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karlbaba
Jul 20, 2009, 4:15 AM
Post #1 of 3
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Registered: Jul 10, 2002
Posts: 1159
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John Bachar was a great and gifted man. That is a complicated thing to be.
Your vision of what is possible is expanded by the fact that current limits of possibility are well within your reach, and you know you have more in you.
When you are great, people treat you differently. Your opinion carries extra weight. You have to find yourself while subjected to a self-reinforcing feedback loop of respect and more.
The evolution of John Bachar is not only a story of a gifted man using those gifts for greatness, but also of a great man coming down to earth to care for his community and family.
When somebody dies, it’s a natural tendency to extol the fine qualities they had and ignore the difficult ones.
When somebody great dies, we often take a step further and idolize them. Great people are still humans with a spectrum of challenges, weaknesses and unique perspectives.
John Bachar was one of the greatest climbers and he knew it. People wanted his attention and time, and he had to manage that.
He had the vision to climb outside of other’s patterns and thrive on the edge of perfection when any error could be his last.
He had the courage to defend his risks without denying them, and also to question the veracity and integrity of the government running the country, and particularly it’s monetary system. He wasn’t just a rock jock, he was a thinking man.
He wanted things to have integrity, on the stone and in the halls of power.
John had stepped out of climbing for a number of years due to some health limitations but I did a photo shoot with him for a couple days in 2006 after he was able to return to the sport. Everyone marveled at how easily it seemed to come back to him. In between photographing some classic solos, we talked about everything from climbing, to relationships, to politics.
I was struck by the deep concern and love he conveyed toward his son Tyrus. Those who imagine John disrespected Tyrus by continuing to solo would be mistaken. Everything on John’s radar considered the welfare of Tyrus: falling just wasn’t on his radar.
I was struck by the sincerity with which he spoke of relationships. A handsome, single, famous guy could enjoy a playboy lifestyle but John was interested in having a committed and enduring partner.
We spoke of his family, his father, and it was easy to see he held them in high regard.
I was impressed when John, who in his youth had a certain reputation for aloofness or arrogance toward the masses, began posting on Supertopo in a helpful and generous egalitarian style. He gave a way a lot of shoes, a lot of advice, and weighed in on many issues without blatantly pulling rank.
Some might have said that was only good for his shoe company but his views regarding Bush, 9-11, and the Monetary system were upfront and not compatible with smoozing clients and customers. He was just being himself.
Walking around JTree. He was no longer aloof. All kinds of folks greeted and approached him and he was gracious with everybody.
Mike Reardon, Anastasia, John and I were at a climb in Echo Cove (Anastasia was climbing) Some folks came around the corner and asked about “The Big Moe” an overhanging 5.11 nearby. I got to tell them that crazy John Bachar soloed that thing back in the day. They ooohed and Ahhed but never knew he was standing right there.
I think there is a rhyme and reason to everything. I don’t expect everyone to agree. But I think John must have done what he needed to do here and had other business beyond this world that we can’t begin to know about. History is full of great man who make an exit before fading away. I wish him Godspeed on the great solo we all must do alone.
For those who are left behind. I hope it helps to be reminded that grief is very close to Love. We grieve because we Love. If you focus on the Love when feeling the grief, there is a bittersweet beauty in it.
Peace
Karl Baba
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karlbaba
Jul 20, 2009, 4:18 AM
Post #2 of 3
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Registered: Jul 10, 2002
Posts: 1159
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Phil Bard and I donated proceeds from Bachar images after John's accident and we wish to help this time with the Tyrus fund for his Son. THere is a link to Phil's info at the bottom of this post.
My Gallery is here
Http://www.printroom.com/...amp;gallery_id=74899
and includes shots of John on Jerry Brown, Left Ski Track, Hobbit Roof, O'Kelly's crack, some 11a behind Hidden Valley, and some portraits
All the prints are sold at Printing and Shipping Cost. The printer makes money but no more than if you had them print your own images. I don't see a dime or even your credit information. You can order prints of any size plus swag like mugs and shirts.
Now ordinarily I ask people to donate the "profit" portion on a sliding scale but in the case of Bachar Images I ask folks to donate to the Tyrus Fund.
+===================
Details of donating
THE TYRUS BACHAR LIVING TRUST IN MEMORY OF HIS LOVING FATHER,
JOHN M. BACHAR III,
John's close freinds and family wish to insure the health,education and well being of Tyrus Bachar.
For donations of any amount, please make checks payble to:
The Tyrus Bachar Living Trust
Address:
Acopa USA/ TBLT
2328 Jeanne Drive
Las Vegas, Nv, 89108
Or
Via Pay Pal
Email: tbacharlivingtrust@gmail.com
This email is registered with Pay Pal tostart accepting donations.
++++++++++++++
Peace
Karl
Phil's thread is here
http://www.supertopo.com/...html?topic_id=905509
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bongmaster
Nov 27, 2009, 6:35 AM
Post #3 of 3
(3358 views)
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Registered: Nov 27, 2009
Posts: 11
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Good photos.... JB is the man!
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