by Trail Sweep Staff | Nov 20, 2023 | In Memoriam
Kenneth Post Jr.
October 18, 1933—May 14, 2023
Kenneth Edwin Post Jr, 89, of Danbury, husband of Eileen (Galligan) Post, died on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at his residence. Born on October 18, 1933, the son of the late Kenneth Edwin Post Sr and Ethel Post, he was a lifelong resident of Danbury. He graduated from Danbury High School in 1952 and later earned an associate degree from Western Connecticut State University. He was a dedicated telephone company employee and retired from SNET.
A proud Marine and veteran of the Korean War, he was an active member of the Korean War Veteran’s Association in Danbury. He led the effort to build the Korean War monument at the War Memorial, participated in parade activities, was active in their annual Rose of Sharon fundraiser, and held many leadership positions in the organization. He attended countless veteran funerals with his trusty bugle to play taps.
He was a member of the National Ski Patrol for more than 50 years and was awarded his National Appointment number for long-standing service. As an EMT, he worked in the first aid building at the Danbury Fair each year. He was a certified CPR instructor and taught CPR for the American Heart Association.
Ken is survived by his wife Eileen, daughter Lauren Seidl and husband John of Marietta, GA, son-in-law Steve Johnston of New Fairfield, CT, grandchildren James Seidl, Steven Johnston, and Mia Johnston, great-grandchild William Seidl, brother Roger Post and his wife Lucy of Danbury, CT and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Penny Post Johnston and his sister Janet Vojt.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Ski Patrol or the American Heart Association.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Nov 20, 2023 | In Memoriam
Thomas H Gillespie, Jr.
August 21, 1933-April 25, 2023
Thomas Howard Gillespie, Jr., a 55-year resident of New Canaan, CT, died on April 25, 2023. He was born in Chicago, IL on August 21, 1933, a son of Thomas Howard and Florence Stoker Gillespie, and raised in Kenilworth, IL. As a youth attending Joseph Sears School and New Trier Township High School, Tom was active in sports and achieved his Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts at the early age of 13. Tom graduated from Cornell University, Class of 1955. He was an active member of the Sigma Phi fraternity in college and for more than 60 years thereafter. Drafted into the Army following college, Tom served primarily in the Signal Corps in the Philippines.
Following his service, Tom attended the Northwestern Graduate School of Business (now Kellogg), receiving his MBA in 1960. That same year he moved to San Francisco to begin a career in investment management. He met his beloved wife of 43 years, Josephine, during his first week in San Francisco. Jo and Tom were married soon after and moved east in 1965. After achieving CFA certification in 1966, Tom co-founded the predecessor to Gillespie, Robinson & Grimm, an investment firm that he led for 49 years before his retirement in 2020 at age 87.
Tom moved to New Canaan in 1968 and lived in the same house for the remainder of his life. Tom was a generous supporter of national and local causes and served on the boards of the United Way, Woodway Country Club (of which he was a member for 50 years), The New Canaan Inn, and the Congregational Church of New Canaan.
Tom always believed he led a blessed life. He could find someone he knew from his past almost anywhere in the world. He was always active, including skiing on the National Ski Patrol, shooting river rapids in a canoe, and playing golf all over the world. An avid traveler, Tom covered most of the globe and won the family’s 50-State Challenge. While later in life he could be found enjoying a good book of historical fiction and sipping his favorite “Scottish wine” (aka Scotch), he continued to travel the world into his late 80s. Tom was a kind and generous man, with a keen sense of right and wrong. He had time and a story for people from all walks of life, but his family was his focus, with his eight grandchildren the collective apple of his eye.
Tom is predeceased by his wife Josephine Bunch Gillespie, his parents Thomas and Florence Gillespie, and his brother Robert Alexander Gillespie. Tom is survived by his three children and eight grandchildren, including his son Thomas (wife Mary, children Shea, Josie, Trip) of Great Falls, VA, his son Douglas (wife Serena, children Alexandra, Douglas) of New Canaan, CT, and his daughter Allison (children Ryan, Lindsay, Graham) of Atlanta, GA.
A service was held on Sunday, May 21 at the Congregational Church of New Canaan, with a reception immediately following at Woodway Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Congregational Church of New Canaan.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Nov 20, 2023 | In Memoriam
James J. McKay
December 14, 1940—May 5, 2023
Jim McKay was a caring and attentive husband, a supportive and proud father, and a loyal friend to many. He was hard-working, generous, quick with a joke, and always ready with a story. Jim was a great man who will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
James J. McKay, 82, of West Chester, PA died on Friday, May 5. He was born in Darby, PA, and grew up in Collingdale, with his older sister Mickey. In 1959 he graduated from Collingdale High School and while in school he played baseball, basketball, and football. Jim joined the Naval Reserve as a junior in high school and went into the Navy after graduation. He served three years as an aircraft electrician while stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA. Upon honorable discharge, he began working for Boeing Vertol as an Electrical Test Technician working on Chinook and Sea Knight helicopters that were used in the Vietnam War.
