Gordon L. Benoit, a member of the Hunt Hollow Ski Patrol in Naples, NY, died on August 26, 2025 at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada while on vacation.
Gordy joined the National Ski Patrol in 1979 at Ski Valley in South Bristol, NY and advanced to become a senior patroller in 1985. When Ski Valley closed in 2000, he transferred to Hunt Hollow to continue his volunteer patrolling career. He was a dedicated member of NSP for 46 years, serving Ski Valley, Hunt Hollow, the Genesee Valley Region, and the Eastern Division with distinction. His exemplary service to the skiing public and leadership as an Assistant Patrol Director, Ski & Toboggan Instructor, Region Senior Outdoor Emergency Transportation Program Administrator, and Division Instructor Trainer earned him National Appointment Number 8814 in 1998 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2016.
Gordy will always be remembered for using his expert skiing and teaching abilities to help others improve their skills and as the guy who always got the job done right and on time. His personal warmth and loyal friendship were felt by everyone, especially when he was barking orders to “get to work” completing the necessary tasks to keep the ski patrol running smoothly. We will always “keep it up” as he often admonished us.
As a Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute educated chemical engineer with a master’s degree, Gordy worked for many years at the Mobil Corporation Research Laboratories where he developed over two dozen patents in thin film materials science. Gordy was also a master woodworker who dedicated his skills to Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years as one of the brightest lights of the “Hammer and Saw” family. In addition, he was renowned for his skills as a birdhouse builder and origami creator.
Gordy was a loving family man who treated everyone with true friendship and fairness. He was very dedicated to the Mendon Presbyterian Church where he served as head of buildings and grounds for 20 years and was Clerk of the Works when a new church was built. He is survived by his wife Beverly Cole Benoit; his children, Nicole (Robert) McCool and Mark (Irina) Benoit, stepdaughters Susan Plano Faber and Karen Stotz; and eight grandchildren.
Gordy had unrelenting dedication, passion, and energy for the Hunt Hollow Ski Patrol. His thoughtfulness and actions have left a meaningful impact that will endure for generations, and he will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues in the ski patrol family.
Norm Robinson, Skip Millor, and Nick Schiavetti
Genesee Valley Region Alumni
