James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Barry grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. He attended Dartmouth
College, but never completed his degree; instead, he moved to Wyoming to
pursue his great loves of that time: skiing and mountaineering. He married
![[Barry Corbet]](https://static.lwn.net/images/ns/BarryCorbet.jpg)
Mary French, and was father to three children: Jonathan, Jennifer, and
Michael.
He was in the group which performed the first ascent of the Southwest Rib of Denali. He was a member of the 1963 American Everest expedition, where he helped place the highest camp on the West Ridge ascent and lost one of his best friends to an avalanche; he also helped to film the whole exercise. With John Evans, he made the first ascent of Mount Tyree in Antarctica. If certain accounts are to be believed, he participated in an expedition to plant surveillance hardware in the Himalayas to monitor China's nuclear missile tests.
Barry also worked as a ski instructor in Jackson Hole; the infamous ski run Corbet's Couloir was named after him. He started the Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, and a mountaineering store as well. He joined Roger Brown's Summit Films, and the two of them created a classic series of ski movies, including the seminal Ski the Outer Limits.
Much of this came to an end in 1968. While filming a ski event in Aspen, his helicopter crashed, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Many people would have responded to such an event with depression and surrender; Barry Corbet was never one of those people, however. He built a new life for himself in a new house in the Colorado mountains. He continued making films, traveled around the country, and, increasingly, began to write. He learned to kayak, to the point of being able to roll up even without the vital hip muscles normally required for that maneuver. He spent three weeks rafting down the Grand Canyon, got dumped into the Colorado River when his raft flipped in Lava Falls, and swam his way out. He went to Korea to watch his daughter compete in the Olympics.
Disability was another mountain to climb. Barry accepted that challenge without hesitation, despite his full knowledge that he would have to climb for the rest of his life and still never catch sight of the summit. He wanted to show the world how far he could get. As time went on, however, he left this phase (which he called "supercrip") behind and turned his attention to helping others cope with disability. He traveled across the U.S., talking to spinal cord injury victims and learning how they had rebuilt their lives; the result was a book called Options, a concentrated distillation of experience with spinal cord injury. The message from Options was clear: it is possible to live a good life with disability.
Other books and films followed, along with a long period as the editor of New Mobility magazine. He feared no topics; his article on life with ventilators attracted much attention, but the annual issue on sex and disability was often the most controversial. Consider this classic quote from the Associated press:
New Mobility has put up a collection of Barry's articles which is worth a read.
Barry's end came sooner than he had expected, but far later than anybody would have predicted after his injury in 1968. He ended his life as he lived it: in his own house, surrounded by family and dear friends, and on his own terms. In a letter sent to people he loved, he wrote:
Barry's accomplishments in his life are amazing. But what your editor remembers most is a loving father who insisted that his children be prepared and willing to follow their dreams, wherever they may lead them, and despite any obstacles that may appear in the way. He was an example of what life can be when it is truly lived without compromise. There is a huge empty space where Barry Corbet used to be, but the memories live on in the minds of the many people whose lives he touched.
A web site is being created at BarryCorbet.com for stories and photos.
(Log in to post comments)
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 18:39 UTC (Mon) by mattdm (subscriber, #18) [Link]
Sorry to hear the sad news. Our thoughts will be with you.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 18:39 UTC (Mon) by AdHoc (guest, #1115) [Link]
Condolences, Jon. I'm reading through some of the articles on New Mobility now and learning that you are continuing a tradition of great editorial writing.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 18:43 UTC (Mon) by havoc (guest, #2261) [Link]
Jonathan, I'm sorry for your loss. May you be greatly comforted during your time of mourning. It's great that your Dad lead a life of celebration and that your mourning can be filled with the celebration of that great life.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 19:17 UTC (Mon) by hppnq (guest, #14462) [Link]
Jonathan, my sincere condolences. This article I will remember.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 19:29 UTC (Mon) by dang (guest, #310) [Link]
My condolences. And my thanks as well for sharing your father's very rich life with us all.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 20:04 UTC (Mon) by csamuel (✭ supporter ✭, #2624) [Link]
Such a full life, lived with great "hwyl" as the Welsh say. Thank you Jon for sharing this at this time.
My thoughts are with you and family and friends.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 20:37 UTC (Mon) by ppedroni (subscriber, #6592) [Link]
I'm very sorry for your loss. I don't feel like I can say anything more...
