Gene Vallee

Gene passed away a few weeks ago. Here is his memorial board link with a nice write up by Bob Palais. Please leave any pics/memories you may have here or on the board. Cheers.

https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/qW11p1ra

I'm pretty sure that I first met Gene and his then steady climbing partner 'Base' ( Paul Boissonneault) at Joe English Hill in southern New Hampshire, in the late '70s, where they had just established probably the hardest route on the cliff at the time. From the Manchester, NH area, they were core members of what was then a very active and talented southern New Hampshire group. They had no problems transferring their skills to the bigger cliffs further north in the Granite State, where they added many routes, as well as further afield. In addition to his climbing skills Gene ( and Base) was always great to be around, sharing a great deal of positive energy, without being competitive or egocentric.

Gene subsequently moved to the Salt Lake area where he spent his career as a public school teacher. While there, he continued to climb well, and I had the pleasure of visiting and climbing in The Canyons on several occasions with him and other New England emigres--always sharing great times.

I was aware that he had been quite  ill for a number of years, and it is very sad to hear of his passing. He was a nice and very gentle man who made the world better by his presence. RIP.

I met Gene in the early 70s. We climbed, traveled to climbing areas and drink beer together. He was a great guy. I’m very sorry to see him go. 

Very cool to learn about Gene.  Epitome