Lou Whittaker, legendary mountaineer and brother of Jim Whittaker, is in the news after Jim’s death at 97—pioneered climbs in the North Cascades.
Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest in 1963, has died at age 97 at his home in Port Townsend, Washington. His mountaineering achievements and leadership at REI made him a prominent figure in outdoor and climbing communities. He was also known for his friendship with Robert Kennedy and his pioneering spirit.