Locals bid farewell to renowned rock climber

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STRONG SPIRIT- Left, internationally acclaimed rock climber Michael Reardon of Oak Park, shown in earlier days. Below, friends and fans gather at Malibu Creek State Park last week to celebrate Reardon's life and accomplishments. Reardon, 42, was knocked off the side of a cliff by a freak wave while climbing in southern Ireland in July. "Climbing is like life," Reardon once said. "Your goal is just to make the next move. Don't worry about the top. Don't worry about the bottom. . . Just do the next move."

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