Keokuk, Iowa
September 8, 2019

Dear Family & Friends:

I want to take the opportunity to mark the passing of a dear friend in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Puchhanga Bhoti was killed in a motorcycle accident in KTM on August 25, 2019. He was 39 years old and is survived by his wife and two young children. Puchhanga was a devoted Christian, which is somewhat unusual because most residents of Nepal are of the Hindu or Buddhist faith.

Puchhanga was a member of my 2009 Everest expedition. He was assisting my close friend Bud Allen. Puchhanga  summited Mt. Everest about 20 minutes after me. The photo shows him on the summit with the Bible in his lap and a cross in the background.

When my daughters, Lori & Amy, trekked with me in Nepal in 2008, Puchhanga was our constant friend, companion and guardian. After the trek, we attended church with him in KTM. We consider him part of our family.

Please keep Puchhanga and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Bill

Puchhanga Bhoti