Cavechat.org

I was saddened to hear of the end of an era, the passing of a legend - Herb Conn died Wednesday, 2/1, at age 91.

Obit in the Rapid City Journal: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rapidcity/obituary.aspx?n=Herbert-Conn&pid=155750596

Thanks for so much inspiration, Herb. My prays are with Jan.

swm

dang. I loved the "jewel cave adventure"

A good chance to pay tribute to a terrific caver.

Herb Conn passed away Wednesday night at the Conn Cave (their home), outside of Custer, SD. He was 91 and has been in declining health for some time. Jan's asked that she not be contacted for several days while she adjusts to the huge change in her life. There are good friends nearby to help her with any needs. At his request, there will be no services.

For a little bit more about the life of Herb and Jan:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=13061

Dwight Deal

Herb was an amazing caver, surveyor, cartographer and climber and cave airflow researcher. I have great respect for his quiet and kind competence. I will miss calling him and Jan at 4am after a long, hard Jewel Cave trip to let them know that we were out safely. Even in the middle of the night, they would always be excited to hear what we had found.

On our last extended visit with them in 2008, they took us on a hike near their home and soon they were leading my wife, Gosia and I up a 3rd class gulley on some rocks near their home. Before long we were following them up an exposed scramble on 4th class terrain. I was starting to wonder about the wisdom of our adventure as I had never been rock scrambling with octogenarian's before! But we all made it to the top safely and had a great time. I hope that if we make it to our late 80's that we will be as fit and happy as Herb and Jan were that day just to be alive out in the forest, on the rocks, sharing time with friends.

We miss you Herb and we are thinking of you Jan.

Stan & Gosia

Herbert William Conn
(April 16, 1920 - February 1, 2012)

Herbert William Conn, age 91, passed away February 1, 2012 at his residence in Custer, SD.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Conn of Custer.

At his request there will be no services.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley’s Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.

Good article on Herb's status as a pioneer climber, as well as caver, in Climbing:

http://www.climbing.com/news/hotflashes ... ies_at_91/

swm