In Memoriam – Rick Finch
With deep sadness and a very heavy heart, the Titus Mountain Ski Patrol had to say goodbye to fellow patroller Rick Finch. On Thursday, January 18, 2024, Rick was involved in a fatal accident on a ski lift at Titus Mountain while on duty. Rick was loved by all on our patrol and the staff at Titus Mountain who knew him.
Born on November 7, 1955, to George and Virginia Finch, and brother to Vic (Dorothy) Finch, Jim (Gail) Finch, George (Betty) Finch, and Tom (Shirley) Finch. Rick grew up in Clare, Michigan, and had a childhood filled with adventure. He was a musician and athlete – setting the stage for his lifelong love of sports and music.
He married Sherry (Deaton) on September 1, 1979, but they started dating in 1974, so they get credit for a full fifty years of partnership. They both attended Aquinas College and lived in several mid-western towns and cities as Rick pursued his medical education and a career that allowed him to regularly feel the adrenaline rush that he loved. They moved to Malone in 1989 where Rick could combine his love of the outdoors and activity with a career in emergency medicine.
They had two children; a daughter Adria Finch (Patrick Engle) and a son James Finch (Brittnie Finch). He was grandfather to Alesandra Finch (16), Serenity Finch (8), Anderson FinchEngle (6), Lilah Finch (5), and Elin Finch Engle (2). By watching him, Rick’s children and grandchildren learned so much about balancing hard work with the things that bring them joy. Consequently, they have many of the same interests and skills ranging from home improvement projects, to golf, to watching a car race.
Rick was a physician’s assistant in emergency medicine and later became a surgical assistant to local orthopedic surgeons. He was a part of the medical team of the Clarkson University Hockey Team.
Rick joined the Titus Mountain Ski Patrol in 1993. He wore many hats within our organization; as a consultant on our medical review team, lift evacuation instructor, and mentor to many patrollers. Rick also took active involvement with our candidates assisting anyone who needed extra help with ski and toboggan. He enjoyed many activities besides his love of skiing. Rick loved motorcycle riding, tinkering around the house, and spending time with family. He loved a good NASCAR race; and an occasional cold beer.
Titus Mountain honored Rick by having a last radio call. We will never forget you, Rick, and thank you for your service to our organization. You will be missed. May you rest easy, your shift has ended. Rest in peace.
Eastern Division is developing a backpack safety campaign called “Rick’s Rules” to honor Rick and increase safety for all the skiing and riding public.
Read about other patrollers who have completed their Final Sweep by clicking In Memoriam in the red bar at the top of the page.
Do you want to be an instructor, or know someone else who does? We in the Eastern Division are always looking for good instructors. The process is not difficult but can seem confusing to many patrollers. Becoming an instructor consists of taking the Instructor Development Course (see below) and mentoring with a qualified instructor in the discipline you want to teach. The disciplines include Outdoor Emergency Care, Outdoor Emergency Transportation, Avalanche, Mountain Travel & Rescue, Bike Patrol, and even Instructor Development itself. The mentoring phase is a very important part of the process of becoming an instructor. You will learn valuable tips and techniques for making your lessons impactful and successful.
