George Gutierrez

Been sitting here for days trying to figure out how I could possibly sum up my friendship with Jeff (Moe). For the last years of his life, I didn’t see him often, but when we talked, usually on the phone, we would sometimes spend hours conversing and reminiscing. When we said goodbye, he was so truly grateful for the chance to catch up.  After I hung up, I felt sad that my friend was going through some hard times and there wasn’t much I could do to help him. 

I’ve read Leonard Greer’s and Jeff Luhn’s comments several times, and I feel like I could say DITTO and be done with my comments. I have the same feelings about Jeff that they expressed. When you were going to do something with Jeff, you knew it was going to be a little crazy, dangerous, maybe illegal, fun,  and always interesting!

And they mentioned nature. Moe is one of the reasons I have such a love for the Sierras. I’ve seen many different mountain ranges, even the real Sierra Nevadas in Spain.  But I still love the California Sierras, the mountains where Moe turned me on to backpacking, especially Yosemite. Moe and I experienced Yosemite in the era when you didn’t need permits, didn’t have to check in with anyone, could park your car anywhere. Moe always wanted to get to the highest point.  Then get so close to the edge, like 3,000 feet above the valley floor, and scare the hell out of you!

Moe was also a lover of the beach.  We made many trips to the beaches of the San Mateo coast South of Half Moon Bay. One of Moe’s favorite beaches was not a public beach, called acid beach. No need to elaborate further I think...

I feel maybe now is the time to bring up this group called the Bro’s.  The Bro’s are a group of guys who have know each other for many years. Some of us have known each other since elementary school.  The group really formed around late junior high/early high school. Moe was a member in good standing - maybe even one of the founding fathers.  The Bro’s have lost some members, but we try very hard to keep in touch.  Moe was a big driver of keeping the group together, and he will be missed in this role.

Leonard also mentioned the hide away structure that Moe built (photo attached). It was called the ‘Family Dog’. It was built to get away from people and have a good time.  And you had to be invited or there was no admittance.  When Moe built the second site, only the Bro’s were invited.

I could go on for days about Moe and the Bro’s and the experiences we had growing up in the 70’s in the Bay Area.  Moe was truly an ‘original’ - no doubt about it! I will miss him, and am forever grateful for his friendship and his influence on my life.

Happy Trails, Mi Amigo!

Judy, I have a severe foot problem but plan on attending for as long as I can handle it. However, one big disappointment is I wouldn't be able to dance with you..... Geo

Posted on: Aug 28, 2014 at 7:32 AM

Thanks! I have all these photos also!

Thanks for the happy birthday! Very thoughtful. Hope to see you at the next reunion