tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post8322895499893203854..comments2010-05-20T19:34:41.324-05:00Comments on Distant Horizons: Andy is Entering Home HospiceAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01769259038578424741noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-84246104983389086882009-06-22T09:48:58.301-05:002009-06-22T09:48:58.301-05:00Our adventures up on the North shore with the wa...Our adventures up on the North shore with the water trail were excellent and the thought of you on many occasions telling the crazy ass stories of your life adventures - every time… making me laugh so hard that my belly hurt and the tears would stream down my face - this always bring a huge smile on my face. <br /> <br />Adventure on Andy!<br /><br />Peter HarkPeter Harknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-77205960799696113292009-06-22T09:04:20.675-05:002009-06-22T09:04:20.675-05:00Denise and Kaitlyn, My thoughts and love were foc...Denise and Kaitlyn, My thoughts and love were focused on you and Andy last night as I drove home along lakes Superior. The Lake was calm and strong last night, with a fog rising closer to Duluth. I often looked out to see the lake and hear it's memory of Andy, his travels & love. This morning I know our good friend and outdoor mentor has passed on. Brings tears to my eyes to say goodbye, but he is now healed and his spirit will continue to grace our lives. Love JanetAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-88837820106440170202009-06-22T08:15:16.947-05:002009-06-22T08:15:16.947-05:00You're my hero Andy. You've done so much. ...You're my hero Andy. You've done so much. Your in my prayers. You've always been such a kind and gentle soul. Truly a leader by example! I'll keep your memory with me for the rest of my life. <br /><br />I feel blessed to have known you.<br /><br />pat carrpatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-10770175957388455532009-06-22T08:15:16.122-05:002009-06-22T08:15:16.122-05:00Andy, as I was reading all these many posts of fol...Andy, as I was reading all these many posts of folks that know you and love you, and of all the beers that many of us shared together, I just recieved an email from Mot saying that you just took off. You are an amazaing man Andy, both in the way you could be the last man standing and still sipping away, or that you could endure many many miles of terrible weather and sunny days that never seemed to end. And now you move on and we have to stay behind and imagine what your trip report would be like! It's a bit hard to think that I won't be contending with you for that last man standing honor and I'll have to finish that beer with the other folks that love you here, but I can guarantee that everytime we tip one back, your name will be thought of. You are in some serious company now, boy. Keep the keg cold, and I'll keep my glass waiting. You are a great friend and an incredibly funny man, Andy; and you are already greatly missed.<br />-ZachAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-57991555880655676232009-06-21T21:06:23.116-05:002009-06-21T21:06:23.116-05:00Andy,
You have been an inspiration to all adventur...Andy,<br />You have been an inspiration to all adventurers, especially those working at Midwest Mountaineering. Thank you for the energy, the joy, the courage, and the tenacity you brought with you to work and shared with all of those around you.<br /><br />In sum, thank you for touching so many lives.<br /><br />best,<br />ryan alaniz<br />boat room employeeAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11567760537132061027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-57186023404449606502009-06-21T19:23:45.467-05:002009-06-21T19:23:45.467-05:00Andy my friend:
I remember hopping up and down te...Andy my friend:<br /><br />I remember hopping up and down telling you about the new sport of Kiteboarding, and getting an eager ear to "run it up the flagpole" at your winter expo.<br /><br />i remember convincing you we could sell $300 sleds at the same show a year later (okay we missed on that one)<br /><br />But most of all, I remember being at the same event two years ago, days after my mother died from cancer and my father was diagnosed with brain cancer.<br /><br />In those times you found it within yourself to take the time to talk to me, explain your battle, go through the various procedures you had volunteered for , and just make sure I was OK.<br /><br />You contribution to the fight against this disease has been your most courageous achievement. It will not be forgotten, and will serve to save countless lives in the future. It is a long road that you found yourself at the beginning of, but I promise you I will make sure we find the end.<br /><br />God bless you on your journey..<br /><br />Erik ThompsonErik Thompsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-30485726982321713902009-06-21T17:58:40.074-05:002009-06-21T17:58:40.074-05:00In case it does not get fixed soon, the correct ce...In case it does not get fixed soon, the correct cell phone for Denise is 612-220-8493.<br /><br />We talked with her this (Sunday) afternoon, and she says you need not call first, you can just stop by.<br /><br />Andy, old friend, your next big adventure is going to be soon, too soon. We love you, and will catch up later.Rich Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-12842457668082701162009-06-21T16:58:56.722-05:002009-06-21T16:58:56.722-05:00Andy,
