Climb ZA

I've only met Dave once, about ten years ago. I was climbing at Boven with my brother and Dave wandered by. He didn't have a belayer that day and asked for a belay on Lil Arete Number, I think it was. I'd bought the shoes I was wearing that day from him and have bought bits and pieces over the years, including most of the gear I'm using today. Always so willing to help and even throw in a freebie sometimes just for sommer!

Strongs to Dave and the family.

One of our greatest friends, Butch de Bruin (De Bruin Damage - Lion's Head, the two big routes on Hutchinsons Buttress above Boschendal, Franschoek etc etc) who now lives in New Zealand asked me to put this up:
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My Dear David

About 30-35 years ago your mom phoned me to say that she was worried about that reckless young son of hers, and what should she do, and please would I give you some guidance.. Perhaps since that day, my life has somehow been linked with the Davies family. The guidance bit changed roles and you became the leader and were guiding people in their own life even though you most probably didn’t know this.

It was you the original cheeky boy who first freed the aid Apollo pitch, when no one else even thought of trying to do it. I can still hear your triumphant squeaky voice saying “I did it”. At that time you pushed the boundaries in SA climbing, where no one had gone before. You started a climbing shop in the back sticks of Hout Bay, when wise businessmen thought that you were foolish and could not succeed. They did not know that people, would come from near and far to buy from you , not because you had the best stock, or the best price, but because they wanted to buy from someone they liked and admired and trusted.

I think often of the good times we had , especially when you made two old fart’s run up and down the sand dunes, till there legs were so stiff and bodies so sore we could not move. You again were such a good leader and guide, we would have followed you into the blue sky, with you standing in the middle of your down tubes, with no harness on.

David you have filled your life with more adventure and friends, than most people in this world can only dream about, like a Lotto win. You won Lotto long time ago, that is the Lotto of life that so many of us are still trying to achieve. Go well my friend. Looking forward to chatting, will give you a ring.

Butch

Wow we've got good people 'round.

Awesome lifelong friend Johnathan Gordon coming roaring out from Yemen to see Dave. Must've been those 40 days on the south face of the South Tower of Paine together! Not to mention all the hooliganism over 30 years...

Touching kindness by Snort and Robert Breyer giving Dave and family honorary membership of their excellent gym CityRock. (Snorty's a real diamond-in-the-rough though he would never admit it!)

Love you three guys....

This past weekend Bruce Daniel and I did David's (and Jeremy Samson's) route Backcountry Utopia at Rocklands. What a sport route! Although only 23 it offers great old fashioned runouts on gnarly climbing! I guess Dave put up about a dozen excellent lines at Rocklands - some of the best sport routes in the Cape.

We had a lekker four days at Rocklands with Bruce Daniel, John Moss, Tony Dick, Ed February, Karl Hayden, Andy Wood, Adam Roff, Franci Buurman and their families. Missed Dave who wasn't up to the travelling.

I've been asked about the Eiger. David and John failed twice on the Eiger North Face. Once at the Swallow's Nest and the other time a little higher. Both desperate retreats in snow and rain storms.

Dear Dave,

I bought my first pair of rock shoes from your shop in Chestnut Drive (I think it was) in Hout Bay. I remember that they were the cheapest shoes in Cape Town! My love for climbing grew and I returned many times for more great deals (and sometimes just to hang out in your cool new shop - the red shed - checking out obscure climbing gadgets). I didn’t know you well, but your warmth and genuine friendliness struck me back then, and that impression has stayed with me to this day.

I read your list of mountaineering achievements with awe! You are a living legend and an inspirational human being.

I wish you strength and courage.

sam

Like most of you I met Dave at the shop when it was still at Chestnut drive. Dave is just one of those genuinely warm and friendly okes. He is a mine of advice and beta and I relish going to perv at the climbing porn that adorns the walls of the shop (both photographic climbing pics and all the awesome gear )

But thankfully, whilst an unbelievable climber and genuinely good guy, he is also human! After buying some stuff at red shed one day, Dave was taking the next day off and we agreed to climb at the ledge. We climbed farewell to arms (I think) and I confess that I was smugly satisfied when Dave mis-clipped the nut 'biner and shed half the nuts on the ground on the first pitch. Thankfully Tony Dick was joining us and picked up the missing kit! It was a memorable day on the ledge climbing with two of the greats of South African climbing.

So Dave and Patricia, my prayers are with you as they have been since I first heard about your condition some years back.

Grace and Peace to you and your loved ones
Brent

When I was about 15, Dave persuaded me that I should NOT buy a 20m piece of static rope from him in order to go bridge-swinging. His argument was that he'd done many such things when he was young, and that when he thought about it, it was surprising that he was still alive.
My mum returned and bought me a helmet for Christmas.

Thinking of Dave, Patricia et al...

Nic''Moose'' Good and Charlie Standing took me up Africa Crag in 1983. That was followed by a few other routes and eventually the time came for me to buy some climbing shoes.

Moose sent me down to Varsity Sports(i think it was) opposite the fountain to buy some ''EB super Grattons'' ankle high boots & a chalk bag from this world class climbing legend living right here in Cape Town.
Wolfgang Gullich was my idol at the time and i spent many hours in the gym trying to look like him and hopefully be as strong as him.... so i was amazed to see how slight and ''normal'' this Dave guy was when i walked into that shop.

