Tributes paid to mountain man John, 86
MOUNTAINEERS marked the death of fellow climber John Trow with a tot of rum and a pork pie at the top of Old John in Bradgate Park.
Mr Trow, 86, a longtime member of Hinckley Mountaineering Club died just before Christmas.
He was taken ill while making preparations for leading a post-Christmas club walk as he had done for more than 30 years.
The club has pledged to continue the walks, held annually between Christmas and new year, in his memory.
Former Navy photographer Mr Trow, who lived in Hinckley, remained an active member of the club and was presented with its highest accolade, the Don Ward Ice Axe at its most recent end-of-year awards ceremony.
Club chairman Ian Fendell described him as “a much respected and stalwart member” of the club who would be “sorely missed”.
He said: “John was prominent in attending club events and strove to get out on the hills and mountains whenever he could.
“In the last few years after he lost his wife, Margaret, John threw himself back into a mountaineering activity lifestyle.
“He purchased a small camper van and would take himself off on adven- tures around the UK, including The Scottish Highlands and then meet up with other club members for a further week’s mountaineering.
“He had been active until shortly before taking ill and had been walking in the Brecon Beacons with the club in November.
“His delight at the summit of a mountain was a tot of rum and a pork pie.”
Last year, supported by club members, Mr Trow ascended Moel Siabod, an 876 metre peak in Wales.
He also stayed in the remote Black Sail Hut in Ennerdale in the Lake District, which demanded a three mile walk, over a 1,000 ft pass, to get in and out of, and joined many mid-week meets with other senior club members, hiking around Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Warwickshire.