DSettahr

[stripperguy]

This whole community feels this loss, but Jackson's family and closest friends will grieve the most. My heartfelt condolences to you.
He was a great resource and fantastic steward, impossible to fill his shoes...

[tgoodwin]

As everyone else has noted, Brendan's passing leaves a very deep hole in current knowledge about the Adirondack backcountry. I only actually met him in person four times over the past ten years, but his knowledge of campsite locations, lean-to moves, and any other details was invaluable in my work to keep the current ADK High Peaks map up to date. We had countless email exchanges before I ever saw him in person.

I recognized his expertise when he posted a long list of all the errors that he had found on the Nat Geo maps. Some were in the Nat Geo High Peaks map, and I checked out all of his comments. In every case, he identified the errors and described how the map should look. Some were changes that had occurred after the previous deadline, but some needed to be added on the next printing. Based on that experience, I reached out to him to offer advice on the first printing of the current High Peaks map. He responded with numerous additions/corrections, but never asked for more than a few complimentary copies of the map once it was printed.

In one of his communications, he noted that the Moose Pond Horse Trail past Moose Pond was becoming more of a 'herd path' than a horse trail. Although by this time I had no reason to doubt his characterization of this trail, I did decide to check it out along with the Pine Point Trail. I found that, after the junction with the Cold River Horse Trail, the next two miles were exactly as Brendan had described. At two points where the trail made a sharp left, there was fresh flagging to alert hikers to the turn. It was no surprise when I learned that it was Brendan who had put that flagging there, as he was always thinking about how he could help others who were out enjoying the woods that he so enjoyed.

[Craig]

Here is Brendan's obituary;

https://www.applebeefuneralhome.com/obituaries/brendan-jackson

[Breezybass]

Condolences to Brendans Family and Friends.

[NJTom]

Very sad. My deepest condolences to Brendan’s family and friends.

As many others here have mentioned, I will also greatly miss Brendan’s contributions to this forum. His knowledge of the outdoors seemed practically bottomless and his generosity in sharing it endless.

[craigmcg]

I joined this forum in 2008, many years before meeting Brendan in person. I got to know him from his writing here, and figured he was some old-timer who had 40 years of experience. I viewed him as one of superstars of ADK knowledge. Over the years here, I enjoyed many of his lengthy descriptions of some remote place.

Sometime in 2015 (I think) we met in person at an Adirondack Wilderness Advocates meeting, prior to us getting formally organized. At that time, I had no idea that Brendan and Dsettahr were the same person. Unfortunately Brendan couldn't join our group due to his work responsibilities.

I met him on the Calamity Brook trail last summer and we chatted for quite a while about lots of different things. I'm glad for that brief meeting. Although we never spent much time together, I felt a kinship with him through his various posts here and on other platforms. So sorry that he will no longer be with us. A huge loss to the Adirondack wilderness and culture.

[poconoron]

He was an incredible wealth of knowledge and so willing to share.

DSettahr will be greatly missed. RIP.

[Sinite]

Rest in peace DSettahr, you will be greatly missed!

[jmitch]

I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. A true loss for the ADK and hiking community. I wish I met him, we often shared information about PA trails. His posts were exquisite. My condolences to his family and friends.

I hope a trail or mountain is named after him.

[Justin]

I hope a trail or mountain is named after him.

This makes me want to visit "Jackson Summit" and "Jacksons Seat" both within the Silver Lake Wilderness.

[Trail Boss]

My deepest sympathies to Brendan's family and friends.

Almost 15 years ago, one of his many trip reports inspired me to hike McKenzie and Moose (I found and returned a water bottle he had lost during his trip; apparently it had sentimental value). A few months later I joined his organized winter hike to Street and Nye. Afterwards, like many others, I continued to read, and reply, to his many informative reports and comments online. Brendan was a positive influence and he will be deeply missed.

[poconoron]

Latest

https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2025/07/commentary-an-open-letter-to-dec-commissioner-amanda-lefton-regarding-death-of-afr-brendan-jackson.html

[TEO]

I had read a news report of Brendan's death back in June, but only realized that it was DSetthar when reading another report this morning. It came as a blow. Brendan's contributions to this forum and AdkHighPeaks were always kind, full of wisdom and knowledge, and conveyed his deep love for the Adirondack outdoors. He was a shining example of the best of online communities, and it was abundantly clear that he lived a full, rich life in the outdoors. My deep condolences to Brendan's family and loved ones and all those who mourn him. Godspeed Brendan!

[billconner]

I hope someone who has a connection to the family will make the posts here available to them.

[bucket head]

Thank you for thinking of his family. Brendan had an extended chosen family as well. We have been astounded by all the remembrances that people have been sharing.

[Craig]

His father is a member of the forum and has posted in this thread. It's the first reply on page two (#16).

[firewatcher]

This is heartbreaking. Brendan shared so much. Years ago, reading his trip report chronicling the Little Tupper / Oswegatchie traverse inspired me to take up canoe camping in the wilderness, and it has improved my life in too numerous ways to mention. I truly appreciated his willingness to give an answer that the person who asked the question didn't want to hear. His sense of how to safely enjoy the wilderness in a way that was ecologically just was unrivaled.

Thank you, Brendan, for lighting a spark that changed my life and brought me endless joy. I never met you, but will think of you with gratitude often when I travel this land that you loved so much.