RATtreks

Okeepa

It grieves me tremendously to report that my dear friend Jeffrey “Okeepa” Hager left this world on September 28th, 2010 after losing his 3+ year battle with brain cancer. I have known ‘Okeepa’ since his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 1996 and we have been close friends ever since.  He is a kindred soul and was an adventurer, loving the life that this Earth offered to him .

Okeepa at Hairntville

Although he was barely 40 years old, he has lived more and seen more during his short time here than most will ever imagine.  Okeepa was an articulate, intelligent, well educated man, being a jack of all trades and master of many. He was very ingenious and meticulous in everything he did. I never saw him nor a picture of him where he was not smiling genuinely.

Okeepa on the Knife's Edge on Mt. Katahdin

Okeepa at the Summit sign on Mt. Katahdin

He loved life and everyone loved him. He will be surely missed by all. I will always cherish the many memories I have of our good times together including this year at Trail Daze. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Bev, his family, and the many friends during this time of grief. I know he is now on yet another great adventure somewhere on high and will always be with us on our journeys here. RIP ‘Okeepa’, we love you and will miss you always.

RAT

Okeepa and Bev