My brother -in-law, and good friend, Monte Pearson, died this last week from Pancreatic cancer. Last Sunday, Patty and I drove up to Trout Lake to see him one last time. We visited for about 30 minutes, reminiscing about the early years of our friendship. The first time I climbed Mt Adams, I was with Monte; the first time I climbed Mt Hood, I was with him as well; the only time I climbed Mt St Helens before it erupted, I was with Monte. He and I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail through Washington State together. We attempted Mt Ranier, but didn’t quite make it to the summit. We were both dairy farmers and often helped each other out on projects. We were both very involved and active in our church, and we served together to make it healthier. He married my sister, Laura, so he became family as well as my good friend. When a good friend dies, there is the sadness that comes with loss, but with Monte, there was all the thinking and contemplation I have been doing about the character he added to my life. Monte wasn’t very outgoing; in fact, we would often spend hours together without saying a word. Monte was steadfast, faithful, reliable, and tough. He always did what was right. He always did what he said he would do. He never took the easy way. He helped those who needed it, and he did so as a matter of principle; it was the right thing to do. I like to think I am faithful and dependable, and I know that Monte Pearson is the main reason I am.