Editor,
In my years of climbing on the Chief, I have watched many climbers being rescued. Never did I think did one day that might be me. On June 8, I fell while rock-climbing on the Chief. The compassionate and expert care I received was incredible!
I extend huge thank-yous and immense gratitude to Dr. Gerhardus Malherbe for his insightful eye and thoughtful attention; the Head Nurse Heather and her team of outstanding nurses - wonderful, wonderful people; John Howe and his Search-and-Rescue team Penny, Craig and John; the Garibaldi Helicopter crew; and to my brother Alan O'Rourke, my climbing partner, who did everything right, as he both tried to make me as comfortable as he could in my pain and employed every means to keep me warm.
I have had a long time relationship with both the town of Squamish and the Chief. My love for the place and the people, has seen me coming back often and frequently over the past 15 years. I gave my daughter the middle name of Shannon, named after the exquisite and mighty Shannon Falls.
I revere the Chief and the people of Squamish with even deeper love and respect than ever beforesomething I never thought possible!
Paddy O'Rourke
Victoria
