by Laura Tucker, Editor | Apr 2, 2026 | In Memoriam
Paul W. Kling, age 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Born in the Philadelphia area, Paul proudly served in the United States Air Force and later moved to New Hampshire, settling in Loudon, where he embraced the outdoor lifestyle, he loved building a life in the Concord and surrounding community.
Paul was the proud owner and operator of Paul’s Alignment Service, serving the Concord and surrounding area for more than 50 years. Through his dedication, integrity, and friendly spirit, he built a successful business and lasting relationships with customers, colleagues, and friends throughout the community.
A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Paul found great joy in skiing, hiking, competitive running, and backpacking throughout the mountains and trails of New Hampshire. Combining his love of the mountains with his commitment to helping others, Paul proudly served with the National Ski Patrol for 48 years and remained an alumni member.
During his long years of service, Paul was awarded National Appointment #7039 in 1988, a Distinguished Service Award in 1997, a Yellow Merit Star in 1995, and a Purple Merit Star in 2012. He served as the New Hampshire Region Director, Awards Advisor, and was on the Awards Review Board. He was also a National Outstanding judge for six years. Paul and his wife, Lisa, spent numerous years ski patrolling together, including time with the Mount Washington Ski Patrol, guiding visitors on the mountain while helping provide safety and assistance to those enjoying the mountain.
Paul was a devoted family man. He shared 49 wonderful years with his beloved wife and companion, Lisa Kling. Together they embraced a life filled with adventure, outdoor pursuits, and family time.
Paul was the proud father of Tammy, Bill, Paul, and Jonathan Kling. He was a loving grandfather to eight grandchildren: Bill, Elizabeth, Dylan, Andrew, Katelyn, Sophia, Grace, and Lydia, and a cherished great-grandfather to three great-grandchildren: Chanel, Alexandra, and Anna.
He was predeceased by his parents, William and Hazel Kling, and by his brother, Bill Kling. He also leaves behind many dear friends and business associates whose lives were enriched by his kindness, humor, and understanding character.
Paul W. Kling will be remembered for his passion for life, his unwavering commitment, his drive, and his unique ability to find humor even in the most difficult times. His presence, wisdom, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life service was held on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 180 Loudon Road, Concord, New Hampshire. The Kling family invited all to a gathering immediately following the service in the Immaculate Heart of Mary function room with snacks and refreshments as family and friends mingle and reminisce.
Paul’s love for the mountains, the slopes, and the outdoors will live on in the many lives he touched.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
by Laura Tucker, Editor | Feb 24, 2026 | In Memoriam
Walter ‘Rudy’ Carlson, age 91, died peacefully at his home on January 4, 2026. 
Rudy was a lifelong skier and Charter Member #3 of the National Ski Patrol’s Certified Program. The program was initiated in 1958 by:
• Harry Pollard, National Ski Patrol (NSP) Representative
• Ray Amiro, American Red Cross
• Ralph Woods, First Aid Instructor, Professional Ski Patrol Association (PSPA)
• George Wesson, NSP/PSPA
• Dexter Galusha, American Red Cross
• Wayne Doss, Springfield College
• Sunny McCawley, Cannon Mountain Ski Area
• Casey Rowley, Stratton Mountain Ski Area
• Rudy Carlson, NSP/PSPA
Rudy was the “last man standing” of this talented group.
In notes he made at one of the group’s earliest meetings, Rudy wrote that they wanted to improve training and professionalism for the “many World War II and Korean corpsmen who wanted to tighten up the NSP system.”
Rudy gained the highest marks in Outdoor Emergency Care, but he loved teaching all aspects of the certified program, especially high- and low-angle rescue.
Rudy served in the U.S. Army, 1952-1954, in Korea where he worked building bridges and organizing his company’s munitions.
Rudy studied culinary arts at the University of Colorado and the University of New Hampshire. He then turned to forestry and operated his own timber management company in Wolfeboro, NH. He patrolled at Waterville Valley, Mount Whittier, and King Pine Ski Area, all in NH.
A Maine guide, Rudy led many hiking and canoeing trips for Camp Kehonka, the oldest American girls’ camp in Wolfeboro. In 1974, he earned a BA in education from Plymouth State College and began his teaching career at Somerset School, Washington, DC. He and his wife Martha (Monty) developed an outdoor studies program for Somerset, bringing students to their farm in Sandwich and to a house in Vinalhaven, Maine. That led to the creation of Five Days of Sandwich, an environmental outdoor day camp for children in Sandwich. It’s still going strong.
