Douglas Tompkins, co-founder of North Face and Esprit apparel died yesterday from hypothermia after falling into near-freezing water from a kayak in southern Chile. Tompkins, 72, poured millions of dollars into conservation, mostly in South American ecosystems, including the financing of national parks. He and his wife, Kristine saved an estimated two million acres of wildlands over the past quarter century in the Patagonia region, constantly campaigning against destructive practices and private interests. When asked about his legacy by the Chilean magazine “Paula” recently, Tompkins said: “People will walk on these lands. Don’t you think that’s more beautiful than a tomb.”
We could not agree more with this purpose. Goodbye Mr. Tompkins, conservation will miss you dearly.
