Theodore Roosevelt once said “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” I would like to keep in touch with all you so please email me at jaynebarnes@creighton.edu.

As many of you know Andrew was organic farming in southern Colorado this summer. I will be heading to the farm in Bedrock, Co. the end of August or 1st of September to help Brennan and Naomi complete what was one of Andrew’s dreams. I look forward to being in his presence as my life is filled with the presence of God, and know that HE would want me to complete the harvesting of the “lonely otter farm.” One of the fun comments Andrew and I used to share is, “How cool is that!” It truly has been a blessing to me being with each and every one of you. The farm is amazing and returning for harvest will be great.

Quinn had helped Andrew put together a website of his art work and this site will be updated soon. It is really neat as you will be able to purchase prints. There are only a few pieces on there now, so watch for updates as it is amazing how many pieces Andrew had given to friends and family. Let me know if you have any pieces to add to his collection. The website is Blue Canvass…(aboiles).

bluecanvas.com/search?searc…

The Ft. Collins Art Museum has been amazing. The owner of Andrew’s mask gave it back to the family. We are looking into how to physically secure it so that we can travel to next year’s Mask event. The application is in place for 2014 and they have Andrew’s mask on the cover. Like I said his presence is with us as he truly gave life his best and would have said, “How cool is that!”

Thanks again to all of you and please don’t hesitate to let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I hope to be with you in your new happenings and to stay connected. I also thought if you spread Andrew’s I would love to know where. I know he would appreciate being with you wherever life takes you…blessings jayno

jayno · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 0

Hi Everyone, Hey this link is going to be my saving grace so please continue to post pictures as it just warms my heart to read these stories and the great pictures you all have. I forgot to tell you in my post that Kayla and I returned to Bozeman to find that Chad (Andrew's cousin) had painted my living room, dining room and kitchen.....add this to the list of amazing things folks have done for us. I love hearing about your adventures and want to hear more about them as Andrew will be with you in spirit as I am too. We giggled the other night that we could refill your "Andrew Ash Bags" as he would like that we are recycling...thanks again jayno

Luke Terstriep · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 95

Buster Jesik and I climbed in Rocky Mountain National Park yesterday at an area called Lumpy Ridge. We did a route called Turnkorner on Sundance Buttress and scattered some of Andrew's ashes from the summit. It was an honor. Thank you for the opportunity to climb with Andrew one more time.

Summit of Sundance Buttress

Kelly Cramer · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2013 · Points: 0

Thanks to Jayne, Kayla, his family and friends, and his KMAC family for setting up the celebration of Andrew's life as it was so beautiful and inspiring. AB truly was a special individual as evidenced by all these wonderful posts, and as countless others have shared, my life was also impacted by Andrew.

It didn't take long after meeting Andrew and working and climbing with him at KMAC to develop a crush on him as I imagine most girls did. He was so full of life and so transparent. When around him, you always knew that you were going to get Andrew Barnes, no more no less. One of his motto's was "You gotta keep it simple".

The way he was and lived really impacted me that first summer of guiding because I had been confronting the challenges of transitioning my lifestyle from an independent adventure climber to a family woman. We always treated each other as equals and there was always mutual respect. It was refreshing to meet such a young, handsome and talented guy who knew that we all have something to learn from each other. He really reminded me of myself years back the way he just went for life with such zest and uninhibited passion. We had also shared similar dreams of growing food, communal living and environmental activism.

Beneath his fun-loving exterior was a raw intensity that pushed buttons and agitated complacencies. It was maybe this quality that inspired me to keep fighting for my dreams and to not conform just because life was getting harder or more complicated. He has inspired me to let go of worldly attachments and fight against conformity. After his passing, I feel a desire to honor his life and share with my son and other youth Andrew's example of how to live life to the fullest. I plan to do that by keeping in touch with many of you and telling Andrews jokes and stories whenever possible. As Jayne said with the farm harvest, he created so many wonderful things that we can all continue to be a part of and to work on. I look forward to living more like Andrew Barnes!!!

Andy Kowles · · Lyons, CO · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 65
Luke Terstriep wrote:Buster Jesik and I climbed in Rocky Mountain National Park yesterday at an area called Lumpy Ridge. We did a route called Turnkorner and scattered some of Andrew's ashes from the summit. It was an honor. Thank you for the opportunity to climb with Andrew one more time.
Luke, nice! Jake and I did Turnkorner earlier this summer. Still thinking about where to climb with AB again...I think the Tower or the
Big D would be good spots.
Brian Estep · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 0

Since I'm not a climber, or much of a "gardener", I decided Barno might like his ashes mixed in with the floatant I use when fly-fishing. So I took him to the Big Thompson on Friday and we caught a ton of trout, including the biggest Brown I've ever seen. My fiancee had our camera last week, so I didn't snag any pictures (I'm bad at selfies anyway), but I don't think AB would mind. A humbling experience, to say the least.

