Douglas Thompkins, founder of the North Face, dies in kayaking accident

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B the Hiker

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I suppose by now everyone has heard that Douglas Thompkins, founder of the North Face (and Esprit--rather different line!) died of hypothermia while kayaking. You can read the AP story here:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/douglas-tompkins-dies-obit-chile

I remember him in 180 Degrees South saying, "I was running a company making stuff nobody needed" and how he could better serve the world as a philanthropist. It made me stop the DVD and go through was North Face gear I owned, but his point was well-made: I do at times have to step back and ponder whether I do as much as I can to protect the environment and the outdoors I love so much, and not just talk the talk without walking the walk.

Brian
 
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