WHEREAS, the American Mountain climbing Society (AHS) neighborhood, its Board of Administrators, and hikers throughout the nation mourn the passing of William “Invoice” Kemsley on the age of 98 at his house in Taos, New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, Invoice Kemsley was a visionary trailblazer within the out of doors recreation and conservation actions, famously identified to generations of outside fanatics as “Backpacker Invoice”; and
WHEREAS, in 1973, Invoice Kemsley based Backpacker journal, basically remodeling the panorama of outside journalism, elevating the voices of wilderness advocates, and introducing thousands and thousands of People to the profound pleasure and stewardship of the backcountry; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the pressing want for a unified, nationwide voice to guard America’s footpaths and the encompassing wilderness, Invoice Kemsley co-founded the American Mountain climbing Society in 1976, establishing a permanent car for nationwide path advocacy, stewardship, and conservation; and
WHEREAS, Invoice Kemsley was a fierce and instrumental champion for the Appalachian Path, using his platform and fervour to mobilize public and political help for landmark laws that secured very important federal funding and land acquisition, guaranteeing the safety and completion of the enduring path; and
WHEREAS, his monumental contributions to path conservation had been completely acknowledged in 2018 along with his well-deserved induction into the Appalachian Path Corridor of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Invoice lived the very mission he preached, remaining an lively, devoted hiker properly into his 90s, exploring native trails, and persevering with to share his ardour for conservation along with his neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, the American Mountain climbing Society stands immediately because the dwelling embodiment of Invoice Kemsley’s 1976 imaginative and prescient – testomony to his perception that trails are important infrastructure for the American spirit and should be fiercely protected for generations to return;
WHEREAS, because the American Mountain climbing Society celebrates its landmark fiftieth anniversary, we replicate on 5 many years of unbroken stewardship, recognizing that the enduring energy, resilience, and very important mission of this group are the direct fruits of the seeds planted by Invoice Kemsley and his fellow co-founders half a century in the past; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Administrators of the American Mountain climbing Society, convened on this seventeenth day of June, 2026, hereby expresses its deepest gratitude for the life, management, and enduring legacy of co-founder William “Invoice” Kemsley; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board extends its profound condolences to his spouse, Pleasure Jensen, and all the Kemsley household, sharing of their grief whereas celebrating a powerful life terribly well-lived; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Administrators formally dedicates the American Mountain climbing Society’s ongoing path advocacy, stewardship initiatives, and federal coverage objectives for the rest of this yr to the reminiscence of Invoice Kemsley, carrying ahead his authentic “Founder’s Spark” with renewed vigor and dedication; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, {that a} copy of this decision be entered into the everlasting historic archives of the American Mountain climbing Society, and {that a} fantastically ready copy be offered to his household as a logo of the group’s everlasting appreciation.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this seventeenth day of June, 2026, by the Board of Administrators of the American Mountain climbing Society.
