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My Friend the Mountain Man
January 9, 2009
Time on the river with Greg was what I imagine heaven will be like. Flowing in nature’s beauty as the water moved us along. No attitudes, no worries just care free conversation and pure friendship. I’ve never felt more at peace and free from the pressures of life. Greg was always quick with a joke and yet always had an insightful thought to share. His simple, yet powerful words encouraged deep thought and meaning. I never left the river or his presence that I didn’t take a carrot of wisdom that helped me organize my mind as I headed back to my life in the “real world”.
Greg gave far more that he ever took from this world. He was in the smile business. I’ve never been around anyone that could do it any better. He was the Chairman of the Board in that department. His ability to make each and every person feel special is something I will always remember and admire. I’ve said for many years that my Summer escapes to Creede is what gets me through the rest of the year in the crazy life that I have created for myself. Don’t get me wrong. I have a wonderful life. A beautiful family that inspires me everyday, a job I enjoy—there are many things that I have to be thankful for. Coming to Creede will never be the same for me. The mountains and the river will continue to hold a grip on my soul and forever cleanse my mind as I spend time here each summer.
I met Greg in 1985 and we hit it off instantly. Our friendship has grown over the years. I always looked forward to arriving at Creede each year and making that first stop at the rafting office. Watching as my family poured out of the car to go say hello to Greg. Always greeted with a big hug and that unforgettable smile. Today however, as I travel to Creede, I have a hole in my heart. My life is more enriched for having known Greg. I am honored and humbled to say he was my friend. His simple yet complicated persona has left an indelible mark on me.
There are days when I am feeling down that I will pick up his “Tracks on the River” book and read a short story. I am instantly transported back into the raft with him. The calming effect that this has on me is too hard to describe in words. When faced with the task of eulogizing my Grandmother last year, I struggled to try and capture her beautiful life and her own struggle to live as old age tightened its’ grip. I found those words in Greg’s book as he described the struggle of a giant spruce tree to hang onto the bank for many years as the river stripped its' roots away. It’s ironic that I have seen Greg face those same struggles this past year. There is peace in the words he wrote as he foretold his own fate.
The Summer of 2009 is going to be a challenge for me. The thought of rounding the turn on Highway 149 headed to Antler’s without the experience of stopping in to visit with Greg saddens me. I do however look forward to an early morning on the river in search of that trophy brown or rainbow to re-connect with him. I know I will feel his presence and that comforts me. I also know that Greg is at peace now. Somewhere there is a raft full of angels having the time of their life.
Greg, I will never forget the power of your smile and the warmth of your heart. You have touched Susan, Lauren, Brendon, Jackson and I in ways no one can imagine.
God’s speed to my friend the Mountain Man.
~ Steve Carter
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