David Xiao
1994–2020
Whether you knew him as David, Squish or Trailing Adventures, you knew he lived for adventure, and more notably, lived to share those adventures. He was a partner you could count on, and never said no to playing in the mountains – in fact, the more spontaneous or what seemed to be “far reaching,” the better. For example, spending six months on the trail completing the Sierra High Route of the Pacific Crest Trail, climbed Mount Louis in his first year of learning trad climbing, and skied Mount Joffre in a day.
David was born and raised in China. A few years after moving to Canada, he ventured to the mountains for the first time with some friends to go on what they described as a “hike.” His friends took him up Nihahi Ridge near Bragg Creek and, although he may have slightly underestimated his stamina and appetite for exposure at the time, he was hooked. David was an exceptional skier, dependable rock climber, safety-focused partner, skilled photographer, intelligent actuary, loving son, selfless friend, wise mentor, and patient teacher. He had a heart as big as his smile and welcomed new friends like he welcomed adventure. David was someone that would climb something over and over again just so he could share the adventure with a new friend.
Family, colleagues, new and old friends alike can attest to his braveness and boldness. He dreamed bigger and bigger, and continuously pushed himself. At 25, David had accomplished many life milestones, including passing all exams required to become an actuary, buying his first home in Canmore, and of course, hiking thousands of kilometres and climbing epic mountains. David was never one to give up. He would pick himself up, dust himself off, and most importantly, learn from his mistakes, a true student of life.
The week prior to his death, David climbed the Kain Route on Bugaboo Spire, one of Canada’s most iconic alpine climbs and his proudest alpine achievement. Mount Sir Donald in Rogers Pass was another iconic mountain he had his eyes on since beginning his alpine adventures, one he had hoped to accomplish for his birthday. Sir Donald is no easy feat, and although it’s not to be underestimated, David had all the tools in the toolbox to accomplish it. Mountains are so beautiful yet so unforgiving – a battle that unfortunately many alpinists and climbers are all too familiar with. It was on Sir Donald that he lost his life after falling unroped.
David chose a trail less travelled in life, but one he fully embraced and would not have had any other way. Friends and family can find solace in knowing he left the world doing what he was most passionate about. David defined adventure as “a mindset, the willingness to venture into the unknown, setting aside expectation and worries; to wander and to tread beyond the paths most travelled.” With that said, may your trails be adventurous, your journeys shared, and may you, David, never lose your contagious smile and energy that touched so many. Forever in our hearts and forever in our adventures.—taylor Adolphe