Derek Torry, a Leader Like None Other
A huge Thank You to our great friend Derek Torry! After three 2 year terms Derek is rotating off of our Board of Directors as the exiting President. But don’t worry! He’ll still be leading trips and providing his hilarious reports from the trail.
Derek has been heavily involved with PasstoPass since our first trip with llamas back in 2017 when he saw a notice in the Parkinson’s Foundation newsletter. Since then he has been instrumental in planning and leading trips, and keeping our organization on track while providing humor and joy to our trips.
His experience as an Assistant Scoutmaster and working with other Parkinson’s organizations has been a vital asset. With Derek’s unique insights into PD and backpacking, he’s helped PasstoPass build our organization from a single trip with seven hikers to a 2025 season of fifteen trips with opportunities for 179 hikers.
Derek has led trips in the Washington Cascades, the California Sierras, Joshua Tree NP, and Catalina Island and continues to provide creative and spectacular hike opportunities. He will continue to be involved with PasstoPass, coordinating our group of wonderful Trip Leaders, helping to train new leaders, and providing his unique insight to our team.
Many thanks to all your heart-warming support and leadership. I look forward to making many more miles together on the trails.
Derek – you’re the best!! Thanks for all you have done, are doing, and will do! See you on the trail. Cheers, Eric
Derek was a fantastic trip leader. I was lucky to have him on my hike last summer. We went from White to Chinook pass. Thank you for your fantastic support.
Derek is the best. I look forward to a backpacking trip with him soon!