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
So sorry to hear your friend died. I loved your short bio of that wonderful young man of faith
Bill, Condolences on the passing of your dear friend, Puchhanga. No doubt you’ll oft remember him as you paddle down the Mississippi. Thoughts are with you and his family.
Kevin
So very sorry about your dear friend. Our prayers will go out for his family.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep Puchhanga and his family in my prayers.
Bill
That is tough news. We we’ll be praying for him and his family and of course also you on the Mississippi.
Bill, thank you for this post in honoring the memory of Puchhanga. His family and church family are still in shock over this tragic event. He was so well loved and impacted people from all around the world.
We have collected a love gift from people all over who knew Puchhanga and will continue to do so through the month of September. We will then wire it directly to his wife’s bank account in Nepal. I’ve been in touch with friends of the family and from his church and they have kept me apprised as to how they are all doing. If you any questions, please feel free to contact me at tilleryjack@gmail.com.
Blessings on you and your trip down the Mississippi.
Let me know when you come through New Orleans and I might be able to make a trip over to at least have a chance to meet you. Thanks again.
Jack Tillery
Bill,
I am so sorry for the loss of your good friend, as well as Puchhanga’s family, back in Nepal.
I cannot begin to imagine your heart felt pain upon hearing the news.
I have lost more than my own share of family members, and friends in the past 30 months, and it has made me so appreciative of just being alive, and grateful for the daily opportunity to live another day.
Please stay safe and God speed ahead. (After reading about the snakes, on your current trip, I had to cringe with a bit of fear.)