The Alaska Outdoors  www.alaska-outdoors.org

Burl Oliver Remembered

I have met so many of you through this group, I admit that I don't remember all of you, but remember  Burl Oliver very well.  Susan and Burl joined the group for the first time on November 19, 2007 after they moved up from Oregon.  

My first impression of him  was his height.  He was tall, athletic, and fit.  Athletic and fit to play a basketball or football, but not nearly fit to do my kind of hiking, going through narrow uneven trails where he had to make half steps, though woods where he had to crawl, walking on the surface of crusty snow where he was postholing every step.  

He also became the first hiking accident victim on Feburuary 28, 2008 at Bicentennial Park.  During the hike, he slipped on the ice twice and lost consciousness in the middle of the Bicentennial park.  We were very lucky that he was with Susan and Ryan, and July Coghill who made all right decisions to get him out of the park and to the hospital.  Burl and Susan also rode a snowmachine for the first time on that day, too, though he does not remember.  Despite those misgivings, he enjoyed participating in our hikes.  Through hiking, Burl and Susan made many friends, which made Alaska their home.  He enjoyed hiking and outdoors in all seasons of the year.  He passed away unexpectedly while enjoying the outdoors in Girdwood (natural causes).

It is difficult to lose a wonderful friend.  He touched many people's lives in various ways, and each of us honor his life in his/her own way.   The Alaska Outdoors honors his life by spreading his enjoyment of outdoors and hiking to the Anchorage community.       

Please also chekc Burl Oliver Obituary

University Lake: November 19 2007:

rospect Heights: January 18 2008

Hilltop Ski Area February 28 2008

Coastal Trail March 17 2008

University Lake March 24 2008

Bicentennial Park North Bivoouac November 18 2010

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