SierraScape April - May 2003
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August 1952 - February 2003

Jim Schmatt, long time member of the Sierra Club passed away February 3, 2003. He was an avid hiker, backpacker and canoeist. Jim and his wife Irene traveled throughout the west, hiking and backpacking in many wilderness areas.

Jim and Irene never missed the Annual Winter Backpack Trip in January. At the first winter trip, on the Berryman Trail with six inches of snow, 12 degree temperature and with ice on his beard, Jim exclaimed, "It doesn't get any better than this!" With these words, Jim will be remembered. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to both individuals and the group. Jim will be sorely missed at our outings.

Says Irene: "Wherever he is now, I hope he smells the pines, always catches his limit, gets a trophy, goes to the Galapagos Islands, harbors in Alaska, creates forms in the Northern Lights and always feels the love of his friends."