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 21:09 UTC (Mon) by amacater (subscriber, #790) [Link]
At such a time, it amazes me that you can tell us this and carry on working.Please accept my deepest sympathies: there are few words that one can say
that will add anything. Be assured that those of us round the world who
read your daily work will remember you in our thoughts and prayers at this
time. Andy
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 11:53 UTC (Tue) by kwoot (subscriber, #134) [Link]
After reading all the posts I can only say this is the one that matches my thoughts the best. Take care John. My thoughts are with you and your family.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 10:31 UTC (Thu) by Felix.Braun (guest, #3032) [Link]
Jon, I feel deeply sorry for you. Having been spared from going through a similar experience so far, I can only imagine the grief you must be feeling. I'm amazed that you and the rest of the LWN-team produced this week's issue despite this loss. I'm also grateful that you shared his story with all of your readers. All the best from Berlin/Germany.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 21:18 UTC (Mon) by emkey (guest, #144) [Link]
Condolences. I went through losing my father several years ago and know what that feels like. From reading this article it is obvious that James Barry Corbet lived a life that was both full and admirable. If more of us aspired to his example the world would be a much better place.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 21:22 UTC (Mon) by pksings (guest, #93) [Link]
I have no idea what if any religious leanings you have so I will only leave this. Jesus said at John 5:28,29 that there will be a resurrection. He said it as a statement of fact and demonstrated that it could be true by his resurrection of a widow's son and Lazarus. I find great comfort in this promise. I hope you do too. I look forward to meeting your father, he will be a most interesting one to get to know.
PK
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 21:24 UTC (Mon) by BrucePerens (guest, #2510) [Link]
I sympathize with your loss, Jon. Much of what I am today is my father's legacy. I am sure that is the same for you.Bruce
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 12:52 UTC (Thu) by sitaram (guest, #5959) [Link]
And since this legacy gave us something like Jon, we owe your father a lot of thanks.
Thanks for your work once again, and my deepest condolences.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 21:37 UTC (Mon) by gregwilkins (guest, #515) [Link]
My condolences for your loss. Your father was a remarkable man and knowing his story explains much of your own character and sense of community that we see in LWN.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 22:32 UTC (Mon) by seyman (subscriber, #1172) [Link]
My condolences to you and yours.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 23:42 UTC (Mon) by man_ls (guest, #15091) [Link]
My most sincere condolences, Jon. Thanks for letting us know; it makes us feel not as "guests" or "subscribers", but as friends.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 20, 2004 23:54 UTC (Mon) by brianomahoney (guest, #6206) [Link]
Condolances from Switzerland
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 0:31 UTC (Tue) by josh_stern (guest, #4868) [Link]
I'm sorry for your loss Jon, but grateful for the rich family tradition of independent enterprisethat you carry on with this web publication.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 14:41 UTC (Tue) by farnz (subscriber, #17727) [Link]
I'd like to second this; I'm already impressed by the quality of LWN, but to discover that you are following on in a family tradition just increases my respect for you and your talents.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 0:40 UTC (Tue) by gte223j (guest, #6492) [Link]
My thoughts will be with you.
Brian Plummer
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 1:32 UTC (Tue) by dcreemer (guest, #5103) [Link]
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I obviously didn't know your father at all, but I'm sure he wasproud of your accomplishments, and we all profit from lessons and values you learned from him.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 2:12 UTC (Tue) by dberkholz (guest, #23346) [Link]
What amazing courage it must have taken to write this. I never could have done it.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 4:05 UTC (Tue) by heinlein (guest, #1029) [Link]
I too lost my father this year, a surprisingly hard loss to bear. My prayers are with you and your family.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 4:25 UTC (Tue) by frazier (guest, #3060) [Link]
What an interesting man.
Sorry for your loss.
Take care.
-Brock Frazier
Boise, ID USA
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 4:40 UTC (Tue) by zender (guest, #10453) [Link]
There was a short summary of his life on radio (NPR?) in Boulder tonite.I'm sure he's very proud of his family carrying on his independent ways,
living their passions, and tasting the exotic flavors found along the edges
of life.
Best wishes,
Charlie
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 6:39 UTC (Tue) by evgeny (subscriber, #774) [Link]
My most sincere condolences...
