by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 10, 2026 | In Memoriam
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 Wellesley College student. 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 needing two hip replacements, this petite, 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.”
A Fulbright scholar who studied French Literature at the Sorbonne in Paris and then earned her Ph.D. while teaching at Columbia, Gretchen was on an International Ski Patrol trip to Switzerland in 1975 and she started thinking, “What can I do for the Patrol that’s different from teaching first aid and bringing people down the mountain?”
Calling on her writing talents, she proposed a book-length history of the NSP. The Board agreed and named her National Historian (the organization’s first), and The National Ski Patrol: Samaritans of the Snow debuted in 1983. She wrote an updated version for the Patrol’s 75th anniversary in 2013, the same year she was inducted into the inaugural class of the National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame.
In her role as Historian, she also managed the NSP’s archives at the Denver Public Library and designed the museum at the national headquarters in Lakewood, Colorado. After all, who better to manage the history than a woman who has written a column for the National Ski Patrol magazine since 1978?
Besser toured five of the seven continents on skis. In 1987, she went with a U.S. delegation to advise China on ski safety and developing areas like White Cloud near Jilin. “They were loading every other chair on the single chairlift at White Cloud,” Besser recalls, “saying ‘American weigh more than Chinese.’ At the mid-station, however, the Chinese racers were filling the empty chairs, sometimes even sitting on the armrests. The lift overloaded and started to roll back. We had to jump. I wasn’t as concerned about the height as I was the rocks underneath. But we all managed to land safely,” she said adding, “The Chinese laughed and laughed.” Needless to say, Besser had to tactfully recommend better safety measures. “There was no such thing as risk management.”
Because she could speak five languages, she served two years (1979 and 1980) as a hostess in the V.I.P. lounge, greeting the racers at both the World Cup and Winter Olympic events at Lake Placid.
She also had a chance meeting with Jean Claude Killy at Gretchen’s Restaurant in Sun Valley in 1978. She didn’t recognize the famous Olympian but overheard him speaking French and later learned they were both nursing dislocated shoulders.
Without a doubt, skiing filled Besser’s scrapbook with once-in-a-lifetime memories. She, in turn, devoted her head and heart to the sport she loved.
Career Highlights:
1949-50: Fulbright Scholar studying French Literature, Sorbonne University, Paris
1966: Ski Patrol at Smugglers’ Notch
1967: PhD, Columbia University
1976: National Ski Patrol Historian
1978: Began writing “National Notes” for National Ski Patrol Magazine
1980: National Appointment #5756
1983: The National Ski Patrol: Samaritans of the Snow
1987: Ski Safety Delegate to China
1990: National Ski Patrol Distinguished Service Award
1997: International Ski History Association Ullr Award
2013: Inducted to the inaugural class of National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame
2015: Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum Hall of Fame, Paul Robbins Award
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 10, 2026 | In Memoriam
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.
Following graduation, Roger was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and called to active duty during the Korean War. Stationed in Salzburg, Austria, he worked at the Austrian mountain training center while pursuing his love of skiing and climbing in the Alps. He continued his military career in the U.S. Army Reserve, ultimately attaining the rank of Colonel.
Roger and Doris settled in St. Johnsbury and raised their three daughters, Katherine, Linda, and Amy. Roger enjoyed a long engineering career with Fairbanks Morse Scales, eventually managing its engineering department and contributing to innovations that resulted in multiple patents. He later became chief engineer at EHV Weidmann and continued as an engineering consultant after retiring in 1998.
Roger’s dedication to skiing and the National Ski Patrol was a defining part of his life. He joined the National Ski Patrol in 1947 and received his National Appointment #2835 in 1965, beginning an extraordinary 72-year journey of service, teaching, mentoring, and leadership. He served as patrol director at Burke Mountain and patrolled at Norwich University’s ski hill, Bolton Valley and Mount Washington.
An emergency care and avalanche instructor, Roger was a pioneer in avalanche education in the Eastern Division, developing and teaching some of the National Ski Patrol’s first basic and advanced avalanche courses in the East. His passion for snow and avalanches extended into snow science, research, publications and presentations at international conferences. In 1996, he presented a paper at the first international avalanche conference held in Russia.
