It is with sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our longtime Seven Springs ski patroller and dear friend Howard Johnston on Sunday April 12, 2026.
For many years, first as a Safety Ranger and then as a Ski Patroller, Howie was a steady presence on our mountain. The guests came to know him for his kindness and looked forward to greeting him at the Gunnar Chairlift every morning. When he retired due to declining health, just a few years ago, the question; “Where is Howie?” was heard over and over again on the mountain.
Employees from all departments knew him by name, and he had a special way of making everyone feel seen and supported without ever making a big deal of it. At the end of every shift, Howie would send our guests off to the front side of the mountain with a pointed arm, a clear direction, and a contagious smile.
Like many of you, my time working with Howie has been one of the most cherished times of my life. We all have our own special memories of working alongside Howie, sharing long days on the hill, moments of laughter and sometimes a Code 33 (code for having a drink with friends after the shift, and a reference to the Rolling Rock Brewery that used to be nearby) on Friday evenings.
But, it’s all of the little moments with Howie that really stick; the chats in the hut, his childlike pranks, how he would hide cookies in our packs for later, the radio calls that would make you laugh until you cried and how he encouraged joy and fun into every day. Howie always took the extra step in everything he did, made everyone feel special, and he always chose kindness above all else. We all learned so much from him and his presence on this mountain and in this Patrol will never be forgotten.
Beyond Ski Patrol, Howie was a member of the Monongahela Church of the Nazarene that his grandfather, Rev. Paul Andre founded. Over the years, he worked for Combustion Engineering, U.S Steel, where he completed training as an instrument repairman, and for ABB. Using his training and experience, he later performed work as an independent contractor.
Howie and his wife Karen very much enjoyed the gym and the parks (Ohiopyle, South Park, Mingo, and Cedar Creek) working out, running and walking for many years. In his younger years, he also enjoyed running the 10K and 5K races.
Howie was always willing to help others. He was a volunteer fireman in Monongahela, he coached his children’s baseball teams, and for years he helped place and remove flags at cemeteries in the area.
Howie will always be part of our Ski Patrol team. I hope we can all take a moment to reflect on how much Howie has meant to us. I know he would want us to find joy in remembering him through stories and laughter.
At Howie’s request, there will be no funeral service.
Marianne Lewis
Patrol Manager
Seven Springs, PA