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 6:43 UTC (Tue) by wolfrider (guest, #3105) [Link]
Sincere condolences, and best wishes for you and your family.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 7:19 UTC (Tue) by davidw (guest, #947) [Link]
My most sincere condolences to you and your family.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 8:06 UTC (Tue) by anselm (subscriber, #2796) [Link]
Let me add my voice to my precursors. What a man! And what a loss!Anselm
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 8:48 UTC (Tue) by DonDiego (guest, #24141) [Link]
I'm verry sorry to hear about your loss. Your father seems to have been an extraordinary man. Please try to take comfort in the thought that he lived a happy life and died at the end of it, not before.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 8:48 UTC (Tue) by alexs (guest, #13637) [Link]
Condolescence, sent from Germany.Thanks for sharing by meance of that very special article.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 9:07 UTC (Tue) by alejluther (subscriber, #5404) [Link]
I think the best word to define your father is "passion". Don't matter what you want to do if you put passion on it.
These are sad days but you'll smile with his memories.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 9:38 UTC (Tue) by ogj (guest, #3024) [Link]
I'm tryly sorry to hear this.Please accept my condolences.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 9:44 UTC (Tue) by zipdisk (guest, #8589) [Link]
Jonathan,to lose someone close to you is very difficult, I lost my brother some
years ago. Thank you very much to share this news with all of us.
Condolences from the very edge of the world.
Chile
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 9:56 UTC (Tue) by erwbgy (subscriber, #4104) [Link]
We all go to a better place; it is only those left behind that suffer.I'm sure that your father was extremely proud of the achievements of his
children, with good reason. He is an inspiration to all of us.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 10:14 UTC (Tue) by vblum (guest, #1151) [Link]
Jonathan, I wish to add to the condolences above - sincere thanks for sharing your father's story. I wish you and your family much strength in the time to come.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 10:57 UTC (Tue) by copsewood (subscriber, #199) [Link]
Please accept my condolences. My prayers are with you at what must be a very difficult time to be mourning such a loss.
Richard Kay.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 11:27 UTC (Tue) by littlejohn (guest, #17354) [Link]
This is sad. Condolences to you and yours.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 13:22 UTC (Tue) by pointwood (guest, #2814) [Link]
My condolences to you.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 13:23 UTC (Tue) by maya (guest, #3975) [Link]
Jon, please accept my sincere condolences.maya
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 14:22 UTC (Tue) by gvy (guest, #11981) [Link]
So sorry, Jon...
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 14:25 UTC (Tue) by twiens (guest, #12274) [Link]
Jon,
Having lost my own father this past spring, and having felt similar about my father as you clearly felt about yours, I feel your loss. Your tribute to your Dad in this article was wonderfully written; I'm sure he would be proud. Please accept my condolences.
Trevor Wiens
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 14:44 UTC (Tue) by foo (guest, #1117) [Link]
Jon,
Thanks for sharing this piece. It sounds like your dad
lived an epic life.
Sean
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 15:22 UTC (Tue) by hermantoong (guest, #4853) [Link]
Jonathan,
My condolences on your loss. I see by your ability to write this piece that you have inherited his ability to handle adversity.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 15:33 UTC (Tue) by a9db0 (subscriber, #2181) [Link]
Jon-
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I know what it is like to lose a loved one, and I can truly sympathize. You will be in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season.
Dave
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 15:43 UTC (Tue) by cdmiller (guest, #2813) [Link]
My condolences. Thank you for sharing some of your fathers story with us. It is good to hear individuals can still create change for the better in this world. Stories like your fathers give hope for humanity. May our actions live up to standards set by your father and others like him.
- cameron
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 18:09 UTC (Tue) by zezaz (guest, #5465) [Link]
Sincere condolences from France, Jon, to you and your family.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 18:11 UTC (Tue) by alonzo (guest, #2770) [Link]
Jonathan --My condolences to you and your family. Your father must have been quite a man. His presence will be felt for a very long time.
-- alonzo
Mentioned on CNN (Text)
Posted Dec 21, 2004 19:27 UTC (Tue) by AnswerGuy (subscriber, #1256) [Link]
I saw mention of his passing on the text under the talking heads on CNN.
In this particular case I think that an article in Wikipedia would be
appropriate. Of course their policy eschews vanity pages. However, in
my opinion, James Barry Corbet vaults the bar. Jon, with your permission
I'd like to author such a page (with links to Everest, the Jackson Hole Culoir and other articles as appropriate, of course).
JimD
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 21:50 UTC (Tue) by sbergman27 (guest, #10767) [Link]
I've thought about what I might say in this post. And I have not come up with anything that really seems adequate. So I will trust in simplicity, and offer my heartfelt condolences.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 21, 2004 22:40 UTC (Tue) by warthawg (guest, #3055) [Link]
Jonathan,
So very sorry to hear of your loss.
