[cascadeclimber]

I had very limited first-hand experience with Fred and can't comment on his behavior toward women. What I did repeatedly hear from my climbing buddies was some variation of this: "Fred Beckey called me at (insert number from one to five) O'clock in the morning. He wanted to go climb (insert something between the Mexico border and the Arctic Circle). He was shouting and couldn't hear a thing I was saying and he wanted to leave today. I don't think he knew or cared what time it was." From my perspective he was a one-percenter in terms of his relentless pursuit of his singular (affection for women omitted) passion. The results speak for themselves and, I like to believe, a life lived largely free of the nonsense fears (primarily lacks of money, power, time, love, etc.) led to a long, fulfilling life. This is just what I like to believe, of course. He and his books inspired me unlike anyone or anything else relative to mountaineering.

[AlpineRose]

Megan, if you are Beckey's biographer, may we look forward to a biography some day?

[Freesolo]

[MtnGoat]

Good words FS

[cascadeclimber]

[Tom]

Who was down on Megan? I never personally met or had interactions with Fred. As far as womanizing, I recall hearing (10+ years ago) he would be invited to CC socials and he would ask they bring more young women for him. So yes, womanizer could be a more accurate depiction. Given the feedback that Fred could be an obsessive PITA in other regards I can imagine this could have occasionally applied to womanizing. Again, never personally met Fred or observed him interact with women. Just that I can see how he could have given a less than flattering impression in his interactions with women.

[Freesolo]

https://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/topic/101567-fred-beckey/ Tiger Members 1 1 post Posted Saturday at 06:13 PM

[RumiDude]

Geez, maybe all this hand wringing should have just been addressed on Cascade Climbers rather than resurrecting a months old thread here along with the controversy that attended it. Rumi

[Tom]

Ah, I thought you were referring to this thread. In addition to the comment quoted, Megan also said she doubted within the last twenty years Fred made a comment to a woman (that was supposedly "witnessed") that was actually misogynistic. In context, that was posted in the heat of the moment. Now that things have cooled off Megan may be approaching this with more of an open mind, but I can understand why some could be hesitant to give the benefit of the doubt given the prior heated statements. Honestly I don't know what the big deal is. Sounds like Fred lived his life unapologetically and could care less what people thought about his interactions with women I'd venture to guess he'd want his biographer to tell it like it is.

[cascadetraverser]

Megan Bond will be writings Fred`s Biography and he wanted her to do so. She deeply cared for Fred and was instrumental in his best case scenario finish to his life. I cared for Fred several times as a Physician and found her kindness and helpfulness as his dear friend a blessing for Fred. Why wouldn`t she defend Fred right after his death? I mean really? It is very hard to be completely objective so soon after a loss. To her credit, she is reaching out to find out the details of his life including his womanizing. The CascadeClimber community seems misguided in my humble opinion.

[Freesolo]

Let me assure you Sir, The Cascade Climber Community supports Megan Bond 110% and then some. The person on CC who said don't talk to Megan is a mystery person who just joined CC and this is their first post there.

[cascadetraverser]

That is good to know. Thanks

[MtnGoat]

There's nothing at all wrong with months old threads if there's more to be said.

[Ringangleclaw]

[markh752]

I'll grant that Beckey grew up in a different time. His "approach" might not be "modern". As a mid 40 year old... #metoo ... #timesup ... I don't flirt with anyone anymore. Single forever... since I can't flirt... It looks like flirting died just before Beckey did!