Residents and climbers remember 'amazing teacher'
Sylvie Paillard
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Squamish's rock climbing community as well as friends and family around the world are mourning the loss of an "amazing" climbing guide and all-around adventurer.
Aidan Oloman, 29, was killed by an avalanche in the Fernie catskiing resort of Island Lake Lodge Saturday (Jan. 14), leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and joy.
"Anytime the community comes together I just see that this community is really a dynamic, passionate one and that Aidan was really like a light, a really bright light in that community," said friend, former teacher and former colleague, Graeme Taylor.
Taylor taught Oloman at the University College of the Cariboo Adventure Guide Program. Taylor said the program's instructors agreed that Oloman was "one of the strongest if not the strongest candidate ever to come out of that program."
She was so good that after graduation, Oloman was hired by the college to instruct rock climbing, and she tackled the job with as much enthusiasm as she did everything in her life.
"Aidan was always an amazing teacher. I remember the first time she taught with the college when we were in the program together," said Taylor.
"Aidan was up until probably midnight every night in the back of her car where she was sleeping going through books and doing research and making sure she was going to do a really good job the next day."
Teaching seemed a perfect fit for Oloman whom friends say made people feel "instantly comfortable."
"Whether it was from a teaching standpoint as far as rock climbing, or as a friend, whatever environment you were in she had a way of making you feel very at ease with her and at the same time inspiring you," said friend and former schoolmate Jeremy Blumel. "That confidence is quite inspiring I think."
That confidence led Oloman to become one of only three female ACMG rock guides in Canada, and to travel extensively tackling some of the world's biggest walls and most unattainable peaks. Her most recent trip was to China where Oloman and her two climbing partners Katherine Fraser and Katy Holm scaled three previously unclimbed peaks, earning the privilege of naming one The Little Prince. And despite long days of waiting out bad weather, the women said the trip was thrilling.
"You couldn't have a bad day in the mountains when you were with Aidan," said Taylor. "She's just so positive."
Many of Oloman's friends and admirers had a chance to get a first hand account of her trip to China and Pakistan on Dec. 7 during her slideshow presentation. Oloman was also an inspiration for women and taught her specialized techniques course for Wild Rock Guides, which is especially geared for women.
"Aidan's talent and grace as a climber has inspired many women and where she excels in sharing her knowledge and joy of climbing with others," states the company website.
Oloman also worked for well-known local guide Marc Bourdon of Squamish Rock Guides. Bourdon was with Oloman during a momentous final ACMG exam.
"My favourite memory of that September exam was a crisp fall day that saw Aidan poised to lead the infamous Split Pillar pitch halfway up the Grand Wall on the Chief," said Bourdon. "Hundreds of feet off the ground, this is a steep, intimidating route for many climbers, and being examined on it as an aspirant guide heightens one's anxiety to no end. Although nervous, Aidan grabbed the rack, flashed that brilliant smile and led off into the warm fall sunshine. To nobody's surprise she floated up the ever-widening crack, letting out a victorious 'whoop' as she pulled effortlessly through the final moves.
"Aidan was one of these special individuals and caused those around her to rise to a higher level-we are all better people because of it. The climbing and guiding community will miss her tremendously as she touched all of us in a special way that so few can."
Oloman's family and closest friends held a small ceremony for her in Fernie on Tuesday (Jan. 17). A memorial service is planned in an as yet undetermined location. Organizers have delayed the memorial for two or three weeks to allow the numerous friends she made around the world the chance to attend.
