02/17/2021
This was posted on the other Westledge page as well. From Nils Sundquist.
“Here is a note that may be of interest to some in the Westledge community.
Another of the Westledge community has passed on. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Wes Horner was a primary mover of the rock climbing activity on Hedgehog Mountain and the cross country skiing activity including the trail to the waterfall in the woods behind the school. These activities weren't for everyone, but they gave me skills that I still use today, especially but not only in the outdoors. The outdoor activities he organized were a helpful alternative to the ma*****na culture that was an omnipresent outlet for youthful spiritual energy back then (not just at Westledge). Wes generously made access to cross country skiing more affordable by pooling package orders for equipment, and by transporting students like me to a popular ski race in Putney, Vt. He also organized rock climbing outings. I remember Wes explaining the vagaries of pine tar base and klister ski wax, and the virtues of acetone in cleaning them up, as well as how to tie a bowline and ensure a reliable belay - activities requiring a level of responsibility and trust that it would be difficult to sanction in today's world of liability. His linked obituary shows that Wes was a unique man who influenced many.”
