by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 13, 2025 | In Memoriam
Lowell S. “Bud” Brooks, Jr., 90, of Allendale, NJ, passed away on August 13, 2025, in Allendale, NJ. He was born in Kingston, New York, in 1934, alongside his identical twin brother, Lynn, to his parents, the late Margaret and Lowell S. Brooks, Sr.
He attended Kingston High School, where he was on the ski team and began his lifelong service with the National Ski Patrol. A graduate of Norwich University (1957) and later Fairleigh Dickinson University (MBA, cum laude, 1968), Bud served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before beginning a distinguished career in engineering, information systems, and business management, retiring from Cytec Industries in 1999.
In 1963, Bud married Ellen Schutz, and together they raised two children, Lowell “Scott” and Amy, in Allendale, where they lived for over 50 years. Bud was a devoted husband and lovingly cared for Ellen in her final years, as she battled Alzheimer’s, until her passing in 2018.
He was deeply involved in his community, serving on the Allendale Planning Board for 18 years, as an Elder at Highlands Presbyterian Church, and with the Holiday Observers. Summers were spent in Weekapaug, RI, where Bud was an active member of the Weekapaug Yacht Club, the Watch Hill Yacht Club, as well as a former longtime member of the Weekapaug Golf Club.
A lifelong skier and patroller, he served 57 years with the National Ski Patrol achieving Lifetime Membership and received numerous honors, including National Appointment #2780, a National Certificate of Appreciation, and the Patriot Star.
Bud is survived by his children, Scott and his wife Gretchen (Ede), and Amy and her husband Jay Sarzen; his grandchildren, Charlie Brooks, Maggie Brooks, and Andrew Sarzen, his twin brother, Lynn, as well as other beloved family members.
He will be remembered for his devotion to family, his service to church and community, and his lifelong love of skiing, sailing, and golf. At the end of his life, he considered himself to be one of the most fortunate people in the world.
A visitation with Bud’s family was held at the VanderPlaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff, NJ on Thursday, September 4, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Weekapaug Chapel in Weekapaug, RI in the Spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Weekapaug Chapel, Weekapaug, RI.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 13, 2025 | In Memoriam
David R. Hanning, an alumnus of the Swain Ski Patrol in Swain, New York, died July 13, 2025 at the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Greece, NY at the age of 98.
David joined the National Ski Patrol in 1964 and patrolled for 40 years, serving with distinction as an Assistant Patrol Director, Membership Chairman, Outdoor Emergency Transportation and Mountain Travel and Rescue instructor, and Western New York Region Chairlift Evacuation Program Administrator.
He became a senior patroller in 1966 after passing the senior ski & toboggan test during the blizzard of 1966 that left all the senior candidates and examiners stranded in the storm and unable to travel home for two days.
For his ski patrol leadership and dedicated service to the skiing public he received National Appointment Number 7099 in 1989 and the National Ski Patrol Distinguished Service Award in 2004. Upon his ski patrol retirement, the David Hanning Commendation Award was established in his honor to be awarded for cumulative career contributions to the Swain Ski Patrol.
In 1998, David initiated and managed the dedication ceremony and installation of graveside granite stones and brass plaques he had designed to commemorate Minnie Dole’s founding of the National Ski Patrol and the 10th Mountain Division. He arranged for the presence of NSP officials and 10th Mountain Division soldiers as well as members of the Dole family at the Paul Smiths, NY, cemetery celebration and co-authored an article describing the event that was published in the Fall 1998 Ski Patrol Magazine.
David was born in Saranac Lake, NY in 1927 and enlisted in the army upon high school graduation in 1945. Assigned to the 24th Infantry Division, he was sent to Yale University to study Japanese and was deployed to post-war Japan to interpret for army engineers overseeing the dismantling of fortifications and to inspect manufacturing plants for detection of munitions and weapons assembly.
Upon his return to the states, he served in the Army Reserve 98th Infantry Division and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He worked at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY for 34 years retiring in 1986 as Unit Director of the Materials Management Division.
David was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, and skiing. His hunting excursions included many trips out west in search of big game and birds with fellow patrollers and hunters.
He was an avid America’s Cup fan and traveled to Newport, RI to experience crewing the Weatherly after that vessel’s retirement from racing. David was a long-time member of the Rochester Ski Club, completing many of their trips over the years, especially his favorite annual trek to Sunday River.