In 1989, the Carlsons founded the Sandwich Community School, which became the youngest private school ever to be fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Rudy was beloved by his students and inspired many to go into careers and volunteer work as conservationists, outdoor leaders, medical personnel, and teachers. Mountain rescue, skiing, and safety in outdoor adventures were key to Rudy’s teaching.
Rudy served for many years on the Sandwich Fire Department and the Sandwich Planning Board. He worked with other townspeople to conserve prime wetlands, trails, and timberland in Sandwich. He lived most of his life on Range View Farm where he grew high quality red oak and white pine.
Rudy is survived by his wife Martha, his beloved daughters Claudia Dubit and her son James, Jenny and Brook Hsu, Katie Doyle Smith and her husband Paul Swegel, Marianne O’Loan, two sons Michael Weaver and Bernal Picado, and beloved friends Stein Feick, Lenore Higgins, and Reed Harrigan.
Funeral services for Rudy were held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 16, at the Methodist Meetinghouse, 6 Main St., Center Sandwich.
Tributes to Rudy may be made to the Sandwich Fire Department and to the Quality Care Home Health and Hospice. The family is deeply grateful to both agencies for making it possible for Rudy to spend his final days at home.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Feb 24, 2026 | In Memoriam
Lloyd Alexander, age 95, of North Tonawanda, NY, entered into rest on January 1, 2026. He was born on December 3, 1930, and was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Eva Alexander.
Lloyd was married for 67 years to his devoted wife, the late Dolly Alexander, with whom he built a life centered on family, adventure, and service to others.
A proud veteran of the Korean War, Lloyd carried his sense of duty and discipline throughout his life. He devoted his professional career to education, serving as a teacher and Assistant Principal at Lewiston-Porter Junior High, where he impacted generations of students.
An avid skier for more than 80 years, Lloyd was a lifetime member of the National Ski Patrol and a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America for over 40 years at Kissing Bridge. He was also a longtime member of the Glenwood Acres Ski Club. His love for the outdoors extended beyond skiing to camping, hiking, kayaking, golfing, mountain biking and traveling extensively across the country in a motor home with his family.
Lloyd was very active as a patroller achieving senior status and receiving Certified #167 in 1982. He served on the Eastern Division and WNY Instructor Development teams as coordinator, trainer, mentor, and instructor. In WNY he was active as the Certified an Instructor Development advisors.
Lloyd was also a certified PSIA Instructor who assisted with the S&T program for older ski patrollers in the region until Covid hit.
The list of the awards he received is long and varied.
1971 National Appointment #3749
1975 Patroller of the Year
1981 and 1999 Yellow Merit Stars
2001 Distinguished Service Award
2001 Regional Certificate of Appreciation
2006 Meritorious Service Award
2009 Eastern Division Patriot Star
2006 Meritorious Service Award
2025 65-year service where he said 65+ years well spent! “I am so proud and humbled to have been a member of such a fantastic organization.”
Above all, Lloyd cherished time spent with family, especially playing cards and sharing stories. He lived life with quiet determination, humor, and resilience, often reminding those around him with his favorite saying: “Don’t let the old man in.”
Lloyd’s legacy of service, adventure, and deep family devotion will be remembered and treasured by all who knew him. He is survived by his children: Jeanine (Paul) Lampkin, Joy (Glen Boddy) Alexander, Jeanette (Bob) LaMantia, James (Mary) Alexander, and Joanne (the late Charles) Huk. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jennifer Swan; Eric (Stacie) Lampkin; Michelle (Andrew) Bacon; Sean (DeLacey) Lampkin; RaeAnn (Patrick) Halferty; Zachary (Casey) Huk; Nicholas Alexander; and Tyler Huk. He was further blessed with great-grandchildren Isabella (Xavier) Harris, Ava Scocchera, Emilee Bacon, Aidan Scocchera, Collin Bacon, Abel Lampkin, Remy Lampkin, Finn Lampkin, and Theo Halferty, as well as great-great-grandchildren Huxton Harris and Gigi Harris, as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend at Glenwood Acres Ski Club at Kissing Bridge, more specific details will be announced. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the National Ski Patrol, 133 S. Van Gordon St., Ste. 100, Lakewood, CO 80228. Condolences may be shared at FrettholdFuneralHome.com
by Trail Sweep Staff | Feb 24, 2026 | In Memoriam
David Coakley passed away on February 12, 2026. He was the son of Joseph H. Coakley (1908-1976) and Florence M. Coakley (1910-2000) . He grew up in North Dartmouth and New Bedford, MA, where he was an accomplished scholar athlete. He went on to attend Southern Massachusetts University (now UMASS) where he played college soccer and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
David was very proud of his New Bedford, MA roots. He was an avid sailor since a young age and sailed all around Buzzards Bay, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, MA his entire life. He was particularly proud of the New Bedford Whaling History as David was a direct descendant of Captain John T. Coakley, a Whaling Captain out of New Bedford, MA.
