FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS

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RES. NO. 20 :  IN REMEMBRANCE OF JOHN DYER


BACKGROUND:
John Dyer, who died in April at the age of 97, was a great mountain man of the American West. John loved the mountains, he climbed the mountains, he worked hard to preserve the mountains, and he lived in the friendship and comradeship, which so many have found in our mountains. It seems only natural that he met his wife Polly on the way up a mountain, beginning that long and fruitful partnership which has benefited so many wild places.

John was an able and dedicated climber. When in California, John's climbing partners included many of the Sierra Club's leadership group, including Dave Brower and Dick Leonard. Notable first ascents included Shiprock and the Dyer Minaret. After moving to the Northwest, John continued as an active climber, adding snow and ice climbing to his craft.

John will also be remembered for his dedicated work with so many conservation organizations in the Pacific Northwest. He contributed greatly to the founding of the Sierra Club's Pacific Northwest Chapter in the 1950s. After that effort was well underway, it seemed like another organization was being created in the Dyer living room whenever it was needed to advance the work. The Dyers were in the forefront of almost every national park and wilderness campaign in Washington State for decades.

The Dyers were also the great hosts of the Northwest conservation community. Countless meetings, strategy sessions, and mailing parties took place in their home, and the atmosphere was always inclusive and welcoming. "Practically every leader in the region has learned lesson after lesson about how things are done while sitting at the long Dyer table, drinking Dyer coffee, and absorbing Dyer wisdom," wrote one Northwest conservationist.

We all owe so much to this wonderful man. Great job, Johnny! We shall miss you deeply.

RESOLUTION:
that the Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs remembers with deep gratitude the lifelong work of John Dyer in support of the West's wild places, and remembers well his warmth and friendship. Our deepest condolences to his wife Polly, and to his many, many friends.


Submitted by Dick Fiddler.


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