Roger’s contributions were recognized with the National Ski Patrol Distinguished Service Award in 2016, the Yellow Merit Star, the Eastern Division Outstanding Instructor Award, and the National Silver Merit Star for his work in avalanche education. In 2013, the Eastern Division established the Roger H. Damon Jr. Eastern Division Avalanche Award in his honor, with Roger as its first recipient. The award recognizes outstanding and continuing contributions to avalanche education and the Eastern Division’s Avalanche Program.
His National Ski Patrol service concluded with more than 40 years with the Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol, much of it involving demanding climbs, descents and rescues in Tuckerman Ravine. He retired from active patrol in 2018 at age 89 because, according to Roger, being a ski patroller at 90 was “ridiculous.” But he never really stopped being a patroller at heart. He continued teaching and mentoring generations of patrollers and sharing his knowledge and love of skiing and the mountains. Even in his final days, conversations returned to skiing, patrolling, snow conditions and Tuckerman Ravine.
Skiing remained a lifelong passion. Roger made his final turns on his 95th birthday, skiing with his family and, true to form, beating his granddaughter down the hill.
Roger was also an accomplished climber and mountaineer. In 1962, he and fellow climbers Dan Brodien and Andy Fisher made the first ascent of the Lakeview Route on Cannon Cliff following a major rockfall. He climbed throughout New Hampshire, the Cascade Range, Greenland, and Mexico and helped organize one of the region’s first formal mountain search-and-rescue groups, the Mountain Rescue Service in North Conway. He participated in rescues of hikers and climbers in difficult terrain, combining his love of the mountains with a commitment to helping others enjoy them safely.
Roger’s love of the outdoors extended to flying, biking, camping, travel, hiking, and backpacking. He summited New Hampshire’s 48 4,000-footers numerous times, in both summer and winter, and was a steadfast volunteer for the Appalachian Mountain Club, receiving the AMC Community Builder Award in 2019.
Roger was particularly devoted to AMC Cold River Camp in North Chatham, N.H. His connection began there as a child in 1932. He later worked on the Croo, served as a hike leader and committee member, and remained a dedicated volunteer throughout his life. He loved the mountains, especially the Baldfaces, and the community at Cold River Camp, passing that love on to his children and grandchildren. Even at age 87, he completed the more-than-10-mile Baldface Circle once again.
Roger loved to read and was a published author, contributing articles on the outdoors, aviation, skiing, and snow science. In 2014, he published his novel, The Third Watch. He was, in every sense, a Renaissance man — an engineer, pilot, ski patroller, climber, teacher, explorer, writer, musician, outdoorsman, and volunteer. More than anything, he loved sharing what he knew.
Roger leaves behind a remarkable legacy — not only in the many things he accomplished but in the countless people with whom he shared his knowledge, enthusiasm, humor and love of life. He taught those around him to be curious, to keep learning, to get outside, to try something new and to lend a hand when someone needed it. His children and grandchildren carry forward his love of the mountains and the outdoors, his sense of adventure, and his belief that life is best lived fully and shared generously. Roger lived 97 years with purpose, curiosity and an extraordinary zest for life. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever present in the mountains, trails, skies and stories he loved so well.
Roger is survived by his wife, Pamela Dearborn, of St. Johnsbury; and his daughters, Amy and her husband, Timothy Grover, of Bolton, Vt., and their children, Ted and Miranda; Linda Damon of Shelburne, Vt.; and Katherine and her husband, Casimiro Izquierdo, of Chantilly, Va., and their children, Gabriela and Casey. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and generations of people whose lives he touched through his teaching, mentoring, volunteer service and lifelong love of the outdoors.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Roger’s memory may be made to the Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 City Square, Suite 2, Boston, MA 02129. Please note that the donation is specifically for AMC Cold River Camp.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer St., St. Johnsbury. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, 1 p.m., at United Community Church, 1325 Main St., St. Johnsbury. A reception will follow at Roger’s home, 25 Spring St., St. Johnsbury.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 10, 2026 | In Memoriam
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.
Doug is survived by Melissa, his wife of 46 years, sons Collin and Kyle, and his mother Jane Zecher.
A celebration of life was held September 12, 2026 at the Aerie Inn Motel in East Dorset, Vermont.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 10, 2026 | In Memoriam
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.
