Remembering an Old Friend – Lee Mercer

Since returning from Montana in July–my first visit to the Rockies in a few years–my mind has often wandered to my many wilderness exploits with good friend and mentor, Lee Mercer. Lee is no longer with us… he passed away seven years ago, on July 4, 2002 at the way-to-young age of 44. Though his passing left a hole, memories of his life–and our friendship–has more than filled the space.

I first met Lee while he was living in Baltimore. He had come to the REI store in my area to give a talk on backpacking in PA, my home state. After his presentation we talked for quite awhile about some of Lee’s favorite subjects: wilderness, politics and food. We became quick friends and stayed in contact regularly.

The first place I hiked with Lee, back in 1993, was the Gros Ventre Wilderness, WY. From the day we met, Lee had regaled me with stories of his wilderness ranger days in this incredible area, so it didn’t take much convincing when he asked me to join him. He promised that he would bring the food and do all the cooking… how could I refuse an offer like that? However, he forgot to inform me that he had begun a pure, macrobiotic diet at that time. I am SO glad that I did not leave my backpacker’s spices behind! After getting off the trail we both feasted at the nearest Mexican restaurant!

In the years before I met Lee, I had hiked in most of the national parks in the lower 48 states. However, Lee opened my eyes to true wilderness hiking, exploring places like the Gros Ventre Wilderness, the Wind River Range, the Escalante Canyons, the Gila Wilderness and so many other incredible areas. His treks were often strenuous… taking the path less traveled was how he lived his life. The tougher the trail the bigger he smiled. He purposefully avoided the popular “foot highways” as he called them, and often went off trail.

For several years I designed Lee’s “Back to the Source” company brochures, and as I had recently started my own tour business, we worked on joint marketing projects. After I started an additional retail business, I was forced to take less time off for myself, and the hiking trips with Lee waned. I am sad that we eventually lost touch after he moved a couple times and I could not keep up with his phone number changes. He didn’t have email when I knew him.

Lee Mercer, friend and mentor. Thank you for what you taught me. For giving me an even greater passion for wilderness. For showing me new places, and opening my eyes to new ways of thinking. Our time together will never be forgotten, you can never be replaced. Though your body has returned to the earth, your soul will forever fill the wild areas you called home.

NOTE: All images on Kodak Ektachrome E100S (pre-digital days).