While working at Boeing, Jim attended St. Joseph’s University and received a Bachelor of Business degree. He later attended the University of Pennsylvania working toward a master’s degree in organizational dynamics. He formed a successful career in pharmaceutical sales starting with two years at Sandoz Pharmaceuticals and then 31 years at Wallace Laboratories. He was quickly promoted to District Sales Manager and moved to Hartford, CT for five years to manage the New England district. He returned to the Philadelphia area to manage the Philadelphia district and was promoted to Senior District Manager before he retired in 2003.
A series of interests kept Jim active through the years. He was drawn to flying and became an instrument-rated commercial pilot with a flight instructor rating. Jim loved to ski and visited mountains all over Vermont, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Colorado. While living in Connecticut, Jim joined the National Ski Patrol and volunteered at Mt. Tom in Holyoke, MA. Upon returning to the Philadelphia area, he transferred to the Camelback Ski Patrol and volunteered there for the next 41 years during which he achieved Senior Patrol status. When Jim wasn’t skiing on the slopes, he was working in the patrol room assisting the newer patrollers and candidates with his years of knowledge. Jim loved working with the ski patrol and the great family atmosphere that he found at Camelback.
Jim was also an avid golfer and played courses throughout Delaware and Chester Counties and was a member of the Hershey’s Mill Golf Club. As someone who grew up playing football near Philadelphia, he became a loyal Eagles fan and was a season ticket holder for many years and enjoyed attending games with his son, Brian. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Ann and the couple traveled to Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Bermuda, islands in the Caribbean, and went on many cruises. Along the way, he received his Irish Citizenship and had dual citizenship for many years in the United States and Ireland. He also enjoyed spending time with his son, teaching him to ski and golf, going on vacations together, and helping him work on home improvement projects.
He is survived by his wife Ann McKay, son Brian McKay and his wife Paula, grandchildren Maya and Joey McKay, his sister Mickey Horan and her husband Richard, and his nieces and nephews.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Nov 20, 2023 | In Memoriam
In Loving Memory of a Dedicated Ski Patroller
Robert Carhart
April 12, 1953-May 15, 2023
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved and esteemed ski patroller, Robert (Pappy) Carhart. He departed from this world on Monday, May 15, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of others.Born on April 12, 1953, Pappy discovered a passion for skiing at an early age working as a binding mechanic for Nazareth Sporting Goods at Jack Frost Ski Area, and it was on the slopes where he found his true calling. His commitment to ensuring the safety of countless skiers and snowboarders was unparalleled, making him an integral part of the Camelback Ski Patrol. For 42 years, Pappy patrolled the slopes, braving the most challenging conditions with a steadfast resolve. His experience, expertise, and unwavering dedication were a beacon of hope for those in need. He worked tirelessly to ensure the well-being of all who traversed the mountain. He was awarded the Camelback Ski Patroller Award following the 2021-2022 ski season.
Pappy passed his love of skiing onto his two sons who currently patrol at Camelback Mountain Resort. Pappy possessed an infectious enthusiasm for the sport, and he shared his knowledge and love of skiing with countless individuals. As a mentor to aspiring patrollers, he inspired others to follow in his footsteps, imparting invaluable wisdom and instilling a strong sense of camaraderie among his peers.
He was the loving husband of 34 years to Nancy (Henry) Carhart; a caring father to Michelle, Robby, and Mike; and a caring grandfather to Madison. Pappy was born on April 12, 1953, in Easton, PA, he was the son of the late Harry Davis Carhart and Dorothy Joyce (Nenow) Carhart. He was a man of many trades; he was a proud carpenter for many years, and worked for Bethlehem Steel, Riegal Paper Mill of James River, and M&M Mars as a Lab Technician until his retirement.
Pappy enjoyed golfing and coached baseball and soccer for over 20 years. He was a founding member of the Cal Ripken Youth Baseball League of Bushkill Twp. He was a volunteer fireman for Stewartsville Fire Company. Pappy was proud to be an Eagle Scout starting with Troop 63 and finishing with Troop 56 of Greenwich Twp., New Jersey.
