Mark Udall: “I wish to remember an upstanding Coloradan and accomplished mountaineer who passed away unexpectedly this year while…”

“I wish to remember an upstanding Coloradan and accomplished mountaineer who passed away unexpectedly this year while doing what he was so passionate about: climbing. Mark Hesse was a man of exceptional character, exhibited a strong sense of adventure, and was a devoted admirer of nature; all of which are qualities of a true conservationist. He was an inspiration to many of us in the great State of Colorado. Mark grew up in Colorado Springs, CO, where he became an Eagle Scout. Upon graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a master's degree in special education and teaching, Mark took to traveling abroad in pursuit of climbing peaks around the world. In 1976, he became the first person to climb the completely vertical southeast face of Mount Asgard on Baffin Island. In 1986, he made the first ascent up the northeast buttress of Kangtega in Nepal, a prominent Himalayan peak with a summit of over 20,000 feet. These ascents, among countless others, inspired him to advocate for conservation and accomplish so much for Colorado's environment. He is survived by Julie Asmuth, his wife of 30 years, his two daughters Hartley and Laurel, his mother Florence, brothers Jon, Paul, Phil, and sisters Anne Ness and Maria Hesse Vasey. Mark was a loyal and devoted husband and father. He had a warm personality and a great sense of humor.…”