Song Mountain Ski Patrol in the Central New York Region of Eastern Division has lost another former patrol leader. Doug Scharbach, who served on the Song patrol for more than 30 years, passed away at his home in Manlius, NY, on November 14, 2024. He was 90.
Doug was the Song patrol leader between 1988 and 1990. He was well respected and known for his low-key demeanor; traits he no doubt developed from his service in the US Navy and later as a manager in the lumber business. It was at one of his jobs that he saved an employee’s life in 1979 using skills learned on the ski patrol. For that action, the NSP awarded Doug a Purple Merit Star, and the Eastern Division bestowed him with its William Gross Memorial Award.
A graduate of the New York State School of Forestry at Syracuse University in 1955, Doug enlisted in the Navy and served as an ensign following Officer Candidate School (OCS). His Naval career placed him as a maintenance officer in two squadrons on and off aircraft carriers on the east coast and on the Mediterranean during the ‘Turkey Crisis’ of 1957-58. He was discharged as a LTJG in 1959 and moved to Norwich, NY, taking a job as assistant sales manager at a lumber company. He became a Deacon at his church, president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and was instrumental in building a small ski area there called Penguin Peak.
In 1965, he took a new job and relocated to Manlius. He joined the ski patrol, where he used his leadership skills to further enjoyment of skiing and the outdoors. To that end, he also enjoyed sailing, canoeing, hiking, climbing the Adirondack High Peaks, camping, golfing, fishing, and hunting. He loved woodworking, building furniture, and making holiday decorations.
But most importantly, Doug enjoyed his family. A native of Schenectady, he married his childhood sweetheart Lynn and they were together for 69 years. Both would agree that their lives were strengthened and enhanced by membership in their church.
He is survived by Lynn and their three daughters, LeeAnn, Heidi, and Gretchen; five grandchildren; three great-granddaughters; and a sister.