David was preceded in death by his wife Jean Conheady Hanning, his eldest son, Paul Hanning, and his two stepsons Steven and Scott (Trucker) Wright. He is survived by his wife Korleen Dickinson, his son Stephen (Donna) Hanning, daughter Shauna (Ernest) Newcomb, daughter Maura (Kenneth) Hanning Sims, stepchildren Sheryl (Earl) Dunbar and Shellee Wright, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
David’s exemplary ski patrol accomplishments made him an inspiring role model for young patrol candidates and seasoned patrollers alike. David was a loyal friend to his fellow patrollers and his engaging personality, quick-witted humor, admirable leadership, and personal generosity will be remember fondly by all who knew him.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 13, 2025 | In Memoriam
John K. Jepson, Sr. of Simsbury, CT, the former husband of Anne M. T. Jepson and Andi Thorne Jepson passed to be with his Lord on July 23, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents John Jepson and Clarice Kincaide Jepson and is survived by his brother, Henry Lincoln Kincaide Jepson (Vicki) and his two sisters, June C. Jepson and Esther G. Gomez (Richard).
He is also survived by his three children, John K. Jepson Jr. (Kara), Jeffrey F. Jepson (Donna), and Kristin J. DuBois (William), his three stepsons, Greg Thorne, Rick Thorne (Jennifer), and Dan Thorne ( Michelle), and his thirteen grandchildren, Nicole Wolter (Matt), Ashleigh Jepson, Laura Jepson, Grace Trainer (Bennett), Emma McMahon (Dylan), Lincoln Jepson, Austin DuBois, MacKenzie DuBois, Caroline DuBois, Grant DuBois and Keegan DuBois, Alexa Thorne and Zachary Thorne.
John was born in Hartford, CT, attended Kingswood High School in West Hartford, and graduated high school from Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, VT. He briefly attended Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO before transferring and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from St. Lawrence University. He later attended the University of Connecticut (UCONN) Law School where he earned his law degree.
While at St. Lawrence, he started his long military career by completing the Reserve Officer Training Corp program where he earned a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, Infantry branch.
He lived, worked, and served most of his years in Simsbury, CT. In 2004, the town of Simsbury recognized his exemplary civil service by giving him one of its highest awards, the “Hometown Hero Award” recognizing John for his many years of exemplary community service.
John was an attorney by trade working for 13 years as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Connecticut. He also served a number of years as the head of the Legal Department for the nation’s oldest bank, Connecticut Bank & Trust. He completed his legal career in solo private practice. While practicing, he served both as an Adjunct Professor of Law at UCONN Law School and as Chairman of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Veteran’s and Military Affairs Committee.
John had a heart for service and was a perennial volunteer. He served in the United States Army Reserve for 32 years retiring at the rank of Colonel. During his military service, he held four different commands, served as the 76th Training Division’s Public Affairs Officer, its Inspector General, and in the Judge Advocate Generals Corps.
John also volunteered as national legal counsel for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) advising and protecting the rights of our country’s “citizen soldiers” and veterans. He served on the national board for the Reserve Officer’s Association and was highly decorated with its highest award, the Legion of Merit.
John had a love for skiing and skied competitively in both high school and college. He served on the National Ski Patrol for 53 years with most of those years at Butternut Basin in Great Barrington, MA and was the Western Mass Region Legal Advisor. In his later years, he also became certified as a ski instructor where he was able to share his passion with others.
John loved music and served as a long-time board member and former Chairman of the Hartford Symphony and founded its Volunteer Association. He was one of the founding board members of the Talcott Mountain Music Festival in Simsbury, CT. Each year, the festival brings the Hartford Symphony and many other wonderful artists to Simsbury creating a community cultural event the entire town looks forward to.
John was a 50-year member of the Connecticut Chapters of both the Masonic Temple and the Shriner’s Organization and kept a long-standing family tradition by maintaining membership in the Royal Order of Jesters.
The family held a private service with full military honors at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, CT on August 8, 2025, where John was laid to rest with his late wife, Andi Thorne Jepson. In lieu of flowers, John requested that donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital of New England, 516 Carew Street, Springfield MA 01104 or shrinerschildrens.org.
