Chockstone Forum

      Sponsored By
      ROCK
   HARDWARE

Chockstone Photography

Australian Landscape Prints

Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

Author

RIP - John Davis

DaveN

9-Nov-2015
10:21:37 PM

I just heard the very sad news that pioneer NSW rock climber, John Davis, died in a helicopter crash. One link -

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/three-killed-in-helicopter-crash-20151109-gkuq4u.html

Dave

Macciza

9-Nov-2015
11:54:11 PM

Sad news indeed . .
Vale John Davis, may you climb on . . .

IdratherbeclimbingM9

10-Nov-2015
8:34:46 AM

Indeed sad news.

We have lost a pioneering Aussie rock climber, author and photographer who introduced many (dare I say a generation?), to not only climbing but also to other 'rucksack oriented' adventure outdoor pursuits. He did this not only through direct involvement but also his classic book Rope and Rucksack, which was the go to manual of the time, and included other notable contributing authors such as Paddy Pallin.

For those Chockstoners who have not heard of him, his climbing heyday spanned the 1960's, a period of transition from aid climbing to free climbing, and his innovative use of ball races threaded on slings as protection for cracks wider than that which would take threaded machine nuts to protect, was considered a good advancement of things at the time!

Although retired from climbing due to arthritic knuckle damage, he contributed on occasion to Chockstone with informative posts, mostly beta on Balls Pyramid, of which he was on the Feb 1965 ascent (estimated as the 8th climbing party to do so), with a return ascent trip in Jan 1969 to make a movie about it, as commissioned by the ABC. He also contributed on the practice of climbing buildings, a pursuit that is still often seen as anarchistic by some...

He was an inspiration to many (including myself), and along with the relatively recent passing of John Ewbank, his untimely death leaves us much the poorer for our present ability to celebrate our earlier climbing history.

My condolences go to his family and friends, and also to those of the others involved in that tragic accident.

Vale John Davis.

BA

10-Nov-2015
1:37:20 PM

John Davis (and Gary Steer?) also produced the first Australian magazine devoted to "rucksac sports" in the late sixties . His environmental concerns were displayed back then, helped by his great photography.

mikllaw

10-Nov-2015
1:47:40 PM

So sad, John's Rope and Rucksack was my bible and I unwittingly memorised entire sections of it.

I worked with him on a small film in Diamond Bay in the 70's, and we corresponded on his carbon website.

I met up with him at Adventure Time a few months back when he showed some great film of the Ball's Pyramid ascent and signed copies of his books for me. A good life well lived.

Jayford4321

10-Nov-2015
5:13:32 PM

>John's Rope and Rucksack was my bible

Mine 2.
Re untimely demise, can't think of a betta way than goin out in a heli crash as obviously he kept tha advencha theme goin right 2 tha end.
An good on him 4 keepin the enviro thing up 2 tha mark by keepin tha ripoff our enviro merchants honest.
Much respect John Davis. Keep the advencha happenin where eva ya R now, an thanks 4 tha inspiration 2 heaps of us.

jrc

10-Nov-2015
8:56:56 PM

A great loss. R& R and also Science as you Go - an engineer's view of nature.
But all round a very pleasant and interested person. I met John a number of times over the years, always had some helpful advice about my photos (wish i'd listened). He was one of the greats.

PGS

10-Nov-2015
9:15:04 PM

Besides his adventures and books he was also a community leader, very active in the Greens and in making available technologically savvy information on carbon-free options for the energy needs of society. If you went to school in Australia is is extremely likely that you encountered his work in your science classes.
He was involved in the first and second ascents of Balls pyramid, summiting in 1965 and 1969.

A big influence on so many people

Vale John

PGS

11-Nov-2015
7:04:07 PM

This article by David Tiley over at Screen.Arts hub gives an idea of Davis's community inputs and energies, particularly in education.

If you can make it to Adventure Time in Sydney tomorrow night there will be the opportunity to add your name to a collective card of condolence to be sent to his wife and family.

kuu

13-Nov-2015
3:09:43 PM

The following notice appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald, 13th November 2015:

DAVIS
John Charles

Tragically killed on 7th November, 2015. Loved and admired by his family, friends and those who knew him.

Aged 72 years

A brilliant science educator & film maker, tireless campaigner for renewable energy, wilderness adventurer and loving family man.

Private cremation

John's amazing life will be celebrated at Bayview Golf Club, 1825 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale on Tuesday, 17th November, 2015 from 3.30pm.

No flowers please. If you wish to give something, you could donate your time or money to the climate action campaigns.

Note: A fund is being established to complete the film John was making at the time of his death. The film explores the dreadful cost of coal and fossil fuel mining and use.

Ann Wilson Funerals
An Australian Company
9971 4224

kuu

15-Nov-2015
4:35:35 PM

Link to a tribute site set-up for people's memories of John:

http://tinyurl.com/nfk6bzs

There are 11 messages in this topic.