TRIBUTES


The beginning concept for this website was the fact that many people have gotten memorial tattoos for Josh (myself, Beth, Ben Harrington, Ian Irving - and perhaps others I'm not aware of). Initially the idea was to share those tattoos, but I realized that there are other tributes that have been made ... and so it grew.

If you have a tribute, tattoo, whatever you'd like posted, Click HERE.

Van update: Ben Harrington has Josh's van ... and found seats for it at Fugle's. Isn't that awesome?

Ed Harrington now has Josh's van; he had the bottom of it repainted and added this most amazing touch. Back when Ben & Josh were young, the three of them built a climbing wall - I'm sure with Ed doing most of the work and sharing his knowledge with the boys. The wall is still at the Harringtons' home, and that's where Ed found the hold that Josh had marked on the back with his initials. Ed took a copy and made a stencil and put Josh's initials on the van ... in Josh's own writing. I so love this ...

"In my little town here called Ausable Forks they are installing a clock tower with a small park and paver bricks. I bought a brick for Josh and had it inscribed."

- Michelle Price (Josh's sister)

Our neighbors created a heart-shaped garden in our backyard. It has a beautiful weeping cherry tree that Beth gave us and stones from various friends and family. The seat is made from a piece of a tree from Mercy that Josh had salvaged and around the base of it are some of his climbing holds. It's a peaceful spot.

Josh's Aunt Sue and Uncle Bill gave us these wind chimes for the garden ... they have the softest sound that is very calming.
The weeping cherry tree Beth gave us is perfect in the garden ... I love how it's growing and can't wait to see it in the spring.

Strong ... committed to serve others ... happy ... loved life ... quiet ... gentle ... courteous ... polite ... forgiving ... loved nature ... embodied the Mercy spirit ... wiser than his years ... a climber ... an artist ... a woodworker ... kind ... trustworthy ... a true friend.

Josh was employed as a maintenance technician at the motherhouse from 12/99 to 8/02 and 6/04 to 9/04.

Tribute in Mercy Focus newsletter
October 2004

 

 

Dylan and I came up with this ... the quote is from the liner notes of my favorite cd. i have no idea who wrote it or where it came from, but i read it and immediately though of josh. The Topo inside the falcon is of the High Peaks. "...And from sinking sands, he stepped into lights embrace" .

I miss you every day my friend.

Ian Irving
March 26, 2007

I choose this design to signify never-ending love ... the Celtic knot has no beginning and no end and I think it's beautiful and significant within the heart. Josh's good friend, Dylan Weeks, is the tattoo artist.

I knew within a week of Josh's death that I wanted a tattoo. I who never before had understood the attraction or the need for tattoos.

Is is truly amazing to have had my skin permanently marked in tribute to and honor of Josh. It gives me solace. And - wouldn't Josh just love that his Mom has a tattoo?

- Becky Price

On September 18, 2004, family and friends mourned the loss of a young climber and remarkable person, Josh Price, who died unexpectedly at the age of 23 in Rochester, New York.

Josh cultivated a passion for climbing early on, developing his technical abilities and fearlessness at the Gunks with a youthful trad lead of Doug's Rood (5.11). He moved on to harbor a love for bouldering, making frequent trips to his favorite areas, Fontainebleau and Horse Pens 40, spending two months in 2004 at Horse Pens living and climbing. Josh's proudest climbing moments include the first ascent of The Claw (V10), at New York state's Ice Pond, Josh's Highball (V6), in the Niagara Glen, making a quick ascent of Yosemite's King Cobra (V8), and one of his long time dream routes the Lost Arrow Spire (5.8 C2).

During 2003, Josh began developing a new bouldering area in Northern California, where he has been living with his girlfriend. His most recent problem at the Gunks, Bethany (V5), is named for her.

Many describe Josh as one of the most genuine people they ever met. Upon a first introduction he would clasp your hand with both of his and look straight at you with a penetrating and exuberant smile. If you were lucky enough to know him well, you were more likely to get a bear hug than a handshake. His open, curious, and compassionate nature pervaded his attraction to nature, and to the people around him. Josh approached climbing as he did life - with exhilaration and acceptance.

Josh taught those of us around him to challenge ourselves and to embrace our environment, whether climbing or otherwise, with calm. His passion for climbing and his will to swallow life whole shall always live within us as inspiration. For those of us who knew him, as both a gifted climber and an exceptional friend, Josh Price taught us that life is both beautiful and fragile.

- Chris Danielson
Published in Climbing Magazine
March 2005

email: rprice01@rochester.rr.com