Olga Zelennikova

I new Ken through my husband Alex. Ken was Alex's climbing partner. Once I asked Ken to help me to set up a surprise birthday for Alex with the climbing crowd. It was not easy for him. As I realized later, he was not the easiest guy around and planning a birthday party with a cheerful bird like me just wasn't his best idea of wasting time. So, I didn't involve him in choosing a cake and decorations, that just felt too much for that guy. But he set up the place perfectly, invited everyone without Alex knowing, and even choose a card for everyone to sign. Great card, by the way, he really put his best efforts into choosing it. Ken later apologized for his behavior. His apologies together with help, coming from that rough guy, really touched my heart. It's not how much you did that counts after all, but how much heart you put in that little that you did really makes a big impression on people. And that rough guy really stretched himself then.

We had a great birthday party for my husband. Ken has a special place in my heart. This blog is my appreciation to Ken for special memories I carry.

Al Carilli

Buttermilk Falls

A cold, very damp day at Buttermilk Falls, but we would not want it any other way. Eight of us were there to enjoy some of the best ice in the Catskills. By the time we reached the top of the third pitch, our enthusiasm was not dampened, but everyone’s clothing certainly was. My hands were at the point where I was literally frozen with pain. Anyone who has climbed ice with me knows what I mean.

Ken turned to me, unzipped his gators and produced a dry, warm pair of gloves. He said take these, I really don’t need them. His own gloves were as wet and damp as mine, but he insisted that his hands were fine, warm.

I learned two things that day: to always carry a spare pair of gloves on an ice climb; and, more important, what a sharing, caring guy Ken was. Thanks again, Ken.

Natasha Piskunova

I have been knowing Ken not for many years. I started climbing with the group 5 years ago and was fortuned to find a lot of great friends. Ken was one of them. He was very special. He had a big heart and bright personality. He was the most altruistic person I have ever known. My husband and my daughter are still talking about that time when Ken helped me to take them for climbing in Rumney. It was a little longer than year ago when Ken was not in the best physical shape,he was already sick. He gave his time and energy to my family and was happy to see them smiling and excited. Ken cooked two breakfasts for all 25+ CCMers, he was up at 5am and served everyone. I can tell many stories about Ken , how he was kind and generous to his friends. Ken was always thinking about people first and himself last.

He was too young, it was a wrong time for him to go. It is a terrible loss not only for his family but for all his friends. Ken was better and bigger than all of us.

Dear Ken, thank you so much for everything what I learned from you, for every moment which I was lucky to share with you. You will be always with me in my heart and my memory. I cannot stop crying.

LOVE, Natasha

Miriam Greenfield

It was the middle of July. 90 plus degrees with high humidity. We were at Whitestone going over rescue skills. Ken organized the day for people going on one of his mountaineer trips. He invited everyone to join even for people not going. Still new to the group and a lot to learn, I went with Angela. Ken taught us how to ascend a rope and a bunch of other skills.

On Friday, the day after he died, I was climbing at Red Rocks. There was a section of the climb I wasn't sure if I could do. I thought I might have to ascend the rope as Ken taught me. I made sure I had extra slings and cord. I didn't need to ascend the rope but I am glad I had the skills just in case. Ken was with me that day.

He was a caring, thoughtful person and a great teacher.

Alex Zakonov

Ken and Alex in Yosemite in 2003

Ken was my first climbing partner. Everything that I know about mountains I’ve learned from him. I watched Ken approaching extremely hard ice climbs that looked to me impossible to climb and saying “does not look bad…” and taking a lead on the climb. I also watched Ken making a decision to turn back on an objective that we planned and dreamed about for a year because it was not safe for the team. I’ve learned from Ken to respect mountains, I’ve learned from Ken to respect and value your climbing partners. Before our first big wall aid climb in Yosemite, we were in a visitor center checking weather forecast. A ranger learned about our objective and asked “What is the most important for you? Is it getting to the top?” and Ken’s answer was “No, getting to the top is not that important. The most important is to stay friends after the climb”. Those words truly represent Ken for me. He was great person and he was always taking care about people around him. I will miss Ken.

In Memory of Ken Klopfer

Died November 19, 2009.

Ken died at Brigham hospital in Boston from complications of his battle with leukemia. He was surrounded by our family and passed peacefully and painfree holding our hands tightly.
Ken did not want a wake or funeral, just a memorial service. We are waiting to get his ashes and are thinking of having the service the Sat. after Thanksgiving in Chicopeeat the curch Beth & I attend with my family. Ken wants to be remembered. Please jot down some memories or share some pictures. You can send them to his hotmail box and we will print them out. We will put them all into a scrapbook to share with family, friends and any future grandchildren so they will be able to know about him even though he is no longer with us.
Thank you for being part of his life. He truly valued your friendship.
Ruth