Brad

Brad appreciates others in a way I've seldom seen. Appreciates their strengths, their foibles, their unconscious traits, their realities and their essence. He laughs alot, perhaps because he sees humor in places that escape most mortal perceptions. This sense of humor arises from appreciating subtleties and creating unlikely connections. He believes in others, is generous toward them, and so believes in himself, and in the grand potential to grow and create something good.

Kori

Kori is honest, meaning with herself, her beliefs and her life choices. That is an all too rare quality, carrying over into honesty and candor toward others. She is thoughtful, in the creative way, where you can see the effort she puts into her gratitude toward others. She whittles away my pretenses, enabling me to be more honest with myself, instead of backlashing into more pretense. She searches, for the good in others, and the good in life.

Anna

Anna is perhaps the most positive and dynamic person I know. She climbs high peaks and skis down them, like Lone Peak, Mount McKinley and Mount Nebo. She rode Lotoja in the sleet, snow and rain, risking pneumonia, and finished even though most riders bagged out that year. She is a friend to all, and has hosted many a traveler. She is inquisitive and deeply spiritual. She devotes her all to her daughter and her motherhood, or in other words, to living well and to the lives of those near to her. When you are around her, you feel like you can do more, serve more and believe more. And she is genuine and humble about it. I only know Nate briefly, but as I can see, he parallels and complements Anna.

Atom

Atom, as my Grandpa might say, is a regular guy. (My grandfather reserved this respect for the most solid and sincere people.) He once trekked with me to Spiral Jetty to retrieve a sea kayak that I had to abandon after an epic outing on the Great Salt Lake. He will always lend a hand or share knowledge and thoughts, without assumption, arrogance or guile. A biology phd, he can, literally, make mouse piss an interesting topic (as if it weren't already, I know). He has a knack for finding good music and recommending the best books, while still allowing you your own experience. He loves quality food and creates superb dining experiences. Never stodgy, nor self-absorbed. He mentored me in climbing. Safe, yet bold and self-challenging, without showboating. He savors others' successes. The miracle of Atom is, that simply living his life, he unlocks worlds for those around him.