Bob dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Sunapee Ski Patrol at Mount Sunapee, New Hampshire. His commitment extended to the National Ski Patrol, where he held numerous leadership positions at the regional, divisional, and national levels. As an Avalanche Instructor, he shared his expertise and passion for safety, education, and stewardship of the outdoors with generations of patrollers and skiers. Bob received National Appointment #8416 in 1997, a Yellow Merit Star in 1999, a Meritorious Service Award in 2003. He served on the National Ski Patrol Board of Directors receiving a BOD Retirement Award in 2002.
Robert is survived by his loving daughters, Kalen (John) Krim of Sanford, Florida; Kirsten (Kenneth) Winship-Peck of DeLand, Florida; and Karin McLaughlin of DeLand, Florida. He is also survived by his brother, James (Janet) McLaughlin of Anchorage, Alaska; his sisters, Jean McLaughlin of Townsend, Massachusetts, and Elaine (Charles) Boyd of Oakland, Maryland. Robert was a proud grandfather to Spencer (William) Drury, Kellie (Jakob) Valentine, Jacob Winship, Owen Winship, John (Haley) Krim, and Brendan Winship. He was further blessed with five great-grandchildren: great-granddaughters Hayden and Josie Drury, Dylan and Ellory Valentine, and great-grandson Theodore Robert Krim.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Francis McLaughlin, Sr. and Madeline McLaughlin, and by his beloved wife of nearly forty years, Suzanne McWilliams McLaughlin.
Robert will be remembered for his intellect, generosity, leadership, adventurous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the people he mentored, and the family he loved so deeply.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 10, 2026 | In Memoriam
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.
He was also an avid upland bird hunter, gifted dog trainer, and master craftsman who created early American-style furniture entirely by hand using traditional tools and methods reminiscent of colonial artisans.
Bill served as a Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, helping to oversee the stewardship of the states fisheries, boating programs, and aquatic habitat and helping guide statewide conservation policy and environmental initiatives.
A passionate advocate for science-based resource management, Bill worked tirelessly to protect and restore Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers. He was particularly dedicated to habitat restoration and responsible environmental stewardship, often emphasizing the importance of safeguarding waterways affected by development and gas drilling. He believed deeply that healthy ecosystems and strong communities go hand in hand.
Bill belonged to many conservation focused organizations including Trout Unlimited, Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, and the Dunwoody Big Bear Fish and Game Club. Among his proudest accomplishments was helping secure more than one million dollars in grants and donations to restore Big Bear Creek, preserving the stream for future generations of anglers and wildlife alike. Trout Unlimited honored him with the title of Director Emeritus.
In addition to his environmental work, he founded a local gardening and food distribution initiative that helped feed hundreds of local families.
Professionally, Bill spent more than fifty years as an investment advisor. He began his career with the New York-based firm Kidder, Peabody & Co. and concluded it with Wells Fargo.
A longtime resident of Williamsport, his legacy lives on through his family and the countless individuals he inspired through his leadership, generosity, and example. He is survived by his wife, Pamela; his children, Eve Lapine, Erika Worobec, and Rebecca Worobec-Gaucin; and his cherished grandchildren, Mason, Olivia, and Garret (Eve), Nash (Erika), and Scout (Rebecca), who brought him endless joy
He will be remembered for his integrity, adventurous spirit, thoughtful leadership, unwavering commitment to conservation, extraordinary craftsmanship, and the love, pride, and support he poured into his family, his community, and the natural world.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 10, 2026 | In Memoriam
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!
Dave will be missed by all on the mountain.
Submitted by William “Bill” Boyea
Titus Mountain Ski Patrol
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 10, 2026 | In Memoriam
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.
His professional lineman experience with heights, ropes, and knots made him an integral part of the annual Lift Evac Instructor Team. Gary also served on the local Community Rescue Squad for many years. The skills he acquired there made him a major asset with trauma injuries at Catamount throughout his years of service to the mountain.
Gary was a lifelong outdoorsman. He was an avid hunter, antique gun collector, and an enthusiast of Harley Davidson motorcycles. His adventurous, generous, positive outlook and spirit were well-known among his family and friends.
When he wasn’t patrolling, his love of skiing took him to many ski areas on the east coast as well as out west, to areas in Colorado, Utah, and also heli-skiing in the Bugaboos.
