ALLENSTOWN - We celebrate the life of Lee A. Hansche. Lee was born on March 8, 1978 and died on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Lee loved rock climbing, and he was always looking around the corner for the next great adventure. That could be questing through the back country seeking out new cliffs, going to Rock Rimmon for a quick lap on his lunch break, or hanging out with friends in any number of settings.

Lee worked at Vertical Dreams for over 20 years, and took great love in introducing people to rock climbing, and sharing his excitement for the activity. While there, Lee mentored countless young people and helped them find their own way in life. In addition to his time at Vertical Dreams, Lee loved exploring every nook and cranny of Rumney. More recently, Lee found great love and passion in opening new climbing routes and areas. His passion for exploration led him to contributing significantly to the development of climbing in the greater Waterville Valley area.

In addition to climbing-related activities, Lee was also a proponent for the conservation of birds, and opened the eyes of many to their beauty. Lee assisted the NH Audubon in banding peregrine falcons and educated others about the birds. Lee was creative and artistic, which he showed through his photography, drawings and projects around the house. He loved to sing around the house and was a skilled dancer. When Lee was younger, he spent time skateboarding and snowboarding. More recently, Lee began mountain biking.

Lee was a natural born leader with incredible strength of character. He was filled with love, compassion, and patience. Anyone who got to know him quickly found out just how special he made everyone feel. If you knew Lee, you felt “seen”. Lee was a loving husband and a steadfast friend. Lee will forever live on through his contributions to the climbing community and in the light he shared with others.

Lee is survived by his beloved wife, Victoria Kidd; his father, Ernest Hansche; his mother, Robin Mulcahy, and his brother, Daniel Hansche.

In the wake of Lee's passing, we encourage you to share memories and upload photos of him on his memorial page (or various socials). In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in Lee's honor, which can be accessed here: https://gofund.me/1dd4a4f4 .

Donations may also be made directly to the Rumney Climbers Association, Central New Hampshire Climbers Association, or NH Audubon.

A private Celebration of Life will be held on June 8th, and a public Celebration of Life will be held on August 3, 2024 at the AAC Campground in Rumney at 5:30 pm.