For this final journey you are about to tak...Andy,<br /><br />For this final journey you are about to take, do not be afraid.<br /><br />With secure belay ropes waiting to assist you are your old climbing buddies Bob Hanson, the Johns (Nygaard and Garton) and Jeff Graves. They will keep you safe as you take the final steps into this last journey.<br /><br />Hopefully you will be there for us too, when we are ready to follow.<br /><br />Your life has been so full, have no regrets. Pass joyfully and peracefully into your final great adventure.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-51660810782132969172009-06-21T16:07:30.954-05:002009-06-21T16:07:30.954-05:00Dear Andy,
I want you to know that you are one of...Dear Andy,<br /><br />I want you to know that you are one of my personal heros. You've inspired me and will continue to to do so until our paths meet again someday. I wish you well and I will never forget you. Tommy NortonUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13319207028749776586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-30175054455554630432009-06-21T15:39:13.652-05:002009-06-21T15:39:13.652-05:00Dear Andy, What a pleasure to have gotten to kno...Dear Andy, What a pleasure to have gotten to know you through the TAPS board and the running into you at every Summer OR. I think always of your intense focus and passion for life and experience, when you get talking about your adventures. I don’t think that I have every met anyone who holds a candle to you; you are the guy who has made an art form out of living life intensely and making it rich like no one else!<br />Andy, I refer to you as the American who knows more about Canada then most Canadians. Your story telling is legendary! You have pedaled by bike through northern BC, my part of the world, en route to Alaska, more than once. You have breathed the air, hung out with the locals, and filled up your water bottle in many obscure parts of the continent moving through the world under your own power – one step, one stroke, one push on the bike pedal at a time.<br />Who know what comes next after this life in our fragile human bodies? Whatever it may be Andy, I see you squeezing the most out of the experience.<br />Andy, you have been a source of amazement and an inspiration to so many and you will truly be missed. My thoughts are with you and your family. Love from Susan at AquabaticsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-11066363103211503852009-06-21T13:50:03.033-05:002009-06-21T13:50:03.033-05:00Andy,
I hope where you are going there won't ...Andy,<br /><br />I hope where you are going there won't be mosquitos and ticks, but that there will be always fresh water, shade and shelter when you need it.<br /><br />I don't know you personally, but that's what your kharma looks like to me.<br /><br />Save journey,<br />RosieRosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14995942006640369284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-77320628299760063952009-06-21T13:31:37.952-05:002009-06-21T13:31:37.952-05:00We did a New Year's Eve winter camping on Eagl...We did a New Year's Eve winter camping on Eagle Mountain in BWCA, the highest point in MN, about 3,000 feet! Right when we were beginning the trailing clearing thing and that was one of the trails we restored. Somebody found an old logging trail and said, "Oh let's check this out. See if it's still there" kind of thing. I don't remember exactly why, but Ed, Cheryl, you and a bunch of people decided to go. <br /><br />You were regaling us with stories from your bicycle trip to Alaska on the Alcan Hwy (before it was paved). While we were waiting for midnight, you were talking about how "The New Year is sweeping toward us across the plains of Manitoba."<br /><br />We had the big down sleeping bags, the 111B, Eureka tents. We hiked in from a road somewhere with snowshoes. <br /><br />You'd bike across MN in a day, stopping only to eat every 3-4 hours. We've always been inspired by that. <br /><br />We were at a party one night in the summer in Mpls and you decided you were going to take, at midnight, and bike all the way to Thunder Bay, Ontario. And you did. It took you like a day. 300 miles. <br /><br />You're still the inspiration, just like back in those days when we were young beginning Rovers. <br /><br />You were never a mushy guy, but different times call for different things. We have tears in our eyes reading your blog. It is hard to see the keyboard. <br /><br />We will miss you here and will join you later, where you will lead us into new adventures. <br />Love, Bob and Noel JarvisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-25887716682276131572009-06-21T12:47:00.969-05:002009-06-21T12:47:00.969-05:00Andy,
Graceful warrior,
deep peace to you
