Well known Orcas island WA arborist dies in fall

[scott_baker]

It saddens me to tell you all that my friend Herlwyn Lutz died in a 50' fall from a tree while working on Orcas Thursday. http://www.islandssounder.com/news/137309023.html

Herlwyn was 77 years old. He was a charming man, and a life long climber, with many friends.

He was a member of ISA a CA and a member of ASCA.

Last year Olaf Ribeiro and I went up to Orcas at Herlwyns request to help Herlwyn and other Island arborists with a historic tree. http://www.islandssounder.com/lifestyle/121182419.html

I hope to get some more details about what happened. Equipment failure is all I have heard so far.

Scott

 

[oldoakman]

Although we have never met, we are brothers in a worldwide fraternity. Rest in Peace my brother. May your family's grief be assuaged in the kind words offered.

 

[easyphloem]

Very sad. R.I.P.

SZ

 

[southsoundtree]

Sad to hear.

 

[The_Archdruid]

It's sad to hear about the loss of your friend. He must have been quite the salt to still be climbing trees at 77! I hope the projects you and he and Dr. Ribeiro consulted and worked on fare well.

 

[scrat]

Sorry for the loss
I am sure he will be missed.

 

[LTPGREG]

I am really sorry to hear this, Scott. I remember meeting him a few years back at a workshop.

 

[scott_baker]

Hello all,

I have been in touch with Herlwyn’s Daughter Nina.

She got his gear back from the police. Nina is familiar with her Dad’s gear and she is quite sure that nothing failed.

Herlwyn was working installing some kind of wiring in the tree. He was working off his spurs. He had finished the work and was getting ready to descend.

It seems very likely that his fall was due to a missed clip with only one lanyard attached.

There will be a memorial service for Herlwyn on Orcas Island at the Orcas Community Church on February 5th at 1:30. I will be heading up…if anyone local wishes to join me contact me directly.

The Lutz family will receive message via this email address so if you have a message for them send it please.

hblutztree@orcasonline.com

In solidarity,

Scott

 

[DOOLEY]

[ QUOTE ]
Although we have never met, we are brothers in a worldwide fraternity. Rest in Peace my brother. May your family's grief be assuaged in the kind words offered.

[/ QUOTE ]
well said