Don Hansen, Scottish Lakes owner, dies

Tragic news from Scottish Lakes High Camp - owner Don Hansen died yesterday from a load of snow falling from a tree. Only short news blurbs available so far:
www.thenewstribune.com/2013/03/04/249890...rt-owner-buried.html

If you ever hung out with Don, you know that we've lost a vibrant, fun, energetic, avid fan of all things backcountry, and making sure folks have fun and stay safe in the wilderness. This is heart-breaking news. My thoughts are with Chris and the family.

Memorial is on Thursday in Leavenworth.

Damn... I'd only emailed with him occasionally, but it was clear he was an incredible guy. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Very sad news, we were just there last week.

Sad news,

We were late coming back to camp from a day trip one time and I will always remember his genuine concern.  A very caring guy.

I'll hold on to a little bit of him for all who are missing him now.

Don was an amazing guy -- what a loss -- still having trouble with this sinking in.

FWIW: The Washington Ski Touring Club has rented out the entire camp over a late weekend April for many years:

Here is what one of the WSTC's members wrote up about Don after working with him organzing those trips:

Don and Chris have been dear friends of the club for many years. They have been taking good care of us since Jorie was the organizer of this trip. I will never forget Don's patience and kindness when I took over as the organizer a few years ago. Since then, it has been like a family reunion each year seeing them up at High Camp.

Don's dedication to High Camp and his clients was paramount. His love of High Camp and outdoors was pure and infectious. We will dearly miss him. Don was genuine; he always made you feel welcome and happy. As tragic as this was, he went doing what he loved, in a place he loved. His spirit lives in High Camp.

According to their website, there will be a celebration of Don's life on March 7th in Leavenworth.

Please visit their website for more information: www.scottishlakes.com/

Very sad news.  Radka and I met him last Christmas and were amazed by his enthusiasm for the Czech culture.  We were looking forward to having many more conversations with him.  Our condolences go out to Chris, his family, and friends.

Chris Chapin