Eastern Division NSP's News Magazine

To quote Gretchen Rous Besser, “Skiing has been the perfect mix of my intellectual and athletic life.”

Gretchen Rous Besser first put on a pair of skis and slid down Observatory Hill as a student at Wellesley College. She admits she didn’t know what she was doing, but she liked it enough to try again.

For her second trip, she borrowed Northland wooden skis from her cousin and went with a group from New York City to Bromley, Vermont. She remembers the weather was freezing cold and she fell – a lot – but she still loved it. That love affair lasted more than seven decades, and despite dislocating her shoulder a dozen times and two hip replacements, this petite and strong-willed woman still left her house in the dark, at least three days a week, to earn first tracks as Stowe’s “Dawn Patrol.”

She joined the National Ski Patrol after witnessing a child hurt under the chairlift at Smugglers’ Notch Madonna Mountain. “My heart went out to the crying child, and I decided then that I wanted to do something to help.”

She started as a volunteer at Milton Snow Bowl in New Jersey. Then, in 1966, she joined the patrol at Smugglers’ after earning her Emergency Medical Training certification. Finally, she was admitted to the patrol on the Stowe side of the Notch. “They didn’t allow women on the patrol at Mount Mansfield,” said Besser, “but we didn’t make waves back then.”

Roger H. Damon Jr., 97, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., died peacefully at home on Spring Street on September 2, 2026, surrounded by love.

Roger was born on January 21, 1929, in Jersey City, N.J., the only child of Roger H. Damon Sr. and Clara Louise Bruce Damon. His mother died when Roger was 3, and when his father left for service during World War II, Roger was lovingly raised in Melrose, Mass., by his paternal grandparents, “Buppa” and “Mardie,” and his Aunt Amy. Their love helped shape the kind, curious, independent man Roger would become, with a deep devotion to family, friends, and the outdoors.

Roger graduated from Melrose High School and from Norwich University in 1951 with a degree in mechanical engineering. At Norwich, he developed his lifelong interests in mountain winter warfare, skiing, and ski patrolling and met his future wife, Doris Katherine Jensen. They shared 65 years together until Doris died in 2016. Roger later found love again and married Pam Dearborn in 2020, who was by his side during his final hours.

Douglas Stanford Zecher passed away at his home in East Dorset, suddenly on July 19, 2026.

Doug received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont in agriculture, plant, and soil science. Most everyone knew Doug for his active role in the Bromley ski patrol as past director and contributing member for 50-plus years. He had the honor of patrol 5.

Doug’s passion for the outdoors came from his upbringing on Overlook Farm in Manchester, Vermont. By his family and close friends he was known for his fast driving, tractoring, his passion for gardening, and his favorite, making maple syrup at Havoc Hill Sugarhouse.

Robert Francis McLaughlin, Jr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, at the age of 84 in DeBary, Florida. Born on June 5, 1942, in Somerville, Massachusetts, Bob lived a life marked by service, leadership, adventure, and dedication to others. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Harvard University and went on to enjoy a distinguished career as a Clinical Psychologist and as a Consultant for Executive Leadership Development before his retirement.

Outside of his professional career, Bob embraced a lifetime of adventure and outdoor pursuits. He enjoyed hiking, camping, and skiing throughout the United States, and was an avid runner who participated in numerous 5K races and completed the Disney Marathon. He also enjoyed spending time on the golf course with family and friends.

Service to others was a defining characteristic of his life. As an Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, and member of the Order of the Arrow, he achieved the Vigil Honor—the highest recognition bestowed upon members of the Order. Through decades of involvement in Scouting, he mentored countless young people and helped guide many on their journey to becoming Eagle Scouts.

William R. Worobec of Williamsport, Pa., devoted conservationist, public servant, master craftsman, avid skier, and loving family man, passed away surrounded by family on May 18, 2026. Bill was born on Oct 13, 1947, son of Dr. Russell N. and Elsie P. Worobec.

He was a graduate of Mercersburg Academy, after which he attended Bucknell University and then graduated from Lycoming College. He completed his graduate studies at the Wharton School.