The family expressed their extreme gratitude to all the healthcare workers and employees of Avon Health Center in Avon, CT who provided such professional and loving care for their father over these past years. To leave condolences for the family please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com
by Trail Sweep Staff | Jul 4, 2025 | Spotlight Articles
-
OET Steering Committee Meeting – The Hermitage, VT – August 2-3, 2025- Certified Boot Camp – Ski Roundtop, PA – August 15-17, 2025
- Eastern Division Fall Officers’ Meeting – via Zoom – September 5, 2025
- Enhanced Patroller School – Swain Mountain, NY – September 12-14, 2025
- Bike Patrol Event – ENY or WMASS – September 13-24, 2025
- AMN Instructor Refresher – Pike Glades, NH – September 27-28, 2025
- Snowbound Expo 2025 – Boston Convention & Exhibition Center – November 14-16, 2025
- Eastern Snow & Avalanche Workshop – Fryeburg, ME – Late Fall 2025
- MTR Level 1 – Highland Forest, NY – December 12, 13, 14, 2025
- NSP/PSPA Certified Pretest – Killington, VT – February 6, 2026
- Killington Patroller School – Killington, VT – February 7-8, 2026
- Level 2 Avalanche Class – Whiteface, NY – Early March 2026
- Division YAP Event – Location TBD – March 2026
- Certified Weekend – Sugarloaf, ME – March 13-15, 2026
- Spring Officers’ Meeting – The Desmond, Albany, NY – May 1-3, 202
by Trail Sweep Staff | Jun 5, 2025 | In Memoriam
Donald Gardner Hicks Jr., 84, of Leominster, passed away on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, after a brief illness with his family by his side. He was born in Lowell, MA on December 12, 1940, to Donald G. Hicks and Mary S. (Gillespie) Hicks. He received his education at Lowell High School, Lowell State College, Lowell Commercial College, and the University of Massachusetts. In 1959, he began his banking career at The First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lowell. He held several positions over the years at various community banks, including Worcester North Savings Bank in Fitchburg, before retiring as President & CEO of Reading Cooperative Bank in 2002.
Active in professional organizations during his career and leadership positions of multiple community organizations, he was a longtime member of Pilgrim Congregational Church of Leominster, serving over the years as Deacon, Trustee, and Treasurer.
He began his Freemasonry journey as a member of Lowell DeMolay. In 1962, he became a Master Mason at Wamesit Lodge in Tewksbury. In addition to holding multiple positions in various affiliated masonic bodies, he served as Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts from 2002 to 2004.
Don was an avid skier for over 60 years, right up until his illness this year. He enjoyed many ski trips with his children, grandchildren, and many other family members and countless friends over the years. He joined the National Ski Patrol in 1973 as a patroller and later served as Wachusett Mountain Patrol Director, EMARI Region Director, and Eastern Division Treasurer. He was awarded National Appointment 7020 for “Demonstrated Qualifications of Ability and Leadership” in 1988 and received the Distinguished Service Award in 1999. He remained an alumni member after retiring from active patrolling.
He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Nancy (Sargent) Hicks; a daughter, Karen and her husband Grant Thorne; a son, Andrew and his wife Patricia (Kane); a grandson, Brandon Thorne and his wife Meredith (Carr); two granddaughters, Emily Thorne and Megan Hicks; a great-grandson, Aiden Thorne; a brother, David and his wife Susan (Penney); and a brother-in-law Paul Sargent and partner Sandra Bogan, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his adopted brother, Arthur Iverson.
A Masonic Service was held at Wamesit Masonic Lodge in Tewksbury on April 22. The funeral service was held at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Leominster on April 24, followed by the burial in Lowell.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Masonic Education & Charity Trust, The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, or Pilgrim Congregational Church Food Pantry in Leominster.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Jun 5, 2025 | In Memoriam
John E. Brower, a lifelong resident of the Mid-Hudson Valley, peacefully passed away in the early hours of May 10, 2025, at Ferncliff Nursing Home. Born on May 3, 1951, at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of the late Frank and Margaret (Shaw) Brower. He was 74.
John’s formative years were spent at Pine Plains Central School, where his athletic prowess shone in football, earning him many accolades, as well as in other sports, including baseball and basketball. After graduating in 1969, he continued his education at Dutchess Community College before earning a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from SUNY Brockport. John embodied the phrase “team player.” He was the first to offer help with anything and always brought ten times more than he committed to—plus extra chairs, extra red cups, and extra _____ (fill in the blank!).
