David Leon Waggoner

Article Last Updated; Monday, October 12, 2009 12:01AM

David Leon Waggoner, inventor of a safety device for climbers, died Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, at his home in Laramie, Wyo. He was 53.

Mr. Waggoner was born Dec. 20, 1955, in Fort Collins and attended school there. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy. After his naval service, he became an expert welder and was employed for several years as a welder in the Four Corners.

In 1986, he invented the “Alien,” a camming device that helps ensure the safety of rock climbers by securing their ropes in case of a fall, and started his own company, Colorado Custom Hardware, to market his invention. Initially, he was located in Durango, but moved his operation to Laramie in 1991, when his business became a worldwide operation.

Norwegian explorer Ivar Erik Tollefson, who led an expedition in Antarctica in 1994, and wrote a book about it, wrote to Mr. Waggoner: “We find your camming devices to be the best in the world.”

He married Nadia Ozerova, of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on May 19, 2007, in Laramie, where he owned and managed Colorado Custom Hardware.

He is survived by his wife, Nadia Ozerova; father, Joseph Waggoner, and stepmother, Caroline Edwards Waggoner, both of Billings, Mont.; brothers Bruce Waggoner, of Palo Cedro, Calif., and Frank Waggoner, of Durango; one niece, three aunts, and numerous cousins.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. today, Oct. 12, 2009, at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Laramie with the Rev. Tom Neyland officiating. A graveside service and inurnment will be at 3 p.m. at the Linn Grove Cemetery in Greeley.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Biodiversity Conservations Alliance, P.O. Box 1512, Laramie, WY 82073.

To send condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.montgomerystryker.com.