Ralph Amsden · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 5

"you live with a heart of gratitude, and the world is a wondrous place."

vimeo.com/72395808

The password is "barnes"

Q B · · Estes Park · Joined Aug 2006 · Points: 460

A little love on our trip to Greenland to AB! Also spread a little of him in the Bugaboos---Bugaboo Spire and a SICK ledge on Snowpatch Spire "Hobo's Haven." Seems quite appropriate.

climbing.com/news/team-glit…

As for the fishing SICKBIRD!!!! Andrew loved fishing too....watersports watersports!!

Q

Andy Kowles · · Lyons, CO · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 65

Big day on the Diamond yesterday with Jake. Perfect weather all day. We did
D-7 to
Black Dagger to Upper Kieners and had the summit of Longs Peak completely to ourselves as the day wound down. It was the perfect moment. We said some words and released some of Andrew's remains there...a special moment. Those words from Willa Cather are spectacular and were very hard to read. So, a moment of sadness but mostly joy (and accomplishment).

The funny part is that Jake and Barnes had gone up the Dagger together (same as for many other hard climbs there) a while back and Barnes indirectly sandbagged me into leading the roof, which is bloody hard and especially for a little guy like me.

Barnes you Sandbagger!

Jake about the turn the Black Dagger roof which was sandbagged by Barnes and kicked my ass, high on the big D.

Peace, brother.

The moon sets on the Diamond after a perfect day.

Ralph Amsden · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 5

Cool news from Jayne (Andrew's mom)

"I received a call from Dave Prosser the President of the Fort Collins Art Museum who is the current President of the museum's Board of Directors. He called to say that the 2014 Masks committee would like to change the name of the Artistry Award of which Andrew was the first recipient this year, to the 2014 Andrew Barnes Artistry Award."

Ben Werling · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 5

That is excellent news Ralph! I was floored by Barnes' pieces at the memorial. Keep us posted on how we can pitch in. His artwork seems as epic as his climbing.

Brian Estep · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 0

Took Barno golfing today. I played Arrowhead, a course I know he would get a kick out of. I put a little bit of his ashes under every divot I made. One of my clients I was golfing with finally caught on and asked me what I was doing. It took a few holes to explain Andrew. By the end of the round, this guy was wanting me to put some Barno under his divots too. What started as the rainiest round I've ever played ended in blue skies, sunshine, and another stranger changed by AB. Amazing life he's given us. Hope you friends are doing good out there with our buddy.

Ralph Amsden · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 5
thedadletters.com/2013/09/1…

Wrote to my kids about spreading Andrew's ashes today. Thought I might share it with you all.
Andy Kowles · · Lyons, CO · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 65

Ralph, great stuff and a cool idea for your kids and for all of us. Thanks.

Here are some shots of Andrew and Jake on Rosy Crucifixion, taken in Fall 2012.

Roxy Crux wide shot from top of Ruper/Rover pillar.

Yeah!

Close up of the man...chillin' at the P2 belay draggin' Jake up.

Vance · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 15
Kellydmama · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 0

Took Barno out for a little family bouldering down in Durango at Turtle Lake Boulders. One of the first times I've been out since I had Brek who I was pregnant with at Barno's memorial service. Thought of him a lot, super beautiful crisp day, beautiful rock, lots of happy kiddos getting out in Nature's playground. Blew some ashes in the wind and spread some on a few holds of a really fun project I didn't get, but hope to someday :) I just kept looking around and smiling, feeling lucky to be out there.

Ralph Amsden · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 5

Hello all. I can't believe it's been 9 months. I miss Andrew more and more every day.

My son was born hours after we got confirmation that Andrew was gone, and my wife, who had only met Andrew twice, was cool enough to change the kid's name to honor him. I just wanted to share a picture of the little guy. Hope everyone is living out their dreams the way he did.

Best,

Ralph

Andrew Fisher Amsden

Sirius · · Oakland, CA · Joined Nov 2003 · Points: 660

He's a beauty, Ralph. It's a good name.

The video you posted above of Andrew's interview really got to me. As someone who didn't know Andrew, it made me get up, find my loved ones, and hold 'em tight.

RIP Andrew.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Memorial
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