Mt. Hood Climb Observance Day
“Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in.” Leonard Cohen from "Anthem"
Every year, on the second Wednesday in May, the students and faculty of Oregon Episcopal School, as well as staff members, parents, alumni, and friends gather around the Belltower for Mount Hood Climb Observance Day. This tradition began as a way to remember the Mount Hood Climb tragedy that occurred in May of 1986, taking the lives of seven students, the school chaplain, and a dean. This devastating event had a ripple effect not only in our community and Oregon, but also across time, and continues to touch our hearts and guide our decisions.
In 1986, while waiting for news of our climbers, the overwhelming support and prayers of our fellow Oregonians, the mountaineering community, and people around the world sustained us. We experienced the true meaning of community through the compassion and generosity of people who shared in our grief in the face of unimaginable heartbreak. Mount Hood Climb Observance Day began as a day of solemn remembrance to honor those lost, and to continue to serve the community in Portland through a season of service and commitment.
At our gathering, we pause in silence and reflection to name and commemorate each of the precious lives we lost. In their honor, we call our community into a season of service that reflects love and compassion. Our Episcopal identity reminds us that the anniversary of the tragic accident on Mount Hood renews our commitment to work for healing, peace, and justice in the world.
2025 Mt. Hood Climb Observance Day Remarks
Dedicated Memorial on Mt. Hood
A small, private gathering was held on Mt. Hood in September 2025 to dedicate a permanent bronze-engraved memorial and create a place where people can gather to remember and honor the lives lost in the 1986 tragedy.
The inscription on the memorial reads as follows:
In Memory of Our Friends
On May 12, 1986, this group of students, faculty, and staff from Oregon Episcopal School passed by this spot intending to summit the mountain, ultimately losing their lives in a snow storm. United in friendship and determination, they embraced life with intelligence, passion, curiosity, and grace. We will always miss them.
Tasha Amy Fr. Thomas Goman Richard Haeder, Jr.
Marion Horwell Alison Litzenberger Susan McClave
Patrick McGinness Erin O’Leary Erik Sandvik