My friend George Basch was an extraordinary man. I admired him deeply. Sadly, he passed away this year (aged 86), and I know the world will continue to miss his big heart and immense impact, especially as the founder of The Himalayan Stove Project, where I was fortunate to serve on his advisory board for years.
Back in the 90’s, as a middle school teacher in Phoenix, I got to teach George’s step son Chris in fifth grade. He was such a sweet, smart, and good-natured boy, and over that time, I got to know George and his family.
George, like he did with so many, took an interest in my goals and aspirations. As we got to know each other, I told him that I had a crazy idea to make a life as a blind adventurer and climber, and George didn’t think it was crazy at all. Instead, he took me to lunch and over to his office for several meetings where he asked me tons of difficult questions, pushed me to think big, and advised me to create a business plan around my dreams. I had no business background, so the meetings were incredibly helpful. George became a loving and nurturing mentor, like a father.
We became such good friends that George came along on one of my early expeditions to Aconcagua in South America, and even arranged a documentary on the climb. When I started plans to climb Everest, George, like always, was there to help me to organize, fundraise, plan logistics, and provide basecamp support – and this is where he saw the dismal conditions caused by traditional cookstoves used in homes burning yak dung over an open flame with no ventilation.
Years later, I was incredibly proud of George when he began The Himalayan Stove Project, distributing thousands of environmentally sustainable stoves throughout Nepal, and I was honored to be asked to serve on his advisory committee. I’m so sad that George is gone, but I know his life was fuller than most, and he lived every day with adventure, purpose, and service. He’ll always be a hero to me and the model of a man who never stopped “climbing.”
Rest in Peace, George.
– Erik
Photo of George taken in Nepal at 20,000’ by Jonathan Chester in May 2001 when George was part of my expedition. Everest is in the background.
