Jeff Batzer

Jeff with his wife and three kids (http://lefc.net/Page.aspx?id=96763)

Jeff Batzer is, without a doubt, my living hero! He worked on a guest ranch in Wyoming with my dad for a few years, and over that time I was really able to enjoy having him around! Basically Jeff’s job on the ranch was to make sure everyone had a good time, and there wasn’t a better man for the job! He was always seeing how he could help anyone do anything, whether it was carrying suitcases, or leading horses giving directions, or just talking to people. While we lived there, two of our dogs were poisoned, and Jeff was the first to come and say how sorry he was. Jeff was in a near-fatal accident before I met him, and he was lucky to survive! This tragic event hurt him deeply, but from that hurt he has been able to find joy.

In the year 1982, Jeff Batzer and his friend Hugh Hurr were climbing Mount Washington’s North Ravine, which is known for its horrible weather. They started up in conditions that were perfect for climbing, but then ran into an unexpected storm that turned into a blizzard. The blizzard, they decided, was a good reason to turn around, but could not find the trail, and became lost. They built a snow cave, and were on the verge of freezing to death when they were discovered and saved, four days after disappearing. Both Jeff and his friend were airlifted off the mountain, and were flown to the nearest hospital, where they were treated for severe frostbite. Jeff lost his right leg, six fingers, and two toes. He and his partner were blessed to even be alive! A few years later, a family friend, and my dad’s boss, offered him a job at the ranch where we were living. Jeff took the job, and became a close friend to us and everyone else that worked there.

Through it all, Jeff has been a devoted Christian and used his amazing story to share his faith and God’s love! He is currently working at a church in Pennsylvania, and lives happily with his family. He is my personal hero because he went through a tragic accident, and still has a very strong faith. He is the living example of 2nd Timothy 1:7, which says, “For the Lord did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline.” It has been a few years since I have seen Jeff, but I get to see him this fall, and I can’t wait to talk to him! Jeff Batzer is undoubtedly my life hero!