Joe Barr
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 22, 2004 3:14 UTC (Wed) by butcher (guest, #856) [Link]
After reading your account of his life, I can't help but smile, not cry. What a rich journey was his. Most of us can only hope to accomplish in our lives even a tenth of your father's legacy.
I know you must miss him very much, so I offer my condolences.
Glenn Butcher
Colorado Springs
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 22, 2004 4:20 UTC (Wed) by lilo (guest, #661) [Link]
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Condolences to you and to your family.
Robert Levin
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 22, 2004 6:56 UTC (Wed) by leews (subscriber, #4690) [Link]
With deepest condolences from Singapore.
A wonderfully written tribute.
As other's have mentioned here, you have a editorial blood and a pioneering spirit.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 22, 2004 9:30 UTC (Wed) by mdekkers (guest, #85) [Link]
A great man, leaving a great legacy. My deepest, heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. The world is surely a bit more boring with his passing.
Martijn
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 22, 2004 14:49 UTC (Wed) by tres (guest, #352) [Link]
Jon,
As someone who has kayaked The Grand Canyon, including Lava Falls, and had to swim twice on my trip (in Crystal Falls and a smaller rapid named for the river mile -- I think Rapid 223) I can tell you that his rafting that canyon as a paraplegic is an amazing feat, accomplishment, and inspiration to all of us river rats in the world. In fact I'm pretty much amazed by that and his many other accomplishments! (Thanks for providing the links that you did.) I can't tell you how much it means to me to run into people like that on the river; I'm sorry that I never had the opportunity to run into your father.
I am, however, greatful that he passed on his drive to you and that you have applied it to making LWN into the great publication that it is today. I am sincerely sorry for your loss and the loss to all of the outdoor enthusiasts out there by the passing of your father: James Corbett.
Sincerely,
Tres
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 22, 2004 17:04 UTC (Wed) by mchristensen (guest, #4955) [Link]
"Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind" -- John Donne.
James Barry Corbet seems like someone I'd love to get to know, and I am sorry that I will never get that chance. We are all diminished by his passing. But it is also clear that he made a difference while he was alive, and his legacy will live on in his work, his friends, and his family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who knew James and who feel his loss most deeply.
--Mark Ramm
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 22, 2004 22:57 UTC (Wed) by emak (guest, #488) [Link]
Condolences for you and yours.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 22, 2004 23:34 UTC (Wed) by barbara (guest, #3014) [Link]
Our condolences to you and your family, Jon.When my husband and I read your obituary for your father, a memory was
triggered that we had a copy of "Everest, the West Ridge", published by
the Sierra Club in 1963 (the abridged edition) and that somone by the name
of Corbet was on that expedition. Sure enough, it was your Dad. As I
write this comment, my husband is reading the book for the third time. It
gives lots of details of the expedition including your dad's strong backup
support for getting two Americans to the summit.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 3:48 UTC (Thu) by jschrod (subscriber, #1646) [Link]
Our thoughts will be with you. What more can we say?
Joachim Schrod
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 9:51 UTC (Thu) by hummassa (guest, #307) [Link]
I join the choir to send to you my deepest sentiments, Jon.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 10:10 UTC (Thu) by jordi (guest, #14325) [Link]
Jon, my condolences.
My eyes are a bit wet now. Your father was obviously a fantastic man.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 10:22 UTC (Thu) by cass (guest, #26844) [Link]
I have missed your father since he left New Mobility. His "Bully Pulpits" were often all I read, unless there was an article by him.
I see you have his writing talent. Carry it on for all of us.
I had to laugh at the Larry Flynt comparison. I see none. Barry was, in my eyes, a much greater man.
cass
Isn't this off-topic for LWN?
Posted Dec 23, 2004 12:19 UTC (Thu) by wookey (guest, #5501) [Link]
I appear to be in something of a minority here, but I don't see what this has to do with Linux or LWN. I can see why it's of personal interest to our editor, and the article was OK as this guy seems more interesting than your average joe, but I do think the frontpage of LWN should remain essentially on-topic, and this article wasn't.
Call me a miserable curmudgeon if you like, but I thought it should be said.
Isn't this off-topic for LWN?
Posted Dec 23, 2004 15:57 UTC (Thu) by obobo (guest, #684) [Link]
One of the strengths of the LWN community (and Free software communities in general) are that they are just that, communities. Jonathan's personality and humanity shine through each issue of LWN, and are a big reason why I read it. I think that news of such an important event in Jonathan's life should certainly be on the front page.
