From Leslie McCormick Tate

I first met Ricardo after graduating from Middlebury in 1985 and coming to work at the Alta Lodge. I didn’t know him at college, but he was a huge part of the Middlebury family that welcomed me to the Wasatch and helped me decide to make Salt Lake my home. Several years later, my brother Bob received the same welcome, and soon became part of the Boy’s Club. I remember vividly how Ricardo was always the life of the party. For someone who tends to be shy, I was in awe of Ricardo’s exuberance. But like Ricardo, I cherish connections to people first and foremost. He is The Connector! Sadly, I realize that I saw a lot more of Ricardo BC, before children. In fact, the last time I saw Caroline, my 11 year old, was in a stroller! Without making a conscious decision, I’ve definitely been in the “family zone.” Since having kids, I’ve toured the backcountry very little. One of the last times I saw Ricardo was skiing at Alta. I called to him as he loaded the chair. The wind was absolutely nuking, and I was astonished that I got to the top he and Tom Gavigan were waiting for me. “Eagles Nest,” they called to me from the abyss, and then they were flying over the high traverse. It was a great run, but I can’t honestly say that we skied it together. It sure touched me that they waited, though. The big life lesson I’ve learned from Ricardo is that it’s way more fun to be a participator than an observer, and every time I’ve forced myself to leap into a situation, I’ve been glad that I did. Ricardo never even had to think about it. He was The Initiator! I will hold dear these lessons learned from The Man, and try to live them as he would. And do the best I can to stay connected to all of you.

Carpe Diem!

Love, Leslie