Westminster College student, Ryan Bishop, was a 21-year-old outdoor enthusiast who loved to explore Utah through skiing, rock climbing, fishing and paddling. Tragically, he died while canoeing on Lake Powell on April 28, 2011. In his memory, Westminster is hosting an outdoor gear sale in conjunction with Gear to Grow, a local non-profit organization.
The Gear to Grow outdoor gear sale is open to the public and will include gently used gear at a discounted price. It all happens on October 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Dolores Doré Eccles Health, Wellness, and Athletic Center on the Westminster College campus. The event will celebrate Bishop’s life as there will also be a dedication ceremony of Westminster’s indoor climbing wall, which will be named “Bishop’s Wall” in his honor. There will also be climbing wall demonstrations, food, a workshop on hypothermia and more. All proceeds will benefit the Ryan Bishop Fund at Westminster College.
“Ryan was patient, kind, joyful and enthusiastic about the outdoors and all it had to offer,” said Liz Rogers, director of Westminster’s Outdoor Recreation Program. “His enthusiasm was contagious, and he is deeply missed by many. We hope this day will celebrate and honor his values and the way he lived his life.”
Gear to Grow was founded in 2009 by Westminster alumni Corey Kirkwood and Jon VonLunen. Their mission is to collect gently used merchandise from outdoor retailers such as Backcountry.com and distribute it to smaller non-profits who’s mission is to get people outdoors. For more information, visit www.geartogrow.org.