Jonathan, let me add my condolences. Your father's story and spirit are an inspiration.
-Bill
Isn't this off-topic for LWN?
Posted Dec 24, 2004 1:16 UTC (Fri) by sbergman27 (guest, #10767) [Link]
Wookey, I truly do not understand the motivation for your post. As a long time reader of LWN, and now a long time subscriber, I value this publication, and the ability of its chief editor to choose stories which are relevant to this site, as well as to create engaging original content. This story is quite relevant to this site, and to FOSS in general. And for more reasons than one. I suspect that it is a case of "If you don't understand it, it probably can't be explained."
Peace, and long life,
Steve Bergman
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 13:07 UTC (Thu) by bbencic (guest, #9213) [Link]
My most sincere condolences to you and your family.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 14:46 UTC (Thu) by coolian (guest, #14818) [Link]
Jesus, that was poignant. Brought tears to my eyes.Merry Christmas.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 14:51 UTC (Thu) by andyo (guest, #30) [Link]
I can vouch that an fine, incisive writing style runs in the family.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 16:48 UTC (Thu) by george (guest, #1197) [Link]
Thank you, Jon, for the gift of your father's story to all of us.Your love for him shines through it; what greater memorial can
any of us have than that? Deepest sympathy for your loss.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 18:03 UTC (Thu) by tmattox (subscriber, #4169) [Link]
My condolences Jonathan, and a heartfelt wish that you and your family can over the holidaysand years to follow share your personal stories about Barry Corbet so that he may live on in your
memories.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 19:39 UTC (Thu) by malex (guest, #15692) [Link]
Jon,Please accept my condolences as well. I too lost my father this year and
feel your pain. Take care and celebrate his wonderful life.
Alex.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 19:49 UTC (Thu) by mmarkov (guest, #4978) [Link]
My sincere condolences!
--
Minko Markov, Sofia, Bulgaria
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 23, 2004 21:51 UTC (Thu) by gilb (subscriber, #11728) [Link]
My condolences, you had quite a father. I enjoyed reading about his life in your article. He certainly would be an inspiration to anyone who got to know him.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 25, 2004 4:38 UTC (Sat) by stock (guest, #5849) [Link]
Good men are hard to find. I don't know James Barry Corbet, but he seemedto boldly go where others would fail miserably. You can be proud to be
his son.
My Sincere Condolances.
Robert
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 25, 2004 12:58 UTC (Sat) by nan (guest, #710) [Link]
Jon, this is a very special time and I can only imagine what you must be going through right now. Carrying on with lwn under the circumstances just shows your strength and commitment. It would have made your father proud. My condolences to you and your family.
Jose
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 26, 2004 22:25 UTC (Sun) by dmerrill (guest, #1246) [Link]
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 26, 2004 23:50 UTC (Sun) by jcm (subscriber, #18262) [Link]
My condolences on the loss of your father and appreciation that you chose to share such a personal experience with the LWN readership.
Jon.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 30, 2004 10:21 UTC (Thu) by aaronne@thinkmagazine2.org (guest, #25769) [Link]
Sad, sad news.Condolescences and all my sympathy.
Ciao
Simone
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Dec 31, 2004 18:58 UTC (Fri) by mceesay (guest, #2806) [Link]
It seems to me that Barry lived with a passion, loved and was loved greatly, and left behind a legacy of achievement and more importantly a lasting impact for the better on those who knew him.
Jon, my condolences on your loss and my congratulations on having had such an outstanding human being for a father.
Regards,
Mamading.
James Barry Corbet 1936 - 2004
Posted Jan 6, 2005 19:31 UTC (Thu) by vinn (guest, #23971) [Link]
Jon, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
I've done my fair share of climbing and skiing, but the accomplishments of your father are amazing. The two expeditions you cited are some of the greatest in mountaineering.
A few years ago I got off the tram at Jackson and stood looking over the edge of Corbet's Couloir. Even in today's world of extreme sports, Corbet's is enough to send a shiver up anyone's spine. There's a famous saying in skiing - if you're brave enough to look over the edge, you have to ski it. It's the only time I've looked over the edge and backed away. Most of you probably haven't heard of it, but it's a classic line - one of the all time greats. The drop into the couloir (chute) is at least a 10 foot minimum with most entrances 25 - 40 feet. After you drop over the edge, there's a massive boulder that springs up in the middle of the chute just waiting to eat you alive. From there's it's a mere 4100' vertical (1250m) of skiing down some of the steepest terrain in North America to get to the bottom.