Benjamin Staisloff

Thinking of you, Ben, and your family this holiday season. We miss you deeply. We continue to carry you with us wherever we go, especially out in nature. We are so lucky to have met you. You changed our lives in many ways and the impact you've had on us will endure forever. Thank you for your friendship, your kindness, your adventure, and your love which was beautiful and true and which you never hesitated to express. Love you too. Miss you so much.

Almost a year now. I still can't breathe when I think about you too much. Your handwriting in all of these books on my shelf. Your voice in my ears, the trails we walked together. What could I have done? How did I miss that call? It probably won't ever get any easier, will it. I miss you. I'll keep giving, so that others may live. But you'll always be the one I am wishing was still alive.

Rick, I only now received the news of your dear Son's passing. I am so very sorry and pray that you, Michelle, and your children will hold each other tight, open your hearts to the gift of memories with Ben, and find solace as you navigate this profound loss. Kendall and I send deepest sympathies.

Rick, I am deeply saddened. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cristin Toutsi Grigos

I was saddened to hear about Benjamin's death. I have been praying for the Staisloff family and those who knew and loved him.

Sparrow,

I am still retracing our steps together trying to come to terms with your absence. Your emotional honesty and clear-eyed love for the trail were spiritual sustenance for me when the going was hard on the PCT; your humor and creativity made the happy days shine. I will never forget rowing out onto Olallie Lake while the sun set behind Mt Jefferson, never forget talking for hours while you diligently sewed up your bearcan-damaged backpack in camp, never forget your big smile...

Rick, Michelle, Zachary, Hannah, and Emma we are so very sorry for the loss of your son and brother. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and will remain so.

May happy memories help sustain you as you navigate through the grief of this tragic loss. Thinking of your family with deepest sympathy.

Every moment I spent with Ben felt like an incredible gift. His kindness, his intelligence, his talent and his introspective nature inspired me to no end. My heart goes out to his entire family. Know that you are not alone during this difficult time. May we all live our lives with compassion and a sense of adventure that is never extinguished. Thank you, Ben, for teaching me that.