At the end of that year in 1984, Moose, Charlie and myself went to Wolfberg for a weekends climbing which included doing ''Satisfaction Gauranteed''. On the walk in, i remember Moose and Charlie stopping me on the path and pointing out the lines of both Celestial Journey & Alone in Space.
After looking at the lines for about 10 seconds, i was overcome by fear,then the sudden urge to rush off into the bushes ''to make myself lighter''. I could never understand how this guy could have climbed that stuff. This Dave guy scared me.

Climbing took a complete back seat for me for about 20 years until about 4 years when i needed to buy new shoes and a chalkbag. Funnily enough the same guy who sold them to me was again Dave Davies, but now out of his Hout Bay shop. That was the 1st of many visits to his store.

I always loved the fact that after i left his store Dave had the gift of making me feel like a proper climbing ''athlete'' no matter how completely insignificant the stuff i was climbing.

After reading over Dave's climbing CV posted by Hilton i have the same sudden urge to rush off into the bushes again like i had 25 years ago.
What a superb human being you are Dave !
Take care
Paul Goddard

Hi All,

Very sad news, I just received a phone call from Dave's brother Hilton.
Dave passed away at 10:30 this morning.

We'll keep you posted regarding the funeral arrangements.
Justin

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Climb ZA - Administrator
justin@climbing.co.za

Horrible news. Very sad to hear. Somehow we thought he would soldier through.

My deepest condolences to Trish and Davids family. I dont even know what to say. Thank you david for introducing me to the Western Cape mountains, for the routes we did together, for the laughs, for the kindness and the inspiration. I feel guttered.

Rest in peace hero!

Goodbye Dave, you're off belay and free to go where ever you soul desires now. You will be sorely missed by all whose lives you touched!

Thank you for all that you were, and all that you will continue to be in our hearts and memories.

Much love to Trish, Luke, Nic, Jess, Hilton, John and the entire Davies family.

Jono

Sad News indeed . . . and the passing of a Legend and a great loss to our climbing community ! Sincerest condolences to Trish and Dave's family. Dave inspired me for so many years and just hanging out for a great chat and laugh was the best excuse not to go to work !

I'll miss you Dude !

Hads

I spoke to David Davies a couple of times when buying gear from him. He was a very friendly, nice man!!!

Condolences to his family!!

So so so sad. My deepest condolences to Trish and the whole Davies family.

Taken too soon.
C

Very, very sad to see you go Dave. What a great man, you will be missed.
my best to Trish and the family

Goodbye David...

Deepest condolences to the Davies family.

Dave was a true role model of a human being who lived more life than most people ever will.

I'm honoured to have met him and hope one day to be strong enough to tackle some of the impressive routes he left behind!

s

The passing of a legend. Dave you'll be sorely missed

Cheers my friend. Will miss you

Terrible, sad news.

Dave will be sorely missed.

My sincerest condolences to Trish and the Davies family.

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the fresh prince of darkness

Words fail me. The world is a much poorer place without you.

My heartfelt condolences to the family.

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Happy climbing
Nic

David - you will be missed. the world has lost a great man. You were a gentleman and a good friend. Thanks for all the advice over the years. Sincere condolences to Trish, Luke and the family.

Charles Howell

Sad, sad news. Although expected it is still devastating news. Our sincere condolelences to Trish, Luke, Hilton, John, and the rest of the family. They have lost a partner, father, brother, and we have lost a icon and guru. Dave leaves a huge void in all our lives but at least the suffering is over. Dave will long be remembered around campfires, while climbing his landmark routes, and even when purchasing gear. Go well David, it was an honour to know you.

A very sad day indeed! David you will be missed!

Condolences to Trish, Luke and the Davies family - you are in our hearts and prayers!

Mario Maulicino

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Super Mario

Sincere condolences to Trish, Hilton, John, Luke and all the Davies family

A final ascent of Celestial Journey, Dave..............
Wish you were still here to explain to me the beta for those crux peapod moves you always found so straight forward. Also just to let you know -the Dream is still one of my favourite TM routes.

Every time we look at our harnesses, chalk bags, walking shoes , sleeping bags, trad rack (entire) etc etc we will be reminded of a great guy who, legend had it, started 'Mountaih Mail Order' on the back of a match box.

off belay Dave

love
Adele, Paddy and Josie

Rest in peace Dave

You inspired us all by your stories and triumph's a true legend! My condolences to the Davies family.
For those of us who bought gear from you Dave or just dropped by the shop for a chat you will be with us on every climb!

It was a privilege to know you, David. Forever you will be greatly missed.

i was always impressed with david's kindness, humility and obvious love for people. he was a great climber and a greater person. thank you dave for the legacy and many awesome routes you left behind for us. rest in peace.

my condolences to trish & family.

There is a Wake for David at the Silver Tree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch
Date & Time: The 14th of September at 6pm

Everyone welcome
Please Note: Entrance to the gardens is free from 6pm

_________________
Climb ZA - Administrator
justin@climbing.co.za