Paddler News Feed

 

•	Features
•	Hotline
•	Letter from the ACA
•	Gear
•	Skills

< July/August 2001
	Hotline
An Open Letter to Friends of Brennan Guth from Tarkio Kayak Adventures

For those who couldn't attend the memorial services for long-time paddler Brennan Guth, we wanted to share a few thoughts and special times. A lot of paddlers knew Brennan at different times in his life—and all will vouch for his loving and lovable spirit.

Brennan had a contagious enthusiasm, strong ethics and a deep generosity and desire to willingly share with others. He contributed a lot to the world around him, especially to the paddling community. Rather than thinking "he died doing what he loved," we like to think that he lived his life doing what he loved—something we can all hold onto.

Memorial services were held in his hometown of Missoula, Montana. A celebration of Brennan's life occurred in a large auditorium at the University. This was the same room in which Brennan had often entertained many folks with slideshows and stories from his latest paddling trip, bringing the faraway adventure close. The capacity of the room was 500, and the room was full. Dr. Albert Borgmann, Brennan's mentor in his Philosophy studies, guided the celebration. Speakers included some members of Team Tarkio (Dunbar Hardy, Johnnie Kern and Land Heflin), and friends Matt Kelley, Brooke Baughman, Howard Williams, Shawn Peretto, and Harrison Hobart. Each told stories of appreciation for having been able to cross paths with Brennan. Mary Hardy, Dunbar's mother, gave a beautiful prayer and message about love being stronger than death. A short video was presented, consisting of still shots and video footage. It was powerful to sit through. Everyone left with a greater appreciation for living a fuller life and gratitude for how Brennan affected us.

Following the service, people gathered at the Iron Horse—a local bar and restaurant that was part of Brennan's circuit. We were full of gratitude when we heard that Tami, the owner, had volunteered to close her establishment to the public for our group. The place was filled. Food, drinks and stories of Brennan filled the night.

On Sunday morning a more private service was held at Tarkio—the place by the Clarks Fork River where Brennan and his dad had been constructing an amazing river house. This was one of Brennan’s spots, a place he had dreamed about. Close friends and family, around 30 people or so, gathered under a drizzling gray-cold sky next to the river, on a rocky beach just upstream of the entrance to Tarkio Gorge. Bagpipes played in the background in the light misty rain. Family members spread some of Brennan's ashes on yellow and red roses floating in clear glass saucers. Once his ashes were joined with the river, everyone threw bright yellow daffodils into the current. We all watched as they were carried downstream and out of sight. Everyone then gathered together to form a circle, hand in hand, and we each briefly shared a word or thought about Brennan. We dispersed with the bagpipes playing.

That afternoon, a gang of 20-30 paddlers put in on the Alberton Gorge, Brennan's backyard run. Under a cold misty rain we surfed, played, and floated on the river with Brennan. On every wave, in every eddy, memories of Brennan overwhelmed the group. They paddled down to Tarkio and took out at the river house. A gathering of friends, family, and paddlers were together for an afternoon barbecue and story-telling around the woodstove.

Each of these events carried big emotions. The weekend was powerful, as we all gathered close to celebrate Brennan's full, but all-too-brief life. His passion, ethic, sharing with others, smile, and willingness to explore the unknown are qualities we will hold onto when we think back on this sparkplug from Montana.

In memory of Brennan, Tarkio Kayak Adventures will remain active throughout this season. We will continue to offer the highest quality instruction on some of the finest rivers in the West, in the spirit of what Brennan wanted to see Tarkio become. It will be a way for all of us to paddle the rivers Brennan loved, and to continue sharing those places with other people. If any of you are ever in Montana we'd love to see you. Take care of yourselves out there and hold onto what Brennan gave you.

—Johnnie Kern, Land Heflin, Dunbar Hardy, Laura Wackman and the rest of Team Tarkio.