Nick Hall is down from the mountain. His body was recovered Thursday by six fellow climbing rangers on Mount Rainier.

Hall died June 21 when he fell 2,500 feet during the rescue of four climbers after two of them had fallen into a crevasse on Emmons Glacier at the 13,800-foot level of the 14,411-foot peak. Weather and avalanche danger had prevented the recovery of Hall's body before Thursday.

The Mount Rainier rangers are competent and experienced mountain climbers, ready with advice, words of precaution and ropes and guidance for those in trouble. Without them, this signature outdoor activity of the Pacific Northwest would be more deadly.

According to Hall's family, he was living his life as he wanted: active, outdoors and helpful to others. For anyone who loves the mountain, who loves to go up it, now is the time to give a thought, a prayer, some thanks to Nick Hall.