Super sad news - Carl Skoog dies :(

The following notice will appear in the Seattle and Eastside newspapers tomorrow. Details of Carl's memorial gathering are at the end of the notice.<br><br> <br><br>Carl Warren Skoog<br><br>Carl Skoog, 46, died October 17, 2005 in a ski mountaineering accident on Cerro Mercedario (6770 m) in the high Andes of Argentina. Carl was accompanied by his steadfast friend Rene Crawshaw of Chilliwack, B.C., who fortunately was not injured. <br><br>Born February 10, 1959, Carl grew up in Medina with four older brothers and a sister, all introduced to the outdoors by their ski jumping father, Dick Skoog and skiing mother, Ingrid Skoog. A lifetime Eastside resident (the family moved to Bellevue in 1953), Carl was an avid recreational skier and ski instructor during high school. He graduated from Bellevue High in 1977 and earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1981. After college, Carl developed products for Seattle-area outdoor equipment manufacturers such as SMC, SunDog and Outdoor Research, combining his love of the outdoors and his talent for design. <br><br>While still in college, Carl began climbing mountains with his older brothers Gordy and Lowell. He worked part-time during college summers as a mountain guide, introducing beginners to mountaineering on Mt. Baker and leading clients up peaks ranging from the Cascades to South America. Over a period of twenty-five years, Carl climbed and skied hundreds of peaks throughout North America and pioneered dozens of new climbing and ski mountaineering routes in his beloved Cascades. Carl's desire to share his mountain adventures led to a growing interest in photography. In the mid-1990s, he quit equipment design to pursue outdoor photography as a career. Carl excelled in the demanding niche of adventure photography, his photos gracing dozens of ski magazine covers, advertisements, catalogs, and feature articles. <br><br>Carl was preceded in death by his father Richard B. Skoog and is survived by his mother Ingrid W. Skoog of Bellevue; brother Lawrence Skoog of Seattle; brother R. (Randall) Philip Skoog (wife, Janice) of Washington, D.C.; sister Anita Skoog Neil (husband, Bill Neil) of Bellevue; brother Gordon Skoog of Redmond; and brother Lowell Skoog (wife, Stephanie Subak) of Seattle. Carl was a loving uncle to Courtney Skoog (Philip), Wendy Gerber, Julie Iriondo, Dana and Erik Skoog (Gordy), and Thomas Skoog (Lowell). He is also survived by his aunt, Elsie Skoog, and cousins James, Jon, and Leonard Skoog, all originally of Mercer Island. <br><br>A gathering to celebrate Carl's life is planned for Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 4:00 p.m at The Mountaineers clubhouse, 300 Third Ave. W, Seattle, WA. Friends and family are encouraged to bring photos and mementos to share about Carl's life.<br>

Dear Lowell, Gordy and the Skoog Family:<br><br> I am writing this email with a very heavy and saddened heart. To some who know my wife and I we are so lost at this tragedy. Rene is our son and Carl was a part of our family and a son to us as well. He had often been over to our place to visit or be at one of Rene's parties, or to pick Rene up to take off on an adventure. In our entrance to our home we have a picture of Rene on top of Mt. Hood holding a cup of hot chocolate taken by Carl.<br><br> We have so many photos of our son taken by a professional photographer, friend and yes even family member. As Rene and Carl were in Argentina my wife and I would always be praying for their safety realizing that what they were doing was what they both loved and knew that they were both together as best friends could be. When Rene called us at home of the tragedy our hearts were just broken. The life Carl led was a life that many people in this world will never have the chance to lead or have the courage as he did to do. <br><br> To Lowell, Gordy and the Skoog family Marilyn and I send our deepest condolences to you of your loss. We can't fathom your pain but please know that Carls life, love and passion will live with us forever. I know that Rene would give anything to have his good friend, climbing and skiing buddy back so they could test their passion for the slopes again. God grant you a peace in your hearts and may the good memories of a wonderful man always be strong in your minds. <br><br>Stu& Marilyn Lang

First of all,my deepest sympathies to Carl's family.  I never met Carl, but he obviously excelled at what we all love and will be a legend that we can all look up to.<br><br>King 5 TV has a nice video report on Carl:   www.king5.com/perl/common/video/wmPlayer..._103005carlskoog.wmv

I recorded the video and can put it on the net for download if it becomes unavailable later or if someone wants a copy.

Lowell, may I extend my sympathies to you and the rest of Carl's family, immediate and extended.<br>Kind regards,<br>Brent Hostetler

Though I did not know Carl well, I will always appreciate and remember the times in having the pleasure to ski with him. My condolences to Lowell, the rest of his family and Rene.<br><br>Donnelly

... Carl's work and spirit will live forever.

Interesting prophecy, Darryl... <br>For those of you that haven't seen it yet, a recent article of Carl's entitled "Beyond the Line of Control" just appeared in the latest issue of Backcountry Magazine. It's a very interesting story about ski touring in India occupied Kashmir.<br>