Remembering Papa Squat

imported
#1

I am so sad to hear about Papa’s death. He has been part of my AT memories since 1999. He was such a character and had one of the best hearts I have ever known. I just spent some time talking to Moma Squat this morning. He took a hard trail in life but he loved the AT and his friends. His many miles on the Appalachian Trail were some of the best in his life.

He died very suddenly at work on Monaday. He will be cremated this morning and his mom is making plans to take his remains to a few special places on the AT.
His Mom said he was so excited to be making his plans to hike the PCT next year. He was really looking forward to it.

Miss Janet

#2

Really sorry to hear this. Only met him once. Some of my friends knew him better than I, however still sucks to hear this.

Ganj

#3

Didn’t know him, what’s his story? hey G.

We’ve lost quite a few hikers lately, a friend of ours too in '02. Something that does irritate me more than a little. Maybe because we’re in more contact with fellow hikers than other people and as hikers or closer knite groups keep in contact. Our bonds tend to be stronger, as in family since we’ve all shared the pain on long hiking. I find myself telling hiker friends to really be careful when going out and not to do stupid stuff. I told Neo to wash behind her ears when she goes to Africa this month. She thinks I’m a 'whack job. I guess its nice to know we always have someone watching out for us, behind us, even if we get an “oil check” now and then with a trekking pole.
I won’t mention who but a hiker from '99 that had an accident was still remembered on the AT in '01 by strangers. We passsed the conversions on to his closest friend. She gave us a “very cool”. I think sometimes you can hear past friends voices on the wind, like my dog that died more than twenty years ago…or see thier faces in the flames of a camp fire. Okay, all misty eyed now for Windy my collie. Her last hike she pulled a fifteen before I carried her home. :cheers :frowning:

Bushwhack

#4

Seems like only yesterday that Papa Squat arrived at the Kennebec River crossing on his second AT Thru Hike. When I found out he was an ace electrician, I bribed him with so much ice cream and candy, he could hardly move. See, People on the river are happy to give, but Papa gave so much more than he received. He stayed on spreading his magic touch to everything and everyone he encountered and while not a man of many words, his good deeds are still evident here. The floodlight he installed above my store has never blinked
since day one, because a soul like James will shine on forever! Make my way a brighter day, erase the pain I feel today, but I know Papa and he would say, “happiness was only a footstep away.” Steve

ferryman

#5

I am so sorry to read about the death of Papa Squat. We had some good times at Trail Days in 2001 and 2002. When I arrived at the Doyle Hotel one of the first hiker I ran into was Papa Squat. We crossed trails a cople of times that year. I will miss not seeing him on the Trail

III Packs

#6

Cheers, Papa… Hope they have a good swimming hole wherever you are, under a warm, clear August night sky… like that one we all enjoyed in Pawling. Thanks for the connection, the conversation, and the wisdom.

ravin’

#7

Is this the Papa Squat that was on the AT in '99? My husband walked a long ways with someone by that name. We ended up flip-flopping and saw him again in New Jersey.

Cross Country

#8

Papa Squat did hike the AT in 1999. That is when I first met him here in Erwin.

Miss Janet

#9

I first met Papa at Kinkora Hostel last year, I asked him for a smoke and he gave me a pack of smokes. He was one of the most generous people I have ever met, with a huge heart. We became fast friends, hanging out off and on all the way to Katahdin. He always brought joy to any gathering of hikers, and was liked by all he met. We were planning on hiking the PCT together next year, ot won’t be the same without him. However, I know he will be with us in spirit. I will miss him terribly.
-Sasquatch

Sasquatch

#10

Papa will be surely be missed. He always put a smile on my face. Even when hiking with him through N.J. and N.Y. I always loved running into him on the trail. Thanks for the memories. I will never forget him. --Birdman

Birdman

#11

http://home.mindspring.com/~ogee/IMG_0798.htm

goldbond