Rick Leyden - Mount Kinabalu memorial

Almost 30 years ago, while my father was working in Malaysia on a 3 year contract with MAS on the Boeing 737, I travelled over for a visit as a naive 15 year old.

He had convinced me and we made plans to climb the highest peak in south east Asia. 13,400 feet was just a number and it sounded like a fun challenge to do with my dad, who I hadn’t seen in a few years.

The plan was to fly over to Kota Kinabalu in Borneo after a few days of visiting and getting acclimated at his base in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The trail from base camp was about 8 kilometres to the summit and well marked with lots of foot traffic. About 40-80 people of all ages traverse to the summit per day in the busy season. The first day consisted of a 6 km trek up to the 10,000 foot mark where we would rest up at a mountain lodge and wake early (2am) to finish the final 2km (3000’), catch the sunrise before heading down to base camp to celebrate.

We both started off strong but as the day progressed and we gained altitude it became more and more difficult to breathe. Most of the pictures I have of me on the climb I’m making strange faces while attempting to pull in oxygen to my lungs. By the time we reached the mountain lodge I was in rough shape; jet lagged and the early stages of altitude sickness. I had no appetite and fell asleep as soon as we got there.

The next morning early we started out past the tree line to a series of guide ropes. I don’t remember much as it was still dark. We stopped at a tin shack where I dry heaved for quite a while, barely able to move. My dad paced around outside the shack deciding what to do. At one point he asked me if he could go ahead without me and come right back. I encouraged him to go for it. He did not, instead we started our descent in to more oxygen. The next thing I remember is small shrubs, then trees and then back into the jungle as my composure returned, followed by regret.

Life went back to normal, I returned home to Canada and a month later started high school. My Dad passed away the following June for anyone who remembers. He was 44 years old.

This year on Rick’s birthday in November I will surpass his age and have planned to return to Mount Kinabalu to finish what we started. After receiving blessings from the rest of the family, I’ve got permission to bring my Dad’s ashes with me to the summit.

Im seeking assistance with some of the expenses. If anyone remembers Rick Leyden and is interested in supporting this memorial please do. Any denomination is appreciated.