Anthony Lusk: 6/25/58 – 10/3/10

Anthony “Tony” Lusk Jr., 52, passed away suddenly on Oct 3 while hiking with two of his closest friends, Kent Bruner and Dennis Cozzetti, on Mt. Lemmon near Tucson, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, and sons, Seth 11 and Will 13. Unfortunately, Pam was recently laid off, and they are struggling financially since Tony did not have life insurance.

Tony’s priorities were his family, friends, the mountains, and his work as a machinist. He was known for his lightning-quick wit, strong principles, pride in his country, incredible focus, and dedication to his family and friends.

Tony absolutely loved the mountains. He was an avid fly fisherman and a climber's climber, who tirelessly developed more than 44 different climbing formations on Mt. Lemmon over the last 25-plus years. Some of his more popular climbing areas were Ridgeline, The Ruins, The Steep, The Outback, The Outcroppings, Willow Crags, and many more. Tony had more than 450 first ascents and was still developing areas right up until his death. The amazing part about his climbing areas was that he wanted his climbing partners to get as many first ascents as he did. He was a climbing force and one of its greatest contributors.

Tony ended his life where he loved to be—with friends on the trail. A golden eagle was seen circling overhead when his body was being recovered. This is the first eagle seen on Mt. Lemmon for many years.

Unfortunately, this prolific climber has taken his final first ascent. Tony will be missed dearly by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to:

Tony Lusk Memorial Fund
Southern Arizona Community Bank
Attn: John Lewis, President
6400 North Oracle
Tucson, AZ 85704
Telephone (520) 219-5000

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 16, 2010 at the Christ Community Church on 7801 E. Kenyon Dr., Tucson, AZ 85710 with a reception following the service.