On March 14, 1989, Ed Abbey died at his home in Tucson, Arizona.

On that same day, this publication was born.

Abbey's last story, "Hard Times in Santa fe,"a comical account of adventures

with his old friend John Depuy, appeared in the April issue.

It was also Ed's last act of kindness and generosity to me after a friendship of 15 years.

His enthusiasm and support for The Zephyr gave me the courage

and the confidence to pursue this unlikely venture.

It's sometimes hard to grasp that he never lived to even see the first issue,

because his spirit has resided within these pages since the day he left us...JS

One of Ed's dearest friends, Ken Sleight, spoke these words

at Ed's memorial service near Arches National Park in late May 1989.

"Ed...your sudden leaving on this great journey caught me unprepared as I'll not be able to see you for a while....you left us a lasting legacy.

I'll never forget what you've done for me.

Never has any man had such thoughts and ideals. I admire you greatly...

"Ed, why did you have to leave us now? My dear friend Abbey.

When it seems that we need you most. How can we manage without you?

You came to this land suddenly. You made your mark.

And you departed just as suddenly.

May we always appreciate what you have done for us.

We shall now proceed onward with the tools you've given us...

I just wish you were here."

A Note about the photograph...I only asked to take Ed's picture once. On a visit to see Ed and Clarke in Tucson, he reluctantly agreed to 'pose' for me.

The date was March 14, 1988, exactly one year before his death at age 62.