"Whether at home, in the mountains, or at sea, he sought to share adventure, joy, and optimism with those around him. His warmth, humility, and belief in the power of nature to bring people together left an enduring legacy of care for our planet and for one another."
"Long before outdoor advocacy was commonplace, Jim gave his voice - and his leadership - to protecting the places we love, reminding us that wild places endure only if we choose to care for them."
Jim Whittaker, the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, passed away at the age of 97. He was a pivotal figure in the outdoor retail industry as the first full-time employee and later president of REI. His ascent of Everest in 1963 significantly boosted interest in mountaineering in the U.S. Whittaker's leadership at REI saw membership grow substantially. He was also instrumental in advocating for the establishment of several national parks, emphasizing the importance of caring for natural spaces.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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