When he wasn’t skiing, one of Gary’s most treasured places was his camp on Copake Lake, NY; a beloved family retreat now in its third generation. There, he delighted in water skiing, sailing, and savoring the tranquility of lake life. He and his wife, Debbie often hosted the Ski Patrol’s summer banquet “meetings.” A legendary patrol story is one where Gary and fellow patrollers “water-surfed and tail-roped” a Cascade toboggan behind his Ski Nautique on the lake. This annual event and their many post-refresher dinners were some of the many examples of his generous, fun loving spirit as a member of patrol.
Gary leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Deborah (Byer); two sons, Adam Peck (current Catamount patroller) and his fiancé Lynn Hart, and Brian Peck and his fiancé Suzanne Fregien; two grandsons, Aaron and Tyler Peck; as well as his sister Pamela Blakley, his brother Charles Peck and partner Myrna Figueiredo; and many extended Byer family members. He was predeceased by his parents Brad W. Peck and Harriet Ackley Peck, and his late wife Pamela Bame Peck, mother of his children.
Gary’s commitment and dedication to his family, friends, and fellow patrollers as well as his love of skiing will be greatly missed and he will always be a part of the Catamount Ski Patrol’s history and legacy.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 10, 2026 | In Memoriam
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.”
Titus Mountain Ski Patrol was extremely fortunate to have enjoyed Bob’s knowledge and friendship as a fellow patroller.
Submitted by William “Bill” Boyea
Titus Mountain Ski Patrol
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 10, 2026 | In Memoriam
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.
He worked closely with Dick Woolf, and served as Communications Team Member at Whiteface Mountain supporting all aspects of the competition venue at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. Dick, the present NSP National Telecommunications Advisor during this period recalled his memories of working with Jay, “My first interaction with Jay was in 1975…I was a junior at RIT in Rochester, NY, a patroller at Bristol Mountain, NY, and also serving as the Eastern Division Telecom Advisor.
“Jay contacted me (by mail of course) and asked for help in establishing a VHF radio system at Blue Knob. In the 1970s, radio was still a new thing for ski patrols. Those patrols using radios at all were likely using CB radios with giant antennas from Radio Shack. At the time, NSP was participating in a DOD surplus equipment distribution program, and we were able to source Motorola radios that had been returned from Vietnam. In those days, Motorola radios were very expensive and getting them for free (!) was well worth the cost of buying new crystals and have them retuned. He had questions about what type of antenna to use and where the base station should be located. I offered to drive down to Blue Knob to make a site visit.
“Blue Knob was an upside-down ski area, and the patrol room was at the top of the hill. I recall that Jay had to make some kind of remote receiver at the bottom of the chair lift to pick up signals from the portable radios. Anyway, the radio system became operational and everyone thought it was the best thing since Morse Code!
“Jay and I stayed in touch after I graduated college and had transferred to Stratton Mountain, Vermont and was tasked to set up communications for the first Alpine World Cup skiing events in the USA…at Stratton in February 1978. Lake Placid had been awarded the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, and with the Alpine events being the most radio-intensive, I was contacted by the Lake Placid Olympic Organizing Committee to ask if I would set up the communications for the 1979 pre-Olympic events. It was about that time that I realized that I would need a team of people to handle all aspects of the competition venue, in addition to the alpine events including dispatching, issuing and receiving equipment, charging and maintenance, and of course signal coverage.
“I contacted (by mail, of course) patrollers who I’d dealt with over the past few years to see if they were interested in being “on the team.” Jay was one of those who agreed. I recall we had a telephone conference call (new technology!) to make introductions, and we all got together a week or so before the opening ceremonies. Everyone worked well together and the international ski officials overseeing the Alpine events said we did a great job. We all received elegant certificates of participation from the Organizing Committee.
I stayed in touch with Jay over the years and I was sorry to learn of his passing. He was a really good guy, and a credit to the National Ski Patrol. My condolences to his family.”
His passion for ski patrolling extended well into his eighties as he enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow patrollers, providing safety services for the skiing public, and skiing with his family.
Mike Calabrese, Jess Hill, and Tom Rawcliffe
Blue Knob Ski Patrol Alumni
