Northwest Sherpa Association

08/27/2026

On behalf of Northwest Sherpa Association, we extend our deepest grief and condolences to the families and communities affected by the devastating floods in the Rasuwa and Bhotekoshi region of Nepal, and to all who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in this tragedy.

We invite our community to join us in prayer for those who have been lost, for those still searching for family and safety, and for the strength and resilience of the communities now working to recover and rebuild.

We strongly encourage our community to give generously through trusted organizations already mobilizing support on the ground, as well as other governmental and non-governmental relief organizations working to help those affected. Our friends at Khangri Experience Foundation are also organizing a fundraiser — if you'd like to give through our own community, please check their website www.khangriexperience.org

Every act of generosity, and every prayer, makes a difference for the people of Nepal in this difficult time. 🙏

08/02/2026

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the heartbreaking loss of ten climbers, including six courageous Nepali mountain guides, in the tragic accident on Broad Peak.

Our hearts are with the families, friends, teammates, and communities whose lives have been forever changed by this unimaginable loss. The mountains inspire us with their beauty and challenge us with their power, but tragedies like this remind us of the immense risks that so many climbers and guides willingly face in service of others.

The Nepali guides who perished were more than skilled mountaineers. They were fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, friends, and the backbone of countless expeditions. For many of their families, they were the primary providers whose strength and sacrifice made a better future possible.

We offer our deepest prayers that these brave souls may attain Parinirvana, finding lasting peace beyond suffering. May their courage, humility, and dedication never be forgotten, and may their memories continue to inspire generations of climbers around the world.

In times like these, we are reminded that our support cannot end with words alone. We encourage our community to stand beside the families left behind by supporting organizations such as The Juniper Fund, which has long provided vital financial assistance and educational support to the families of Nepali mountain workers who have lost their lives in the high mountains. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps provide hope and stability for those who have lost their loved ones and, in many cases, their family’s sole source of income.

May the mountains embrace our fallen friends with peace, and may we honor their legacy not only by remembering their extraordinary courage, but also by caring for the families they loved so deeply.

With deepest sympathy,

Northwest Sherpa Association

On July 30, 2026, an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan killed ten climbers, including six local mountain workers. Their deaths are a direct consequence of the risks these workers take every season, risks The Juniper Fund exists to answer.

We don't hand over cash and walk away. We start with a five-year financial commitment - $4,000 per family, per year - then build the relationships that carry it forward: vocational training, education, small business support, and community initiatives so no family carries this loss alone.

We've done this before. 76 families to date. These six need that same commitment today.

Link below to give or share.

https://gofund.me/67ca1fc7f

06/24/2026

this our last call for Camping RSVP happening in July 4 weekend!

We will soon be finalizing meal plan details and schedules. Check our "Events" page for details. See you all soon!

You're invited to NWSA 2026 Summer Camping - Click here to RSVP

06/22/2026

Thank you everyone for joining us at our Sherpa picnic today! It was wonderful to see our community come together for a day of food, games, laughter, and friendship. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing fathers, and congratulations to our graduates. We appreciate everyone who helped make this event a success. ❤️

04/22/2026

After reaching out to our members via email last month. We are opening up the RSVP to the public.

If you are planning to attend the NWSA Annual Camping, please RSVP. If we do not get enough sign-ups in 2 weeks from today, we will have to cancel our Reservation.

Camping will be 2 nights and 3 days:
Camp Moran State Park
Saturday, July 4th @3:00pm until Monday, July 6th @11:00am

RSVP Link:

You're invited to NWSA 2026 Summer Camping - Click here to RSVP

04/14/2026

We want to Forward the following message from Norkay's Family. Please click on the link OR read the details about the Memorial Service this Thursday.
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It is with deep sorrow and profound respect we announce the passing of a cherished member of the Himalayan community, who left this world at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive stomach cancer.

He passed away at home in Seattle on April 9th, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his wife, Dr. Mari Sullivan, DNP, and sons Dr. James R Sherpa, MD and William T Sherpa.

Born and raised in the shadow of the great Himalayan mountains, he embodied the enduring spirit, resilience, and humility of the Sherpa people. From an early age, as the oldest of 17 siblings, he learned the values of hard work, compassion, and quiet strength—qualities that would define his life and touch all who knew him. He designed many of the trekking routes still used today and trekked through every District in Nepal.

He met his wife Mari in 1988 and married her in 1989. They spent the next few years traveling, camping and mountaineering before settling down and raising children. James Rhinji is now a physician and William Tendi a civil engineer. He told everyone how proud he was of his sons.

He studied culinary arts at North Seattle College and worked in a number of top restaurants in Seattle before joining the US Department of State Foreign Service. There he spent 20 years as a Diplomat working in Diplomatic Security. Upon retirement from the Foreign Service he became a Transit Operator for Kitsap County. in 2024 he proudly won Driver of the Month and was two votes away from winning Driver of the year.

For decades, even while pursuing other careers, he dedicated himself to guiding and supporting climbers from around the world, helping others safely experience the majesty of the Himalayas. His deep knowledge of the mountains, paired with his calm presence and unwavering reliability, earned him the respect of fellow Sherpas and international adventurers alike. To many, he was more than a guide—he was a mentor, protector, and friend.

He was a devoted family man. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, and sons who were the center of his world. His kindness, gentle humor, and steady guidance will live on in their hearts and in the values he instilled in them.

Though his journey was marked by physical hardship in his last year of life, he faced his illness with the same quiet courage that defined his life. He remained grateful, dignified, and deeply connected to his family and community until the very end.
His passing leaves a profound void, but his legacy endures—in the lives he touched, the paths he helped others walk, and the mountains that will forever hold his spirit. His beautiful smile will continue to light up the days of those who knew him.

Local Services will be held at:
10:00 am Thursday April 16th, 2026
Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home
14951 Bothell Way NE
Seattle, WA

Norkay asked specifically that only living flowers and plants be presented if desired. No cut flowers.

A traditional ceremony will be held in his home village of Loding to honor his left and guide his spirit onward.
May he rest in peace among the peaks he cherished.
Om mani padme hung

Celebrate the life of Norkay Sherpa, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home.

04/10/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of passing of our beloved community member, Norkay Sherpa.

Norkay Dai was more than just a member of our community—he was a kind soul whose warmth, generosity, and genuine spirit touched everyone he met. His work and dedication to the NW Sherpa Association serving in various positions will always be remembered. And more so, his ever-present smile that left a lasting, positive impact on all of us will be dearly missed.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends in this hard time.

May his soul rest in peace 🙏🕊️
ཨོཾ་མ་ཎི་པདྨེ་ཧཱུྂ 108