Dave Coakley is the type of patroller we all aspire to be. He joined NSP in 1974 as a member of the Mohawk Ski Patrol and threw himself into his ski patrol career with energy and enthusiasm.
He started his career by learning everything he could about ski patrolling. Within the first ten years of his career he had taken his Avalanche, Mountaineering 1 and 2, and had become a Senior.
At the time, Dave was the Connecticut Region First Aid Advisor. Shortly thereafter the WEC program was created, and Dave played a significant role in implementing this new program.
In 1988 Dave took on the role of Region Director and continued in this position until 1991. His organizational skills were put to good use, and his easy personality moved the region toward excellence during his term. After leaving the position of Region Director, many people settle back and become just a regular patroller again. Not Dave. Dave became an OEC Instructor in 1992 and instructed in various ways. He also became a Senior OEC Trainer/Evaluator.
Dave continued to use his training skills for his local patrol, the instructor refreshers, and the region OEC refreshers for a great many years. He continued to be active with the Senior EMM program, helping facilitate activities or helping with clinics.
Dave had the complete respect and admiration of Connecticut Region patrollers and many others throughout the Eastern Division. he was a thoughtful and calming influence. He used his engineering-trained mind to analyze situations, scenarios, training opportunities and administrative situations to find the very best way to teach, demonstrate, administer or mediate. Lots of patrollers have outstanding training and experience in first aid. They all listened when Dave talked.
Dave was clearly a strong guiding influence through most of the Connecticut Region’s development. The Connecticut Region is what it is, due in a large part to the efforts, energy, talents, and personality of Dave Coakley. In recognition of his long dedicated service in 1983 Dave National Appointment #6233. He was also the recipient of a National Certificate of Appreciation in 2001 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2010.
Dave is survived by his five children: three daughters, Jean Gibeault (husband Greg), Susan Waldron and Sandra Coakley and two sons, Robert Coakley and Richard Coakley (wife Deborah). David also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Donations may be made to the Descendants of Whaling Masters of New Bedford, MA.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Feb 24, 2026 | In Memoriam
Ralph Cooke of Glenwood, NJ passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 77. An avid reader with a keen intellect who loved games, Ralph warmed many lives with his good humor and insight. He was always ready to listen to others’ perspectives and share a kind word. He loved the outdoors, and spent his free time hiking, swimming, camping, and white-water rafting.
Throughout his life, Ralph was known for his generous heart, sage wit, and indominable spirit. Ralph grew up in Pompton Plains, where he served as a Boy Scout and played football as a teen. He graduated from Alfred University with a degree in English.
Ralph was a passionate teacher and a beloved contributor to his community. He taught English at West Milford High School; after directing several high school plays, Ralph developed the first high school news production program in New Jersey, leading students to produce a weekly local news show until he retired. Ralph was also a small business owner; he and his brother Ed ran the Culver Lake Wicker Outlet on weekends.
A lover of the wild, Ralph then moved to Tupper Lake, where he met his future wife Kathleen teaching in the Adirondacks. Kathy shared his love of folk music and literature and his dauntless spirit, and the two traveled abroad teaching ESL in Spain before settling down in Sussex County, New Jersey; they were married in 1977.
He was a lifelong skier, and he joined the National Ski Patrol at Hidden Valley in 1999 serving as an active member for 26 years. In addition to patrolling, Ralph taught Outdoor Emergency Care courses for nine years and served as the NJ Region Alumni Advisor. He was awarded Leadership Commendation Appointment #8537 in 2019 for his work on the patrol and was an active skier until he died.
