Steve Gladbach
- mtschmalz5
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 4
Journal Entry June, 2013: I felt so honored to give Steve's eulogy (see below). Steve had a profound impact on my life and literally hundreds of others.
Mountain Hero: Steve Gladbach June 6, 1961 - June 23, 2013
A Great Mountaineer
A Greater Man
If there ever lived a Mountain Hero, Steve was it. Steve was the first person to complete the two BIG lists in Colorado mountaineering: 1) Climbing the 14ers in winter (4th person to do so) AND 2) Climbing all 637 peaks above 13,000 feet (15th person to do so). Steve climbed 2,500 peaks, repeated many of the hardest 14ers twenty times trying new routes or leading numerous climbers.
I started climbing with Steve 25 years ago when he was just 'Steve Gladbach' and not the legend he has become. Even then, I felt like a high school receiver playing catch with John Elway. His stamina and speed were ridiculous. His smile and laughter contagious. His genuine love of the mountains inspiring.
As a young climber, Steve walked circles around the rest of us. He could climb 3000 vertical feet per hour with a pack while navigating difficult terrain. He certainly was in a separate league of his own.
Many if not most great athletes have an ego a mile wide. Steve never even told people about his accomplishments. You could be on your first mountain or your 500th, Steve would treat you like YOU were part of the club. The only requirement...give it go. Try climbing that mountain.
Twenty years ago Steve was in his first climbing accident. When asked if he would ever climb again, he answered, "Climbing mountains is the only thing I know that combines the best of the physical, spiritual, and emotional world all rolled into one. Yes, I'll keep climbing."
As much as Steve loved mountains, he loved his friends and family even more. As has been mentioned in the 14ers.com thread, he helped dozens and dozens reach their goals. The 14ers thread has nearly 500 comments on it from climbers who were impacted by Steve’s life. The person that barely knew him...Steve offered to lead on challenging winter climbs. The first timers with little climbing confidence...Steve made them feel right at home. He knew that climbing was the vehicle to other success. The confidence, energy, and joy of summiting mountains boils over into our daily lives. Steve was making better people; not just successful climbers.
I will just share a couple of quotes that totally remind me of the man. The first quote is attributed to St. Francis. “Preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words.” Steve used MANY words. But when he ‘preached’ it was through action. How did he do this? He put the needs and goals of others long before his own. He knew if you made your first mountain, or a difficult peak, or completed a big goal, not only would you would be a better parent, a better sibling, a better spouse, a better professional... you would be more confident, more joyful, bottom-line, a better human being. I know personally Steve did that for me.
The second quote comes from legendary climber Alex Lowe. Alex also died much too young in the mountains. Alex said, “There are two kinds of climbers; those who climb because their heart sings when they're in the mountains, and all the rest.” Without a doubt, Steve’s heart sang in the mountains. I think it is where he found his greatest peace.
His greatest joy without a doubt was family. His daughters and loving family were a constant topic. He was proud of their accomplishments more than his own world-class abilities. Steve, thank you for making us laugh, reaching our goals, and inspiring us to lead lives that matter. I know you had hundreds of friends. Thank you for making me one of those.
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