as you ...Andy, <br />Graceful warrior,<br />deep peace to you<br />as you prepare yet again<br />for another grand adventure. <br />May the abundance of love that <br />pours out to you fill you warmth.<br />You are well loved and will be<br />well remembered.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-9082271310300525682009-06-21T11:36:27.657-05:002009-06-21T11:36:27.657-05:00Andy, You don't know us well but Norton (Johns...Andy, You don't know us well but Norton (Johnson) served on the Water Trail board with you for several years. Both of us (Marge and Norton) love kayaking and have been so grateful for all your efforts and work to make kayaking Lake Superior what it is today. A big THANKS!<br /><br />Matt and Laurie Kania have kept us up to speed on your journey and that's how we connected here. We now live in Tucson so miss the big lake but get to kayak when we're back in MN.<br /><br />Thanks again for all you have done and being who you are. You have touched many lives including ours and we will always be grateful. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Peace, Marge and Norton JohnsonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-1256669013782932042009-06-21T09:22:38.006-05:002009-06-21T09:22:38.006-05:00Andy, You are loved.Andy, You are loved.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-86761417750179504792009-06-21T09:00:50.660-05:002009-06-21T09:00:50.660-05:00Andy,
I'll never forget Dan and I walking int...Andy,<br /><br />I'll never forget Dan and I walking into your office in 1986 to show you our newly developed canoe gear. You where the first buyer we ever showed our stuff to and you gave us our start and i want you to know that I'm eternally thankful to you for this. You where always willing to give us words of encouragement. Sometimes these words came slightly slurred as the Summit beer had been flowing for a while. <br />In the early days when we needed one more good sale at the end of the month you would give us one. All it took was a phone call.<br /><br />Andy, you can rest assured we will be toasting you at our annual City Creek Inn party in Salt Lake which we've dedicated to another Life Well Lived "Rob Hart". Thank You for who you are and all you done for us! I will miss you greatly!<br /><br />Jeff Knight<br />Granite GearJeff Knightnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-81976441788778545652009-06-21T08:23:32.773-05:002009-06-21T08:23:32.773-05:00We love you, Andy!
So many wonderful memories. Or...We love you, Andy!<br /><br />So many wonderful memories. Organizing the annual kayak rendezvous in the Apostle Islands is our favorite. <br /><br />You have been an inspiration to us all. More than you can ever imagine.<br /><br />See you in our next life together. It will be special, we're sure.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Laurie and Matt KaniaL & M Kanianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-37918323425279646492009-06-21T08:21:54.877-05:002009-06-21T08:21:54.877-05:00Andy -
We've had some amazing adventures to...Andy - <br /><br />We've had some amazing adventures together over the past 33 years - Mt. Pacharmo in Nepal, Everest base camp, Mt. Ranier, and Mt. McKinley, among many others. When others were lagging, I remember you were strong as a horse after our climb up the west rib to the summit of Mt. McKinley! It's fitting that you're one of the first entries into Midwest Mountaineering's Outdoor Adventurer and Explorer Hall of Fame. <br /><br />Your zest for life, work, fun, family and friends is legendary. <br />You've willingly shared all your experiences with others in order to help them through their own struggles. You've not wasted a minute of the gift of your own life. Your courage, optimism, strength and tenacity during all of your adventures have been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to all of us. <br /><br />You're the embodiment of Midwest Mountaineering's motto: "Ask us. We've been there." Your stories are legend, and they'll be told and retold over many years to come. <br /><br />We're grateful for the 33 years you've devoted to Midwest Mountaineering and to the outdoor industry. Your contributions over the years are an example for us all. <br /><br />Sharon and I join with Midwest Mountaineering and your hundreds of friends in sending our love to you and to your family as you start your next adventure. <br /><br />Rod and SharonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-54585407245477174082009-06-21T08:16:43.729-05:002009-06-21T08:16:43.729-05:00Andy,
You are an inspiration, I wished I had staye...Andy,<br />You are an inspiration, I wished I had stayed in touch more. I will never forget our ice climbs and rock climbing in Taylor Falls with John Nygaard, Jeff Graves, John Garton and Coleman Miller.<br />You will be in great company.<br />Nail big walls! <br /><br />Tony NewmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-8228778634737380002009-06-21T02:00:21.483-05:002009-06-21T02:00:21.483-05:00Dear Andy,