A true passion for skiing characterized much of John’s life. He dedicated over 50 years to ski patrol, beginning his service in 1976 at White Birches for cross-country skiing. By 1988, he achieved dual certification in alpine skiing and became an OEC instructor. His commitment took him from White Birches to Cortina Mountain and finally to Butternut in Great Barrington, MA. Notably, John served as ski patrol for the Olympic Ski Jumps at Lake Placid in 1980 and again at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. These experiences ignited a lifelong passion for collecting Olympic pins from every Winter Game.
For more than 30 years, John made a meaningful impact at Abilities First in Poughkeepsie, NY, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. His dedication extended to the Special Olympics, where he served as a coach and trainer for over 32 years, culminating in a memorable volunteer experience at the 1997 Special Olympics Winter Games in Toronto, Canada.
Beyond his professional and volunteer pursuits, John was an avid sports enthusiast, particularly drawn to NASCAR racing. For three decades, his front-row, park-and-view space on turn one at Watkins Glen was a cherished annual tradition shared with loved ones.
John is remembered by his wife, Julia Brower; his daughters, Shannon (Jason) Coll and Katherine Brower; and his grandchildren, Cody Smith and Keira Coll, who held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his brother, Frank C. Brower Jr.; his sister, Sheila (James) Jamieson; and his nephew, Carl Jamieson.
Following John’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Instead, a celebration of his life will be announced when arrangements are complete. He will be privately interred in the family plot at Evergreen Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations in John’s honor may be directed to Ski Butternut Ski Patrol, 380 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230, or to the Milan Rescue Squad, 900 Route 199, Milan, NY 12571.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Apr 15, 2025 | Ski Industry News, Spotlight Articles
The Berkshire Edge is a locally owned, regional publication in Western Massachusetts. On April 5, they published the following Letter to the Editor they had received, along with their commentary: “Thank you to our ski patrollers for keeping us safe on the mountain. While many of us enjoyed a run down the hill, it is important not to forget the many people behind the scenes who are committed to keeping these areas safe.” Thank you, Dr. Alec Belman, and The Berkshire Edge!
As the 2024-25 ski season has come to a close, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate another year of skiing across the Berkshires and recognize the ski patrol teams, many of whom are volunteers, dedicated to safety across the region’s slopes. This season, visitors and residents alike were outside getting fresh air and exercise with family and friends. That said, while many of us enjoyed a run down the hill, it is important not to forget the many people behind the scenes who are committed to keeping these areas safe. As the region’s trusted healthcare provider and community advocate for improving overall quality of life, Berkshire Health Systems is incredibly thankful for our area ski patrols, trained professionals who also serve in the local community at hospitals, on emergency teams, and at local businesses. They are familiar and friendly faces who are on standby and ready for any emergency.
Skiing, in all its forms, brings fun and great experiences to all when performed safely. The members of the National Ski Patrol across the region are a great asset and play an essential role in the Berkshires. We hope everyone, skiers and non-skiers alike, will take the opportunity to thank them for their service and their contribution to the success of our regional ski industry, bringing skiers back to the region year over year.
See you next ski season, our valued ski patrol teams!
Dr. Alec Belman
Chief of Staff at Fairview Hospital
Great Barrington, MA
by Trail Sweep Staff | Apr 15, 2025 | In Memoriam
Daniel Angelo Negrelli, 53, of Canton, beloved husband of Karen A. Brinkman and father of Keira B. Negrelli, died Saturday, February 22, 2025, following a skiing accident in Brighton, Utah. Born in Rockville, son of the late Joseph and Diana (Kosior) Negrelli, Jr., Dan was raised in Stafford Springs and graduated from Windham Tech. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Arts from Castleton University in Vermont.
Dan worked as a computer applications instructor at A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford, but his impact in education extended far beyond that area of expertise. An avid skier, hiker, and mountain biker, Dan had an unfettered enthusiasm for the great outdoors and was dedicated to sharing this passion with his students. He created unique experiences for them as the leader of the school’s hiking and skiing clubs, with the goal of opening their eyes to the expansive world around them.
After working to get permission from the school, he was elated to take students on an overnight adventure to the top of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington last summer. “I’ve always wanted to bring kids up there to experience the magic of being in the Alpine Zone,” he told Connecticut’s News 8, who covered their trek at the time. That adventure is a prime example of how Dan went above and beyond to immerse the young adults around him in outdoor activities. He used any means possible to get outdoor gear for kids, including using his own money or asking for donations.
Dan became a fixture on both mountains where he frequently skied, at his second home in Killington, Vermont, where he served as a ski instructor for nearly 30 years, and in Connecticut at Ski Sundown in New Hartford, where he was a member of the ski patrol for many years. In both places he fostered deep, lasting connections with locals, ski students, resort staff and far beyond.
