So far … none of my friends there have been reported injured.

Prime Minister John Key – after confirming 65 people have died – told ONE News last night: “We may well be witnessing New Zealand’s darkest day,” he said.

“It is just a scene of utter devastation,” he said. “We have to work as fast as we can to get people out of environments where they are trapped.”

Key flew to Christchurch yesterday afternoon and after a quick tour of the city described it as “utterly wrecked”, adding “this is an absolute tragedy for Christchurch”.

TV NZ – Chch quake: 65 dead, rescue efforts continue

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Saturday, January 22 at 1:30 p.m. at Rock Pointe Church. Map. Google map. All are welcome.

Rob Glaser obituary

GLASER , Robert Carl Peter December 5, 1957 – January 15, 2011

Our amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend died while skiing with his brother Mark. They shared a love of life and nature that ended far too soon.

Rob was born December 5, 1957 to Jack and Beppie Glaser. He was raised in Calgary and settled in Bragg Creek. Rob joined the Calgary Fire Department, achieving rank of Captain with twenty-eight years of service. Rob was also greatly respected for his skills and craftsmanship in renovation work.

Rob leaves his wife Judith Cartwright, children Jonathan, Michael and Anna, father Jack and brothers Ed and Carl.

Rob was Jude’s best friend and hero to his children. He was a steadfast and true friend to those lucky enough to know him. Rob and Jude were soul-mates who shared and marveled in even the simplest pleasures in life – a walk up Two Pine, the first snow on Banded Peak, Anna singing in the car, Michael and Jonathan chopping wood at the Ghost.

Rob lived his own book of awesome.

Rob leaves many close friends and family. He made us all believe that anything was possible. Mere words cannot do justice to the role that Rob played in all our lives.

A celebration of Rob’s life will be held on Saturday, January 22 at 1:30 p.m. at Rock Pointe Church, 255024 Lochend Road N.W. (Bearspaw).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lake O’Hara Trails Club, P.O. Box 98, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0. The family wishes to thank those involved in the search and rescue.

Friends wishing to offer condolences via email are invited to send them to fdccfh@telus.net. Arrangements in care of Lawrence (Larry) Slywka of COCHRANE COUNTRY FUNERAL HOME of Cochrane. Telephone: 403-932-1039.

My friend Mark Glaser’s funeral will be held Friday 2pm.

Calgary Herald:

GLASER, Mark 1956 – 2011 Mark Anthony Warren Glaser, born July 13, 1956 to Jack and Beppie Glaser, passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2011.

Mark is survived by his wife of twenty-eight years Mary-Jane, his son Cody, his daughter Brooklyn, his stepdaughter Trisha, his father Jack and his brothers Ed and Carl.

Mark had many interests and excelled at everything he did, including his career. Mark began working in the Oil & Gas Industry twenty-five years ago on the rigs. He obtained his degree in Petroleum Engineering from the U of A and advanced his career in the industry through a number of positions, including V.P. and C.O.O. of Enco Gas Ltd. and most recently in management at Murphy Oil Co.

Mark loved God, his wife, his kids, his family and his friends. He loved exploring and adventuring in the Rocky Mountains and expressed his love of nature through his incredible water colour paintings and photography.

Mark’s brother Rob shared his love of life and was his companion in many outdoor adventures. They were two of four extraordinary brothers, whose passion and respect for nature was instilled by their proud father Jack. Mark truly did live by the words of his favourite song “”Live Like You Were Dying”” and appreciated all of the adventures life had to offer. Among hiking and skiing at every chance, he recently picked up fly-fishing and kite skiing. Mark loved his annual “”guy”” trips which included hiking, skiing and horseback riding.

Mark made it his priority to protect and provide for his family and was a compassionate teacher and counsellor to his children. He was a proud father, and a loving and supportive husband. He and Mary-Jane looked forward to growing old together in Canmore. Anyone that knew Mark, knew that he was a strong and caring man of integrity, selflessness, generosity and humility. Mark would help anyone…anytime.

Mark Glaser has touched so many lives and will be indescribably missed by the many who love him dearly. A Celebration of Mark’s Life will be held at The Bow Valley Christian Church (5300 – 53 Avenue N.W.) on Friday, January 21, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through http://www.mcinnisandholloway.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Calgary Dream Centre (Telephone 403-243-5598). In living memory of Mark Glaser, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Provincial Park, Cochrane, AB by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Calgary Herald

His brother’s funeral will be the following day at 1:30pm.

The two were killed doing what they loved, adventuring in the outdoors.

Terrible terrible news. I’m still bewildered, angry and in denial.

Lifelong friends, Rob and Mark Glaser, were killed in an avalanche on Saturday, January 15, 2011 in the area of Burstall Pass, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis Country, Alberta.

Here’s the official notice:

The families of Mark and Rob Glaser are in deep shock at the news of their tragic passing. Both were loving husbands and fathers and will be greatly missed by their families and legions of friends. Both were seasoned back country hikers and skiers who shared a deep passion for the outdoors.

Mark lived in Calgary and was in the oil and gas industry for over 25 years including senior management positions in recent years. Rob lived in Bragg Creek and was a captain in the Calgary Fire Department.

The family respectfully requests privacy at this time. Please direct all media contacts through Ed Glaser (brother) at 403-470-3904.

Phone Ed or contact me. I’ll post updates here.

On this trip a few years ago Mark and Rob trained me in snow rescue techniques.

Over 30 years (1978–2007), avalanches have been responsible for 329 deaths in Canada, with a recent rate of 14 deaths per year. …

Avalanche accounts for over 90% of outdoor recreation deaths, most of those in Alberta or B.C.

Damn.