Memorial Funds

Christine Boskoff Memorial Fund

On December 4th, 2006 Christine Boskoff, owner of Mountain Madness, American Mountain Guides Association member and her climbing partner, Charlie Fowler, were scheduled to return from a personal climbing adventure on Genyn Peak in the Sichuan Province of China. Search and rescue teams were to later find the bodies of both Christine and Charlie. They were apparently swept to their death by an avalanche high in the peak.

The AMGA has set up an endowment fund to honor Christine and promote women taking AMGA programs. The endowment will be used to create a women’s scholarship or scholarships for all AMGA programs.

Her success as a climber and guide service owner inspired many and we are honored to continue this inspiration in her name.

Julie Cheney Culberson Education Fund

Julie C. Culberson was the quintessential mountain guide. Technically adept at high altitudes, on rock, ice, and difficult mixed ground, she also had the uncanny talent for making people feel at ease in every situation. Julie had a great love for the mountains and high places and loved equally sharing these remote and unique places with her clients.

This fund has been established in her memory to help support and promote the mountain awareness and guiding education of women guides and aspiring women guides.

Scott Fischer Memorial Fund

In honor of Scott Fischer his friends have established a memorial fund in his name through the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). The intent of this fund is to support candidates taking training and certification programs through the AMGA.

Scott died in the 1996 Everest Tragedy and was the owner of Mountain Madness.

Charlie Fowler Memorial Fund

In honor of Charlie Fowler his friends have established a memorial fund in his name through the American Mountain Guides Association. The intent of this fund is to support candidates taking training and certification programs through the AMGA.

Charlie served as an AMGA examiner in the rock discipline and was a true inspiration as a climber. The Charlie Fowler Memorial Fund has been created as a way to honor him and his family and in remembrance of his dedication to the guiding and outdoor community.

Jim Ratz Memorial Fund

In honor of Jim Ratz, his family and friends have established a memorial fund in his name through the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). The intent of this fund is to support the final stages of IFMGA training and certification through the AMGA.

Jim died in a climbing accident in Sinks Canyon on May 4, 2005 at the age of 52. Jim was an avid climber and enthusiastic supporter of the AMGA and its mission. He served on the AMGA Board of Directors beginning in 2000 and was the current Vice President at the time of his passing.

The Chad VanderHam Memorial Fund

In honor of Chad his family and friends have established a memorial fund in his name through the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). The intent of this fund is to support future aspiring ski guides pursuing training and certification in the ski discipline through the AMGA. The goal is to establish the necessary funds to support a perpetual scholarship for ski guide training.

Chad died in a skiing accident in La Grave, France on April 3, 2006 at the age of 32. Chad was an avid skier who found a second home in the European Alps. While in France, Doug Coombs became a close friend and mentor to Chad and soon he honed his skills for ski mountaineering and guiding. On March 11th, 2006, Chad realized a dream and achieved his AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide Certification and Aspirant Status.