Passages/Remembering Joe McCosker

Joe McCosker in 1967 Photo Credit: Angeles Chapter Archives

Most of us met that zany and incredibly witty couple, Joe and Betty McCosker back in the 1970s, when they were deemed our matriarch and patriarch of the Desert Peaks Section along with old timers as Ron Jones, Jon Inskeep, Gene Olson, Fran Smith. A camaraderie, indeed. It was sad news to hikers and climbers that Joe had passed away after a lingering illness prior to his 92nd birthday. Joe had been past DPS chairman and an E-rated leader leading many up desert peaks, local hundred peaks, and Sierra peaks. He had finished both the HPS and DPS Lists plus bagged mighty Kilimanjaro, mountains in Mexico and Europe, and trekked the base camp of Everest. There wasn't a peak that Joe didn't like, and he instilled his love for the mountains in his children, Duncan, John, and Margaret. He and Betty were known to us youngsters as the bon vivants of the infamous Burro Bakes where climbers not only bagged a couple desert peaks, but were treated to campfire antics of singing, poetry recitation, skits, and of course, the famous pit barbecue. There was one skit where Joe and Betty dressed up in a burro costume (Betty says it was she), and one can only imagine the hilarity of that performance. When Joe was out climbing the peaks, Betty set up her artist easel and painted the beauty of the desert whether it be our peaks, old miner's shacks, and even lost hikers in her outstanding oil renditions. Many are us are fortunate to own one of those paintings which are reminders of yesteryear and the joys of camping and hanging out with Joe and Betty.

It was a dismal day in the hot San Fernando Valley, where Dr. Joe hung up his CPA career, and he and Betty moved to San Diego. All would miss their pool parties, early days of computer lessons, and Betty's delicious casseroles and cakes (despite the fact, she might put a plastic spider in the batter for an added surprise.)

Not only did Joe continue climbing and leading Sierra Club hikes, he now had time to follow his life long dream of doing whatever he could in promoting world peace. He was a pacifist for peace, an activist for change, and joined and supported those peace seeking organizations that shared his passion for a world without war.

Joe's great smile, deep sense of honesty and integrity, and his wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all of us who were blessed in sharing wilderness days with this kind and gentle man. Please email marymuir@earthlink.net if you wish to communicate with Betty and her family.