"As far as my eyes can see,
There are Shadows approaching me;
And to those I left behind, I wanted you to know ..
You've always shared my deepest thoughts,
You follow where I go ... You follow where I go.

And someday in the mist of time ..
When they asked me if I knew you,
I'd smile and say you were a friend of mine ..."

Oh no...
He wrote his piece about getting it, and I hoped so he'd pull through, win the war.
He has always been a very kind soul here on Summitpost, from the very beginning.

We say too little about what we think, in time. Not letting people know that you're thinking about them.
I hope Vernon is having it good, that they take good care of him, and that he has beloved people close to him.

Fellow SummitPosters:

Vernon is unable and will be unable to view or understand and appreciate your comments. But his friends and family DO apprciate your kind words and empathy, and I personally thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Aaron

Vernon...............man, I'm so sorry hurt to hear that you're struggling right now and I type this post with tears in my eyes. I now understand why I haven't heard back from you. It was good to battle through the cancer wars with you and I appreciate all the encouragement that you gave me. We had plans to climb together and I'm hopeful that we can still climb this year........who really knows ? As a matter of fact I'm finally well enough again and am loading the camper and am heading west this week. I should be in Montana this summer and look forward to a visit. Keep on fighting the fight........... just like you told me. Take care friend .........................

Thanks to everyone for sending so much positive energy Vernon`s way! I know for certain that he is comforted by your sentiment.
Vernon continues to cling to life, his strong and noble heart is unwilling to give up, even though he was able to tell me "I`m Ready".
Yes he seems to have moments of lucidity, [I think because his pain is manageable with smaller doses of morphine], his eyes open when his name is called, and he will squeeze your hand in recognition. His beautiful mind is trapped in a body wracked and consumed by cancer
and poisoned by opioids, but Vernon is still here, and even in his diminished capacity, that to me is better than the inevitable truth
that cancer will end his life. I pray that he not suffer, and that he is indeed "Ready".

BTW, I printed off this forum thread, and read it to Vernon and his brother this evening, it was very emotional and touching to represent all of you at Vernon`s bed side. I am Truly Honored.

My Sincerest Appreciation;
Tim

Vern has spent at least the last 5 Thanksgivings with us (minus one, when his illness first surfaced). We have shared summits, adventures, good food, beer, wine and laughs as well as your journey through this illness. This just fucking hurts. It is totally not fair!

Vern, you are in our every thought and prayer! May your climb from this world to the next be glorious!

Moni and Fred.

Well, the news from room 553 is not so good today....as his nurse said "there have been some changes" ...Vernon was unresponsive today,
his breathing has slowed, and his eyes are no longer clear. Vernon is not in any pain, he is not suffering, he is awaiting his time.
Godspeed my Friend. I shall miss you.

Lest this forum thread become too sad, I would like to let you all know that room 553 has been a very active place. Vernon`s brother David has been here for about a week, maybe a little over, and he has seen a steady flow of friends and co- workers, and ex co-workers, and climbing buddies, come in, and share stories of happenings with Vernon. The room is often filled with laughter, and the ever present Wagner Opera, playing in the background, to soothe when the room falls silent, then another story, and the chatter and laughter, and always someone is holding Vernon`s hand, saying a heartfelt goodbye, with promises of visiting again tomorrow. Vernon`s friends have not allowed our Vigil to become a wake, but rather the Celebration of a Life Well Lived.

Thanks for keeping us informed. I am grateful. Tell him his buddy in Virginia said hey. Maybe he'll hear it. He's on my mind.

Jerry L

My latest sun is sinking fast
My race is nearly run
My longest trials now are past
My triumph has begun


Oh, come, angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh, bear me away on your snow-white wings
To my immortal home

T-Sharp: Sharing some strength from Colorado with the folks in "grizz country."

I'm sorry to read this news, but happy to hear his friends and family are with him.

Yoda wrote:Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter.

I am glad he is not in pain and am praying for his family and friends.

Our Friend and Fellow SPer Vernon (Saintgrizzly)passed away this morning at 6 am. May He Rest In Peace.

Climb on, my friend. Now there's nothing to stop you. I hope to see you again.

10 years ago I watched my dad slowly die. While I was sad when he died, I was also happy he wasn't suffering anymore. Saintgrizzly will be missed, but he is no longer suffering or in pain.

R.I.P.