Godspeed Jiri

[CascadeClimber]

Hearing today that my partner Jiri Richter has died on Rainier. We didn't find many summits together, but it wasn't for lack of trying. He was the sort of strong, solid, quietly competent partner I sought and most enjoyed. Aside from mountaineering, Jiri was an accomplished paraglider, who had an affinity for launching from difficult spots, and once took off from Poo Poo Point in Issaquah and landed in Yakima.

Thank you for the fun and laughs, Jiri.

[CascadeClimber]

A few more photos from a single-push on the Emmons I forgot about.

[olyclimber]

https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/search-continues-missing-hikers-mount-rainiers-family-community-await-word/281-bb733be2-70f5-4391-b7ad-ef10defc8f52

[John Lambert]

I worked with Jiri at Microsoft. I was his last manager before he left. In the spirit of some live to work and others work to live, Jiri tilted the balance of his life towards adventure. This is the cake we made for him at his send off in 2011. 

To quote Mary Oliver:

"What is it you will do with your one wild and precious life?"

Rest in peace Jiri Richter and thank you for inspiring us with your one wild and precious life.

John Lambert

Corporate Vice President

Microsoft Corporation

[olytestaccount]

I was just reading something about all the climbers at Microsoft back in the day...can't remember where.  Maybe it was here?     RIP Jiri...and yes, we got one rip on this wild and precious thing.  Get after it.

[adriansea]

Jiri and I were roommates in 2013-14. He was one of the first people I met outside of work, and he helped make me feel welcomed in Seattle. His athleticism was inspirational and I admired his love for travel. He took me on a memorable tandem paragliding ride from Poo Poo Point in Issaquah. I'll remember you, Jiri, for reminding me to keep doing the things that give you joy. RIP.

Edited Saturday at 06:08 AM by adriansea

[olyclimber]

I hate that he had to leave us but I’m glad to hear from everyone he touched. Thank you for sharing. I did not know him but instantly wish I had.

[JasonG]

On 1/22/2026 at 7:34 PM, olytestaccount said:

can't remember where.  Maybe it was here?

I bumped that memorial thread about John Stoddard and there was MSFT talk on that one?

[olyclimber]

4 hours ago, JasonG said:

I bumped that memorial thread about John Stoddard and there was MSFT talk on that one?

That indeed was it, though I had read one before that too.

[AfterPeaks]

On Saturday, Jiri and Ben parked their car near to ours at the Paradise parking lot in Mount Rainier National Park. I spoke with Jiri twice—once in the overnight parking area and again at the Skyline trailhead. I was impressed by Jiri's patience and smile. When they set off for their summit hike, I wished them a safe and successful climb. Later, when I learned that the two hikers who had tragically died were the same people I had spoken with, I felt deeply shocked and saddened, and those brief, ordinary moments stayed with me for a long time.

I wrote more about our conversation in my blog post (https://afterpeaks.wordpress.com/2026/01/23/i-met-jiri-ben-at-mount-rainier/). You can read the English version with Google Translate.

[MtMike]

I only knew Ben through work, and I hadn't climbed or skied with him. I could tell right away from his Zoom backgrounds that he was a climber and skier, so we struck up that conversation. He was instantly likeable: smart, strong and good looking - He was a pleasure to work with. I was looking forward to downloading some Olympics beta to him some time. I am so sorry for his family! He will be missed!

[andy47]

Oh man, thank you for postín these pics of Jiri. It's been a long time since we climbed together. I'll always remember him as a beast (in the best way)... charging through feet of snow seeking whichever goal we were after that day. We tried to ski a couloir in the tatoosh and it was snowplow the whole way. Jiri Led it all.

To Jiri's family... sorrow and many hugs. We are grateful for our time with him.

I didn't know Ben, but blessings to his family.

Edited 1 hour ago by andy47
Adding info