September 1, 1942 – March 6, 2025
Wendy Elaine Dickson was born in San Francisco, California September 1, 1942. She died in Grand Junction, Colorado, on March 6, 2025.
Wendy had a masters degree in archaeology from San Francisco State University. This prepared her for adventures in the California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah deserts. She and her husband Andy Pitas were considered by many in the field to be the best husband and wife canyoneer teams of their time.
In 1972, they did the first ever descent of Middle and South Fork Robbers Roost Canyon. By 1975 they embarked out to fully explore the home of the Anasazi in Utah. Cedar Mesa was hundreds of square miles and had never been fully explored.
Over many years, alongside some of the top names in the field and along with their daughter Lyla,born in 1982, they explored the canyons of Cedar Mesa and all the canyons north leading into Lake Powell. They were the first people in almost every case to have been in any of these canyons in over 800 years.
Wendy was a very gifted athlete. She and her husband won over 400 medals in track and field starting in 1991. They were inducted into the Huntsman World Senior games Hall of Fame in 2018.
Wendy, Andy, and Lyla were part of the first group of people to establish the routes on the Potash Wall beginning when they moved to Moab in 1987. They were close friends with Kyle Copeland, who was the original pioneer, establishing the climbing routes along the Potash Wall.
Wendy has many climbs named after her. The tower on the road leading to Hite is named Goat Roper in honor of Wendy’s first ascent and her nickname, the Goat.
They partnered with Carl and Julie Deidrich to explore many previously unexplored canyons, and do first ascent climbs on numerous towers in the southeastern Utah area. Being associated with the Diedriches, along with Greg Child, there was no place that they could not explore.
Wendy and Andy met in the Haight Ashbury in 1968. Wendy was one of the original people in the Haigt Ashbury and established the name and culture of the original “hippies.” They never planned to have children and Wendy had the original Dalkon Shields IUD. She won the original lawsuit in the case when she was pronounced medically sterile.
When Wendy got pregnant in 1981, it was considered the greatest miracle they could have imagined. Adding Lyla to the family in June 1982 couldn’t have been more exciting.
Lyla showed an immediate ability for climbing and canyoneering. She was leading her own expeditions by the age of 12 and was considered one of the best young climbers of her day.
Andrea and Kim Wheeling and their children became the family’s go-to exploration partners, teaching the next generation about the great wonders of the West. Kit Harwood, Wendy’s sister, spent many years exploring alongside them as well.
Lyla later married Cody Slade, giving Andy and Wendy three grandkids who became Wendy’s pride and joy. Makayla is currently 19, attending the University of Utah on an honors scholarship studying nursing. Nadalynn, 15, is an avid competitive dancer. She is a sophomore in high school and an honors student. Lyam, 12, is a super-powerful athlete who has yet to dedicate himself to just one sport — inheriting this from his grandparents’ many athletic abilities. Lyla and Cody own their own successful painting company in South Jordan, Utah.
Wendy is survived by her sisters Kit Harwood, Sue Dickson, and Eve Eppard; her twin brother, Gary Dickson; and her husband, daughter, and grandkids. She was preceded in death by her sister Jill Relles of Sacramento, California. She leaves behind a legacy that few people could surpass. She will be forever missed and loved. Wendy was an organ and tissue donor.
At Wendy’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of her life in early summer 2025 to honor her. Please contact Andy Pitas if you’re interested in the time and place of the memorial celebration: 801-696-7733
You may send condolences to the family at SpanishValleyMortuary.com or www.SVMC.US.
