wayne howell
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rich McAdams, a beloved and enduring member of the Colorado Mountain Club for 46 years. A true mountaineer, dedicated instructor, and mentor, Rich played a pivotal role in shaping the CMC community through his leadership, friendship, and unwavering support.
Rich was not just a hiker and climber—he was a builder of people and programs. As an instructor and director of many of the CMC’s educational schools, he empowered so many outdoor adventurers with the skills and confidence to explore Colorado’s great outdoors safely and responsibly. His influence extended beyond instruction; he helped make the CMC stronger and more connected through his dedication, his integrity, and his belief in the power of the mountains to transform lives.
Rich accomplished much throughout his life, but above all, he will be remembered for the relationships he fostered. He was a friend to many—always ready with a kind word, a shared memory from the trail, or a helping hand. His warmth, humor, and wisdom left a lasting imprint on all who knew him.
Though we mourn the loss of Rich deeply, his spirit lives on in every summit reached, every student taught, and every friendship formed through the CMC. He is part of the landscape now—woven into the ridgelines and trails he loved so dearly. We will all miss him, but we carry him with us, always.
Prior to his passing, Rich gave a generous endowment to the Colorado Mountain Club Foundation to support the CMC as a whole, adult-level schools, and volunteer recognition. For those wishing to make a donation in Rich’s honor, more information about the “Rich McAdams Funds” and a link to donate can be found on the Colorado Mountain Club Foundation’s website: cmcfoundation.net.
We are planning a Celebration of Life Event for Rich McAdams at the CMC. We will announce this as our plans come together.
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Log in to add comments.Rich was a true inspiration, mentor, and friend to so many. Let’s keep his memory alive when we venture out to the mountains.
An amazing person. I am so fortunate to have had him as one of my instructors in Back Country Incident Management class on June 7th! He was very knowledgeable and his impact will live on.
Wow, I had no idea. What a force of nature. He gave a lot by creating the BIM (Backcountry Incident Management) curriculum and members to carry on those courses. May he rest in peace.
Rich was the WTS Director when I first joined the CMC in 2006, and he inspired me to become a WTS instructor the following year. Rich will continue to encourage all of us as we venture into the wilderness. Rich, thank you for being the beating heart of the Colorado Mountain Club for these past 46 years!