You are one of the most impressive peop...Dear Andy,<br />You are one of the most impressive people I have ever met. Your zest for life, your courage, humor, conviction and kindness are an amazing combination.<br /><br />Thank you for all your help and guidance over the years. Your gentle and thoughtful style was a huge help to me in the early TAPS days.<br /><br />You leave a legacy of amazing memories and personal triumphs that will inspire people for years.<br /><br />Thank you for everything. <br /><br />your friend,<br />RayUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621632755582332692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-71145741564675807762009-06-21T00:15:57.351-05:002009-06-21T00:15:57.351-05:00Dear Andy - I'm thinking about your stories --...Dear Andy - I'm thinking about your stories --wish I could hear one more.Robin Stantonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-52981394753573912242009-06-21T00:02:07.754-05:002009-06-21T00:02:07.754-05:00Andy,
I will never forget all the wonderful discu...Andy,<br /><br />I will never forget all the wonderful discussions we had.... solving most of the world's problems over that wonderful cold Summit beer at the Expo gatherings..ahh if I could only remember what they were... You have had a big impact on me Andy and I count myself very lucky to have known you. My father who battled cancer said to me that he could deal with the idea of not being here because he was'nt always here and he could deal with the cancer....but it was the journey of getting from here to there that was the most difficult for him. You have always had a way of making the most difficult journeys seem easy... I wish the wind to your back on this one..My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.... Bob SassStillGroovinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12832175267608525343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-78896155252822372902009-06-20T23:27:10.619-05:002009-06-20T23:27:10.619-05:00Andy,
While we never shared an adventure together,...Andy,<br />While we never shared an adventure together, the countless stories and talks we had over the years were a constant source of inspiration to me. Winding away the hours after a busy expo, fueled by beers, your stories were one of the highlights of my time at Midwest.<br />Saying goodbye is always difficult, but I'm comforted by the fact that you have lived a full and amazing life and that you are surrounded by many people who love you deeply. Beyond your adventures and achievements, you are an incredible human being and that is the true essence of Andy Knapp.<br /><br />I feel very lucky to know you.<br /><br />Brian HallBrian Hallnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-63605691581328564682009-06-20T21:21:38.166-05:002009-06-20T21:21:38.166-05:00Andy,
I don't know if you remember me or my m...Andy, <br />I don't know if you remember me or my mom (rod's 2nd daughter and wife). We like many people have been inspired by the many things you have done in your life, and will continue to be. <br />NatalieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613594555693575845.post-89836886128425485552009-06-20T19:49:19.383-05:002009-06-20T19:49:19.383-05:00Andy,
So many times I remember driving past you o...Andy, <br />So many times I remember driving past you on riverside as I was going to work. You would be coming from a medical appt of sorts at the hospital. Each time I wanted to stop and ask if you would like a ride. But I knew better. You wanted to walk, and you could - so you did. A little later I would be working up in Thrifty and wait for you to get to the top of the stairs so I could say hello. You - always with a great big smile on your face.<br /><br />Anytime I would see you at an expo surrounded by a crowd of people, telling one of your great stories, I would grab as many new employees or temps I could find. I would tell them to go listen to you - they would never regret it. I usually followed behind. And ALWAYS...I mean ALWAYS...you had me in tears from so much laughter.<br /><br />I was thankful to have attended your going away party at the store. Again, I left in tears. Though this time it was not only out of laughter, but pure inspiration. I didnt want the tales to end.<br /><br />Thankfully they wont. They will live in each and everyone of us who are so blessed to have had you in our lives, no matter how long or short. <br /><br />If you dont mind, I would like to share a prayer of sorts. It comes from the Tibeten Book of Living and Dying. It can be transformed or modified into whatever beliefs you have....<br /><br />"Through your blessing, grace, and guidance, through the power of the light that streams from you:<br /><br />May all my negative karma, destructive emotions, obscurations, and blockages be purified and removed, <br /><br />May I know myself forgiven for all the harm I may have though and done.<br /><br />May I die a good and peaceful death.<br /><br />And through the triumph of my death, may I be able to benefit all other beings, living or dead."<br /><br />I particularly like the last part. You HAVE benefited every living person you have encountered. I have no doubt there will be plenty more laughter and inspiration to be shared in your next journey .<br /><br />Thanks for being YOU, Andy!<br /><br />May the rest of your time and transition into your new adventure be in peace.<br /><br /><br />Carolyn HansenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com