I came home today (evening in Europe) and logged on. Found out about prolific blogger Steve Romeo and his friend Chris Onufer dying in an avalanche this past Wednesday in the Tetons. This feels unreal, like it’s not happening…
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| Our team at 2007 Powder Keg media event, we called ourselves “Media Circus.” That’s my wife Lisa on the left, then me, then Peter Kray, and the ubiquitous Rando Steve Romeo. Steve had just started blogging then, and I remember him being such a mad-dog self promoter I was feeling rather outgunned, or rather pretty much nuked by the guy. On the other hand, I remember that finally having a devoted “brother” blogger was only to the good. As who wants to work in a vacuum? With Steve in the mix, the pressure was on and I think we both did better as a result. |
The least I can do as we remember Steve and for those of you who also knew Chris: To honor them, I’ll refrain from any new blog posts till next week. That’s it. I can’t write much more now…
Steve and I have encountered each other in a variety of ways since he started blogging in the same subjects I was dabbling in. He was a bit more zany, with more extreme skiing and a refreshing irreverence for the powers-that-be that I always found cool, if not something to envy on occasion as WildSnow sometimes became a bit too much of a business… Mainly, I remember “Randomeo’s” enthusiasm for all things skiing, like he just ate it up in big giant swallows. The alpinism, the piste, blogging — even some healthy competition amongst us bloggers. It was all something to smile about and break a few laughs with a beer as we chatted at the OR show, or the times we saw each other up in Jackson.
Steve, I simply can not believe I’m writing this.
I’ll write more reflections on Steve as it becomes appropriate. For now, I know many of us are stunned and grieving. I’ll let it rest.
Comment if you like. I’m certain Steve’s loved ones and friends will be comforted by the love.
Goodby Steve,
Lou
Jackson Hole News and Guide story
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.