Jeff Lowe Honorary Resolution

HONORING AMERICAN ALPINIST JEFFERY G. LOWE FOR HIS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO OGDEN AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

WHEREAS, Jeffery G. Lowe was born in Ogden, Utah on September 13, 1950 to Ralph and Elgene Siefertson Lowe, the fourth of eight children in a very adventurous family. Jeff started skiing at age four and climbing with his father and brothers when he was six years old on the limestone and quartzite cliffs on the East Bench of Ogden. In 1957, at the age of seven, he became the youngest person to climb the Grand Teton when he ascended the Exum Ridge with his father and brother Greg; and

WHEREAS, When Jeff was 14 years old, Yvon Chouinard visited Ogden for a seminar with the Steinfells Climbing Club. Jeff was allowed to tag along with Yvon on a bouldering and unroped climbing session. This opportunity reinforced the importance of self-responsibility and was a pivotal moment in his life. Soon after, Jeff packed a small rucksack and ventured to solo climb a new route on Mount Ogden; and

WHEREAS, Jeff climbed often with his older brothers Greg and Mike Lowe and cousin George Lowe. Jeff had a promising future in ski racing, spending several years after high school ski racing for Tahoe Paradise College in California. The US Ski Team coaches were insisting Jeff cut his hair and leave his girlfriend behind on the racing circuit. Jeff walked away from his Olympic skiing dreams and chose climbing full time. He went on to make major first ascents in the greatest mountain ranges in the world and is respected as the most talented technical climber of his generation; and

WHEREAS, Jeff's passion for technical, aesthetically beautiful and interesting rock, ice and alpine climbs took him all over the world for nearly 40 years. Jeff was continually amazed by how completely his childhood backyard playground had prepared him. The 27th Street Roof above Ogden provided him with skills that later unlocked the key passage on Pakistan's Trango Tower. Frozen Malan's Waterfall prepared him for five thousand feet of near vertical ice on his first ascent of Kwangde in Nepal; and

WHEREAS, Jeff has been instrumental in connecting the climbing world with sports and outdoor enthusiasts and the general public. He is one of only two climbers ever to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, where he was featured ice climbing on the cover of the December 11, 1978 issue. In 1988, Jeff brought the first Sport Climbing Championships to America at Snowbird, Utah and CBS broadcast the event to millions. Jeff organized the first Ouray Ice Festival in 1996 and is also credited with introducing ice climbing in the Winter X Games, and bringing a High Adventure Mountain Film Festival and Climbfest to Ogden City; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Jeff returned to Ogden to be with his mother in the last years of her life. Around the same time, he started showing symptoms of a relentlessly progressive neurological deterioration. In spite of the physical challenges from his disease, Jeff has worked tirelessly on many projects that benefit Ogden and the outdoor community including documenting the history of climbing through the tens of thousands of slides in his personal collection, book projects and completion of the film “Jeff Lowe’s Metanoia;” and

WHEREAS, Countless outdoor enthusiasts around the world have looked at one of Jeff’s books or films for instruction or motivation, made use of climbing gear he designed, inspired or developed and continue this legacy through their feats; encouraged to think big, live in the moment and never forget their dreams.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ogden City Council and Mayor Michael P. Caldwell proudly recognize Jeffery G. Lowe for his contributions to our community and his place in the rich history of Ogden outdoor recreation as a pioneer in the climbing world and our most famous son. We express appreciation for his efforts to bring recognition to Ogden City for our outdoor recreation opportunities and all he has done to inspire adventure and enrich the lives of those who live here. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 26th day of March 2013.

Bart E. Blair, Council Chair
Michael P. Caldwell, Mayor