Honoring the Legacy of GeoEx Trailblazer Al Read

By GeoEx Staff | February 2, 2024

It is with a mix of profound sorrow and gratitude that we announce the passing of a true adventurer and visionary, Al Read, who was a cherished member of the GeoEx family for more than four decades. At the age of 87, Al left behind a legacy that has shaped the very essence of our company and inspired countless journeys around the world.

Al’s connection with GeoEx dates back to 1982, a time when the company briefly bore the name Doubleday, Edwards, & Read before it evolved into InnerAsia Expeditions. His influence and dedication spanned over four decades, during which he served InnerAsia/GeoEx in various capacities, including expedition leader, Executive Vice-Chairman, and esteemed Board Member.

Before his time with GeoEx, Al’s adventurous spirit led him to become the President of Mountain Travel Nepal and the pioneering founder/owner of Nepal’s first commercial rafting company. Fate intervened when he crossed paths with George Doubleday, a meeting that would forever alter the course of GeoEx’s history.

Al’s passion for exploration and mountains was unparalleled. With first ascents in the Tetons, the Himalayas, and Denali’s East Buttress, he left an indelible mark on the world of adventure. As the President/Owner of Exum Mountain Guides in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, his influence reached new heights. Even in his later years, Al continued to live life to the fullest, splitting his time between Jackson Hole, Chamonix, Bariloche, and Marin.

As is evident in the GeoEx Story and the list of GeoEx Firsts, Al played a fundamental role in the development of GeoEx. His spirit of exploration, coupled with a genuine love for the mountains and distant landscapes, laid the foundation for our rich expeditionary heritage.

Al was fondly known to all as “The Great Yak,” a moniker that was captured in a famous photo of him seemingly hugging a yak. That image manifests the essence of Al’s connection to the wild and the untamed, and the trailblazing spirit that defined his life.

Al is survived by his wife, Susan, and his daughter, Kristen.

As we mourn the loss of a true pioneer, let us also celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Al Read. GeoEx will forever be indebted to the man who not only shaped our company but also ignited the flame of adventure in the hearts of all those who follow in his footsteps. May his spirit continue to inspire us to explore, discover, and cherish the wonders of our world, just as Al did throughout his extraordinary journey.