Sad News

Last evening (Wednesday, May 4), we received the sad news that Jim Ratz, former executive director at NOLS died in a climbing accident in Sinks Canyon. Jim served as executive director from 1984 until 1995. Before that time he served the NOLS mission as an instructor and also as NOLS Alaska Director.

Under Jim’s leadership NOLS grew in both size and scope. The school was educating more than 2,600 students each year by the time of his departure in 1995. In 1990 NOLS Patagonia opened in Chile, in 1991 NOLS Southwest opened its doors and in 1995 NOLS Canada program launched as well.

NOLS national reputation increased during Jim’s tenure as the school took a leadership role in the Leave No Trace program and published, Soft Paths, which is still the authoritative book on minimum impact backcountry travel. NOLS launched its research program under Jim’s leadership and the school’s public policy role increased greatly with NOLS serving as a voice for the practical conservation of the school’s wilderness classrooms.

Jim also led the way as NOLS established relationships with its graduates around the globe. Alumni reunions reconnected graduates with the school and paved the way for development efforts to support the school’s scholarship and facility needs.

Our thoughts and sympathy are with Jim’s wife, Lantien Chu, and his children, Mei and Willy.

For memorial service information see the press release.

Bruce Palmer, NOLS marketing director