Tributes to Mark Auricht

20 years ago on May 24th, 2001, Mark Auricht came to rest on Mt Everest at 7900m after 30+ hours of climbing and descending above 8000m in his pursuit of a dream to reach the summit and what transpired as a relentless struggle back, reaching for the life and loved ones he so cherished many thousands of metres below.  An account of this story is shared with this blog below but as I reflect on his life and passing I want to let go of the grief and celebrate his life. 

Show everyone my heart
The light you encountered on the street
You, my moon, are here with me
Time to say goodbye
Andrea Bocelli

This post is an excerpt from the book: The Spirit of Adventure Calls: A Compass for Life, Learning & Leadership, which I wrote as a tribute to Mark and as a way of sharing his treasure.

Chapter 5   Tributes to a Magnificent Human Being
 
I remember Mark’s memorial service as if it were yesterday...
 
As I sat in the Chapel of St Peter’s College, with hundreds of others who came to pay their respects and celebrate Mark’s extraordinary life, I saw an assortment of adventure gear and other symbols on the stage together with photographs of Mark that represented his essence. I sat in silence and looked at the ‘Order of Service’ booklet that I held in my hands. As I looked at his smiling face and read the words beneath it, my heart overflowed with gratitude for having known him and with grief for having lost this most precious friend. 
 
The words beneath his photograph said it all.
Courageous                          Compassionate
Inspiring                               Loving
Strong                                    Honest
Caring                                   Understanding
Open Hearted                     Unassuming

A number of people spoke at Mark’s memorial service, including friends, family, clients and expedition members.
 
Mark’s brother Geoff spoke of Mark’s strength and fearless spirit
Mark was capable, skilled, and strong in body and mind. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and many who didn’t. Mark would be humbled at the 100s of tributes which have poured in over the last few weeks and for the number and diversity of people who were here to honour and remember him today. We feel that Mark would not want us to mourn his death for too long but would wish us to celebrate his life and to remember the values he stood for.  If he thought that in some way he had changed our lives for the better and inspired us to extend ourselves, rise to a challenge, or realise a dream, he would be delighted.
                  
David Tingay, the expedition doctor, represented the SA Everest Team 
In a lot of ways, I resent that mountain but I understand what it meant to Mark. He said that during the expedition Mark displayed a quiet confidence and a settling manner. These were exciting days for us. The freedom and sense of purpose was very apparent but there was always that sense of apprehension, and yet Mark would always come in smiling when he returned to Base Camp. He was never tired. Somehow he managed to show us the qualities we thought we didn’t have.  He showed us the way things should be.
 
Allan Keogh, represented corporate clients and colleagues
Mark profoundly affected all those who came into contact with him. His lessons were simple, subtle and profound. Mark’s philosophy included ‘honouring the ordinary because that will encourage the extra-ordinary’ and ‘acting out of choice, rather than need or ego’, said Allan.
 
During the week after Mark’s death numerous tributes were also reported in the local media. The tributes that follow are a few of many that emphasised Mark’s qualities of character over his achievements.
 
Comments from Mark’s Family
Mark rests in peace, embraced by the mountains that fascinated and challenged him... Mark was always true to, and cared for, his mates in life, and we all admired him for this... We congratulate Duncan and his Sherpas, who achieved their joint goal for which Mark had worked so hard.
The Advertiser―May 26, 2001
 
 
Appreciation from a client group―A Tribute from ATSIC18
Mark, you encouraged us to look at our own fears and to face each challenge with courage and belief. You inspired so many people with your own courage, belief and vision so that we could succeed as individuals if we were prepared to believe in ourselves and have the determination to succeed. Courage is a special kind of knowledge. From this knowledge comes an inner strength that inspires us to do what seems impossible. Your courage and achievements are testimony to a man in pursuit of an inner vision with spiritual awareness. Your passion for life and the land, and your empathy with indigenous Australians made your work with us all the more meaningful. As a caring, understanding, passionate and sensitive man, you inspired us to stretch ourselves that little bit further. We cherish the moments we shared together. You shall remain an inspiration to us all.
The Advertiser―June 1, 2001
 
Words from the Outdoor Education Association SA
Following, are some of the words read out by Scott Polley at the OEASA Presentation Dinner on June 1, 2001 before presenting the inaugural Mark Auricht Award for Outstanding Achievement in Year 12 Outdoor Education.
Mark’s contributions to the South Australian Outdoor Education and Recreation community were significant... but Mark was remarkable not only for his deeds but for the person that he was. He was an extraordinary person and yet an ordinary person also. He was a person of principle who listed among his associates those with little and those with substantial means. He always had time for you even when he didn’t have time for you. He was strong and yet vulnerable. Courageous and yet scared, pragmatic but deeply caring. He was passionate about fostering the development of others and has been a mentor to many outdoor education leaders in South Australia.
Journal of the Outdoor Educators Association SA―August 2001

 
Alive Among the Mountains
I once asked Mark what made him want to go back to the mountains of the Himalaya after the tragedy he experienced on Makalu. He had this to say:-
 
It’s difficult to answer that question with much of a rational explanation, given the risks that are involved in climbing Everest. I love the mountains and the physical challenge involved in exploring my personal potential. I’ve always had a fascination with standing on top of the highest point on the globe. Perhaps because it represents the ultimate in what’s possible? Makalu gave me a heightened appreciation of life and a gratitude for being alive. I remember abseiling down from Camp 3 to Camp 2 after surviving the ordeal on Makalu and literally feeling the oxygen coming back into my body. I guess it makes no sense to those who would ask why I would risk my life again.
 
As I stood on the ledge on my way back to safety on Makalu, I remember how beautiful the day was. I could see white puffy clouds below me; they looked so close that I could reach out and touch them.
 
All I can say is I just love the mountains.
They are one of the most beautiful places on earth and I feel so alive when I am amongst them.
 
At the end of Mark’s memorial service his family played Andrea Bocelli’s  ‘Time to Say Goodbye’
Whenever I hear it I remember him, as if he were sending a message across the mountains.
 
Mostra a tutti il mio cuore
Show everyone my heart
 
La luce che, hai incontrato per strada
The light you encountered on the street
 
Tu mia luna tu sei qui con me
You, my moon, are here with me
 
Time to Say Goodbye
 
Andrea Bocelli

May Mark rest in peace in the arms of Chomolungma―Mother Goddess of the Universe.
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