LEE NESBITT #5931WV, CURRENT 46ERS CO-HISTORIAN WITH SIOBHAN NESBITT #5930WV: For 18 years, Tony, Jane, and the Office of the Historian existed as one, so tightly intertwined that it was hard to imagine how it would be possible to go on without them. Very few individuals could rival their commitment to the 46ers. Tony and Jane breathed life into the organization, and in return were much adored. The hard work that they put into running the office looked effortless. It was not, and even with streamlining the process, it’s still a labor of love. More than merely keeping the records of all the finishers, Tony and Jane taught us, [as Grace taught them], that foremost is to be there for aspiring climbers and to welcome new finishers. They cared deeply about the 46er organization and about each individual climber. They made you feel like a part of their family, always with a smile on their faces, always kind and humble. They were always excited to talk with a recent finisher about his or her journey. It was always about making new finishers feel welcomed, about seeing people’s faces light up as they talked about their accomplishment of hiking the 46. “Ever since I was a very small boy, mountains have fascinated me,” Tony told George. “I found them to be all things. They gave me solace, companionship, beauty, peace, and tranquility, and on occasion they gave me fear and turmoil.” That’s something we can all say. The author — a proud 37er who lives in Shelburne, Vermont — expresses his appreciation to all who contributed to this article, especially George Sloan, who interviewed Tony Solomon at length. That interview is heavily edited for inclusion here. Those who wish to read the entire interview, verbatim, may apply to nealburdick@gmail.com TALKING POINTS “Tony and Jane taught us that foremost is to be there for aspiring climbers and to welcome new finishers.” From left: Don McMullen, past president Tom Wheller, Tony Solomon Jane Nye at 90 16 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
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