Everywhere Dan went he brought joy with his easy smile, genial attitude, and genuine interest in every person he met. He shared his passions with the world and opened doors for those around him in any way he could. He had a gift for bringing out the best in everyone and selflessly volunteered his time and knowledge to anyone in need. Dan’s zest for life – whether on a hike, sailboat, camping trip, at a concert, or on a sandy beach – endeared him to everyone he met on his journey and will never be forgotten.
In addition to his wife and daughter, who Dan loved with his whole heart, he leaves behind a brother James Negrelli; a sister Catharine Rowe; an uncle and aunt Bernie and Jeannie Kosior; cousin Janette Kosior; several nieces and nephews; mother-in-law Barbara Brinkman; brothers-in-law Eric and his wife Tara Brinkman and Kevin and his wife Traci Brinkman.
For condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Prince Tech Adventure Club can be sent to this address: Charles Shooshan, Principal Adventure Club, in Memory of Dan Negrelli Prince Technical High School, 401 Flatbush Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 To plant a tree in memory of Daniel, please visit their floral store.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Feb 18, 2025 | In Memoriam
Charles Alfred Riley, 74, of Windsor, MA died Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at his home after a brief battle with a very aggressive cancer. Born in Hartford, Connecticut on January 25, 1950, son of Charles H. and Merlyn Kelly Riley Charlie was also the grandson of his maternal grandparents Frank and Nel Kelly of Hartford CT.
He went to elementary school in Bridgton, Maine. His family moved to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire when he was in high school. He was a 1968 graduate of Kingswood H.S. in Wolfeboro. Continuing his education, he was a 1973 graduate of Northeastern University earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
From 1981 to 2015, he was employed as an engineer for General Electric/General Dynamics in Pittsfield, MA. Before that, he had worked at Sprague Electric in North Adams, MA.
Charlie was a communicant of St. Agnes Church. There were many happy memories of his sons, Andy and Matt’s time in elementary school at St Agnes.
Charlie loved the outdoors. He fondly remembered being a boy scout, especially when he was chosen to go to a national jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. He grew up on a lake in Bridgton, Maine. He loved being on and in the water, whether on lakes or the ocean. He enjoyed swimming, sailing, and canoeing, and he had started enjoying snorkeling on recent vacations.
Skiing as a child and an adult was a passion. He joined the National Ski Patrol in 1994 and was a patroller at Brodie Mountain moving to Jiminy Peak in 2002 when Brodie closed. During his 28 years of patrolling, he served as an OET instructor at both mountains. His son, Andy, joined the patrol as a junior patroller serving until Brodie closed.
He thoroughly enjoyed attending all of Andy and Matt’s soccer, lacrosse, and cross-country running events.
Charlie was proudest about his service as a fireman and first responder with the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member for more than 40 years.
Everyone will lovingly remember his kindness, his beard, his friendly smile, his flannel shirts, his honesty, his strength of mind and body, and also that he was always such a great helper and one of the best huggers, ever.
Charlie leaves his wife, Susan Moglia Riley, whom he married on June 15, 1974. He and Sue celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year!
He is also survived by two sons, Andrew C. (wife Mayra Gonzalez) Riley of Winter Garden, Florida, and Matthew B. (wife Kat) Riley of Las Vegas, Nevada.; two brothers, Larry (wife Susan) Riley of Ohio, and Tom (wife Mary) Riley of Ariz.; and brother-in-law James Moglia (wife Izzy). Charlie was the beloved grandfather of his four grandchildren, Karolyna, Kayden, Lily, and Violet; as well as many nieces and nephews, and other family members. We cannot forget to mention that he was also a loving pet parent for their pup, Chloe.
The family would like to thank the 3rd-floor staff at BMC, especially Dr. Jason Toughey. His ability to listen and explain treatment made this very hard time much more bearable. Hospice Care in the Berkshires was also extremely helpful.
Funeral services for Charles A. Riley will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Church celebrated by Rev. Christopher A. Malatesta, Pastor. Calling hours will precede the Mass from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Dery-Foley Funeral Home in Dalton, Massachusetts. Burial will be in the Spring in Shaw Road Cemetery, Windsor. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Riley may be made to the Windsor Fire Department in care of DERY-FOLEY FUNERAL HOME, 890 East Main Street, Dalton.
