Donald Liska

It is with profound sadness that I share I just learned that Alice Liska died in 2016. I cannot even find a proper obituary for Alice. The two of them were such a fun addition to my life growing up in Los Alamos. Alice was the highest climbing (white) woman in the world after one of their climbing adventures. The story was that she had no intention of making the climb, but Don talked her up one step at a time. That story tells volumes about the two of them, calling each other Bugsy with obvious affection and a back story I never learned. They were the only adults in my life that had no children, and I was convinced that's why they seemed blissfully married to each other. At any rate, I hope I am not the only person who is sad to hear that Alice is also gone. I am not a big believer in the life hereafter, but in their case, I hope they have found each other on the other side.

Don was always my hero. It got to know and climb with Fred Beckey a handful of times, so through Fred and Eric Bjornstad (also from the PAC northwest (sort of)) I learned his legacy.
But I also got to know him while I was in high school in Los Alamos. A most wonderful man.

Hi Alice,
I'm so sorry to hear about Don. He was such a great, great guy. As you know, after LA Mountaineers I went on to college in Boulder and climbed all over the planet. But I always remembered "the big three" from Los Alamos: George Bell, Eiichi, and Don. I related to Don best because I ended up doing 5 big trips with Fred Beckey and spent many, many days with Eric Bjornstad, who always said tenting with Don was a blessing compared to tenting with Fred. At Fred's 86th birthday party in Seattle, I immediately sought out Don (not Fred, BTW). Anyway, I hope to talk to you soon. Best wishes and condolences. Cameron Buns

SuperDon brought CCA back to life--I would say almost singlehandedly if it weren't for your own contribution, Alice. You are both among the best people I've ever met, people I try to emulate, and I feel so lucky to have had great times with you and Don! My heart goes out to you.

Dear Alice, I am SO, SO sorry to hear of Don's passing. I am sending you many hugs from across the thousands of miles. Don was such a warm, loving and wonderful man - my very favorite on 'the wait list'... and I am hoping that you are doing okay. Please know that I am thinking of you. Love, Alexis

I only met Don briefly during his sabbatical at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in the UK - as most people seem to have found, he was a really great guy. There are others here (retired or part time consultants) who remember him fondly and I have passed the message on.

I'm so sorry to hear that Don is gone. I never met anyone warmer, kinder, or more enthusiastic. And what a wonderful folk dancer! I'll always remember him. My thoughts are with you, Alice.

Alice, I'm sorry about your loss. Don was such a wonderful person. I will remember all the stories about his early life he would tell me, they were always fun to hear. It was so nice to see you guys at our wedding. My prayers are with you Alice.

i really appreciated don's enthusiasm for the outdoors and enjoyed connecting with him in conversations over the years...healing to you alice...

Always with a smile on his face and Alice in his heart! May you continue to smile Alice as you await the many more adventures ahead when you're reunited with Don on a beautiful, peaceful, paradise earth! How exciting! Look ahead with hope and look at the past with happiness knowing the love and bond you shared will soon be rekindled!

For Don, anything was possible.

Don was an explorer who went beyond. But as a friend he made you feel you were home.

Don was always so welcoming at folk dancing. We will miss him.. Leah and don fineberg

I was lucky enough to count Don as one of the Los Alamos Mountaineers who taught me to climb. His exploits in places like the Wakhan Corridor fired my imagination. He will be missed.

Leader, teacher, friend for 45 years. No one I would rather have on the end of my climbing rope.

Dons was an example to many and we will miss him.

I remember Don during working days at LA. Enjoyed his mountion climbing slide shows. May God rest His Soul

We've made a donation to the Sierra Club in Don's memory. Neither we nor our sons will ever forget his friendship and kindness to us and all other animals.