I was heartbroken when we learned about Bryan’s accident.  I have known him since he shared a house and adventures with Brad in Lawrence.  We stayed friends in Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver.  Bryan made us smile he was always the one who made the kids feel special.  We love him and will miss him.  [ 

We lost a good one...

It is with heavy heart and tear-filled eyes that I share the news of the passing of a our friend, amazing coach and sterling human being: Bryan Caldwell. He lived his life on his terms and has left an indelible impact upon this world that we could all better emulate.

Bryan was the head coach at our local climbing gym, The Source. Since the day our daughter, Emma, then 10 yrs old, walked into the world of indoor climbing Bryan was an influencer for good in her. He quickly recommended her for the competitive climbing team and from there she became a part of HIS team.

Bryan's climbing team is a group of kids ages 9-18. They are a rag-tag team of wonderful youth with varying personalities and abilities. All of them with a desire to succeed and improve their climbing. They came onto the team with hopes of becoming even better climbers, many with dreams of competing on regional, divisional and national stages. They brought with them skills as well as the mental and physical toughness to succeed at climbing. Little did they know the experiences and opportunities they were going to have with their head coach Bryan.

Bryan had a knack for being able to encourage you to push yourself to your limits. (With a smile) To help you feel like you could accomplish the next hardest route. When he asked what you thought you could climb today, his response back was always 2 grades harder than your answer. He was usually pretty close to getting you there that day too! "See, it's Easy!"

He was always encouraging, positive and uplifting. He sincerely loved seeing others succeed. I believe that was his secret for joy in his own life: His intrinsic ability to find happiness in the success of others.

Bryan's ability to exude kindness and love for others through climbing was his gift. A gift that he shared everywhere he went and with everyone he met. He was a prolific smiler, always ready to laugh and share an enjoyable climbing experience or a great route you should check out.

I know my life and the life of our daughter Emma has been forever changed for the better by knowing Bryan. I'm grateful for the short few years we had to get to know him and learn from him. He has left a definitive impact upon me and so many others. I am a better person because of his example.

May we keep our precious memories of Bryan alive in us by sharing with others the way he did. Always with a smile, kindness and a sincere desire for their success!

Until we meet again, my friend...

I can’t even begin to explain how upset I am. Bryan was always so bright and made the room light up when he walked in. A few years ago when I had to leave the climbing team due to scheduling conflicts,  he reassured me that I was still always part of the team and was welcome at any time. The conversations like that helped me push on and strive to be a better climber and person in general. He’s truly changed my life for the better.

Bryan,

You’ve always been someone who I look up to, someone I aspire to be like. You helped me get through countless mental barriers when climbing. I owe so much to you. Thank you Bryan for being a coach I’ll never forget. I just wish we had more time.