Bill’s personal passions reflected his love of the outdoors, adventure, craftsmanship, and family. He shared countless hours skiing and fly fishing with his daughters, Eve, Erika, and Rebecca, always delighting in watching them learn, explore, and grow.

A lifelong skier, he served the National Ski Patrol as part of the Ski Sawmill Ski Patrol in the Western Appalachian Region for 35 years. He served many years as Day Leader and assistant Patrol Director, then as Patrol Director for four years, guiding the patrol skillfully through a difficult period of bankruptcy of the ski area, and management by a bank. He taught his children to ski, and spent more than 50 years enjoying the slopes, particularly in Aspen, where the family shared a home.

David Hayle of Malone, NY, passed away on May 22, 2026, at the age of 75. Dave led a full and “adventurous” life. He was a four-year veteran of the armed forces. He enjoyed camping, motorcycling, golfing, boating, traveling, and especially skiing.

He started skiing at Moon Valley Ski Area, long before it became Titus Mountain. In his over 30 years of service with the Titus Building Committee and assisted with many Octoberfest celebrations. The patrol was an extended family where he formed lifelong friendships for him and his family. He was especially close to the infamous “Sunday Morning Shift”

Dave particularly took pride in teaching his three amazing daughters and grandchildren to ski at Titus. Many days were spent at the mountain skiing and enjoying “apres” skiing!

It is with great sadness that the Catamount Ski Patrol of Hillsdale, NY in the Eastern New York Region announces the passing of Gary B. Peck, a Senior-credentialed, 33-year member. Gary passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, with family at his side. Gary’s life was marked by commitment to his family, friends, service to the community, love of skiing, and a passion for the outdoors.

Gary’s journey began in his hometown of Copake, NY, surrounded by deep family roots and tradition. After high school he answered the call to serve his country. He honorably served with the U.S Army, demonstrating the dedication and integrity that would define his whole life.

Gary’s professional career included many positions with a prominent local phone company beginning as a lineman, and ultimately as a member of its board of directors. His professional accomplishments were matched by his commitment to volunteerism and community service. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, he served faithfully on the Catamount Ski Patrol for more than three decades, passing the torch to his son, Adam, who is currently an active member of Catamount’s patrol. Gary was famously known for his unique yodeling ability while skiing with streamlined grace and style while “schussing” down the mountain.

Bob Crossman passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, at his home in Lake Titus, N.Y., surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marilyn, and their three daughters, Beth, Caryn, and Emily, who were his reason for being, and his six grandchildren. Bob was predeceased by his cherished son, David, in 1991.

From 1964 to 1968, Bob served in the United States Navy in the Naval Communications Security Group. Bob later joined Alcoa Aluminum in Massena, NY, as a millwright, retiring in 2001. He served as the Town of Malone Code Officer for 20 years and later as the Code Officer in Westville, NY, and Duane, NY.

Bob was happiest when he was out meeting and helping people. He loved to ski and taught all of his kids and grandkids and many of their friends to ski as well. He was a member of Titus Mountain Ski Patrol in Malone, NY for over thirty years, many of them with the famed “Sunday morning crew.”

James (Jay) Sanders, Jr., an alumni member of the Blue Knob Ski Patrol (BKSP), PA passed away on April 6, 2026.

Jay grew up in Rye, NH with winters of skiing and pond hockey, and summer camp sailing. He served in the US Navy and earned an EE degree at Tufts University. Following graduation, he took a position in Maryland supporting a US Navy missile systems contractor. He met his wife Carol, skiing at Blue Knob (BK) and they were married in 1967.

Jay joined the BKSP in 1970 to begin his 50-year NSP ski patrol career. He achieved senior status in 1972. During his career, he held numerous leadership positions including both OET and MTR instructor. He also served as both an APL and a PL. His awards included BKSP Patroller of the Year for several years, a Yellow Merit Star for Cooperation During Lifesaving Efforts at Blue Knob in 2012, and National Appointment #4965 in 1978.

Known widely on the patrol as “Mr. Radio,” Jay introduced VHF radio system technology to BK in the 1970s and served as Telecommunications Advisor for 50 years. His radio skills coupled with a passion for ski patrolling converged and became his career mission. He designed and built the system currently in place, incorporated upgrades, and trained patrollers in the professional use.