John was our favorite person in the litany of characters that are Needles climbers - not so much by John’s climbing, but by his passion and kind gestures to all who wandered here.

When I requested a second rope to simu-rap off Every Which Way but Up - rather than rap off two sadly aged quarter-inch bolts - John was laughing his butt off at us and cajoling those silly Easterners (NH). He had known us for years as June regulars, warmup climbing before heading W to Wyoming’s Wind Rivers.

Just a fab gentleman, knowledgeable companion, and great individual, John Page deserves legendary status in CSP.

I only wish someone had recorded his stories of earlier days.

“Off belay, John!” Thank you.

I sure wish I knew when I visited Custer State park in 2001 That John was my 2nd cousin 2 times removed . We spent the day there in the park and the Koa campground. I saw my First mountain goat there in the park and it was a thrill It was so wild and beautiful . I started researching my Page family history this year and have learned alot about my Kansas branch kin.    John I really wish could have met and talked to you.

John, I recently found out Custer made the short list for a family trip my friend in Chicago was planning. She reached out to me for advice and I lit up with excitement trying to describe how magical Custer is for me and telling her stories of visits with John and the new connections made when he passed. Her girls are about the same age as Nikki and I were for our first trip to Custer. They will be there for a week in July and I’m so excited to hear how they respond to the magic there. They will be stopping by your “jump” for me and have already read about some of your climbing history. Thank you for sharing your home and your passion in a way that will always live on. Love, Katie

As I look back to John's passing I realize more than ever that he was a true survivalist of "life", with his multitude of passions for all things earth related. In addition I remember being so very moved by all the lives he impacted with his personality, stories of climbing and compassion for others. I remain very proud to be his brother, and know that Mom is overjoyed to have him with her.

Rest in peace my brother. Give Mom and Dad a hug for me. I am certain there are lots of creeks, rocks and hills to explore.

Thanks for the beautiful tribute to John's life. Seeing his ashes fly away from John's Jump was a moving tribute to his love of the Needles. We will always remember him sitting by the Sylvan Lake Store ready to share his Needles expertise with any visiting climber. --Sue Schroeder and Jim Syverson, Minneapolis, MN

The summer of '88 Uncle John showed his nieces Nikki and Katie his favorite places in all the world.  He met us at Wall Drug Store after we left Denver, took us, including our dog Squiggles, to the top of Harney Peak, Sylvan Lake, the Devil's Tower in Wyoming.

We went searching for agates somewhere in the Black Hills, and camped in the state park near Custer. This was some feat because this was also Sturgis week, so campsites were not that plentiful. He brought an army cot for me, so this mom wouldn't need to sleep on the ground. He had coffee ready every morning when we awoke.

He took us to his apartment and showed us how to cut agates and polish them with his equipment.

He showed us how to repel off a large boulder, and even got me to climb the Inner Course spire near Sylvan Lake. This was my first, and last, endeavor at rock climbing. My tennis shoes served me well, since John's shoes wouldn't fit me.

Great memories!

Joan Vogel

There are so many wonderful stories to tell about John, what a wonderful character. He was such a fun interesting guy. For me the Hills will never be the same without him. By John.