John Atherton
We have recently learned of the death in April of John Atherton, who was elected to membership in 1990. The committee wish to convey our sincere condolences to his friends and family at this difficult time.
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The Alpine Club, the world’s first mountaineering club, was founded in 1857. For over 150 years, members have been at the leading edge of worldwide mountaineering development and exploration.
With membership, experienced and aspiring alpinists benefit from a varied meets programme, regional lectures with notable guest speakers, reduced rates at many alpine huts, opportunity to apply for grants to support expeditions, significant discounts at many UK retailers, extensive networking contacts, access to the AC Library and maps - and more!
Becoming a MemberDeath Announcements
This page contains notices announcing the recent deaths of Club members, often with details of their involvement with the Alpine Club and, occasionally, with information about their funeral/memorial arrangements.
Members can log into the website to leave their comments and tributes.
More complete obituaries for members are compiled in the Alpine Journal. Suzanne Strawther (thestrawthers@btinternet.com) is the current Alpine Journal Obituaries Editor. If you would like to contribute to an obituary, please contact her directly.
Colin Powell
We are saddened to report the recent death of Colin Powell, who had been a member for almost 50 years.
Bill Ruthven
The Club is saddened to learn of the death on 4 February of Honorary member Bill Ruthven. Bill was elected a member of the club in 1981 and became Honorary Secretary of the Mount Everest Foundation in 1985. In 2004 he was awarded Honorary membership of the Alpine Club.
You can read Bill's reflections on his work as MEF Honorary Secretary in this 2017 article from the Alpine Journal.
Richard Gowing
We are saddened to report the death of Richard Gowing on 7 January 2025. He had been a member since 1963.
Richard’s funeral thanksgiving is on Monday 3rd February at 3.00 pm at Wellspring Methodist Church, Congleton – CW12 3AP
Jon Mellor
We have recently learned of the death on 14 December of Jon Mellor. He was a member for more that 50 years.