“The mountains are calling, and I must go,” was one of Ralph’s favorite quotes. He leaves behind many loved ones and friends who will dearly miss his untamed spirit. Ralph will be remembered with a celebration of life later in the spring; for information, please contact his wife Kathy at kmscooke@gmail.com or his daughter Ana Cooke at ana.cooke@proton.me.
by Pete King | Feb 24, 2026 | In Memoriam
Russ King, 96, of Manlius, NY, died at home on April 25, 2025. He was born in Syracuse, NY, on April 22, 1929, to Harry and Gladys (Adams) King. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Sarah Anne King in 1987 and the love of his life, his best friend, and wife of 60 years, Joan (Jiggy) in 2012.
At age 17, he enlisted in the US Naval Reserve while a student at Nottingham High School. This would lead to a four-year service as a Naval officer from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean War.
Russ pursued a career in architecture inspired by his father, Harry, and grandfather, Melvin King, principals of King + King Architects. Russ graduated from Syracuse University School of Architecture in 1952. Russ and Jiggy met at Syracuse University in 1950 and were married in June 1952.
Russ rejoined King + King Architects and became a principal in 1959. He was the principal architect on several regional landmarks including Bird Library and the Physics Building at Syracuse University. He was the managing partner/CEO for 35 years and retired in 1992. He transferred the leadership to sons Jim and Pete and new partners Dave Johnson and Kirk Narburgh.
He gave generously of his time and resources in support of many charitable and civic organizations including Trustee of the YWCA and YMCA, past president of the Elmcrest Children’s Center, Cazenovia Ski Club, and Onondaga Golf and Country Club.
He started skiing as a youth in Syracuse on old World War II skis and boots at Drumlins Ski Area. He became a member of the Cazenovia Ski Club in 1960 with his family and joined the National Ski patrol at Caz in 1974 with his youngest son, John, a few years after his two oldest sons joined in 1970. He patrolled into his mid-80s, until the toboggan handling became a bit too much, then joined the NSP as an Alumni Member. He instilled a love for all things outdoors in his children and grandchildren and one of his favorites was to ski with his family, and he did just that until he was 93 years old.
Russ and Jiggy treasured their family above all else and enjoyed life to the fullest. They loved to travel and did so across the United States and many other parts of the world. One cherished tradition was to accompany their grandchildren on trips to any world location that each dreamed.
Russ and Jiggy’s large extended family will truly miss their beloved “Bampa” and “Old Bampa.” Russ is survived by children Jim (Kris), Pete (Kathleen), John (Gretchen) and Nancy (Jason) Bellush, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Central New York Community Foundation to honor Russ and Jiggy’s legacy of generosity. Click Donate Now www.cnycf.org or by check to 431 East Fayette St. Syracuse, NY 13202.
by Marty Silverman | Feb 24, 2026 | In Memoriam
Jerry Leff, a 57-year patroller at Seven Springs Ski Patrol in Western Pennsylvania passed away on January 21, 2026. An avid skier, Jerry will always be remembered as a loving, giving person who was always willing to help anyone. He was very generous behind the scenes helping those in need. He was also known for bringing Kosher bar-b-que baloney to the patrol’s annual Beast Feast.
Jerry was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner for over 50 years. In the summer, nothing gave him more pleasure than riding in the motorcycle motorcade with the Shiners and community parades. He also loved entertaining on his boat – the “Just Leff.”
Jerry graduated from Braddock High School, near Pittsburgh. He served in the Air Force and then the Air Force Reserves. Jerry attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh until he left to work side-by-side with his father running the family business of Leff Electronics (originally known as M. Leff Radio Parts). Jerry successfully turned the business into the largest electronics distributor on the East Coast.
Jerry is survived by Anna Leff, his wife of 44 years. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews, and 23 great-nieces and nephews. Jerry will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
by Michael Sommer, Alumni/EMARI | Dec 22, 2025 | In Memoriam
Steven Reisman, former Patrol Leader at Big Vanilla at Davos Ski Patrol in the Southern NY Region, passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born on June 13, 1941, Steven attended Bayside High School, where he excelled at swimming. At just sixteen, he became a lifeguard at Rockaway Beach—a role that sparked a lifelong passion for the ocean. He later joined the Knickerbocker Yacht Club in Port Washington, NY, serving as secretary for more than sixteen years and participating in countless sailing events on the Long Island Sound.
Steven was also a proud member of the New York Athletic Club in New York City and enjoyed spending time at their summer facility on Travers Island in Westchester, NY.
Deeply committed to community and history, Steven served as a trustee of the Cow Neck Historical Society in Port Washington, where he contributed his time, ideas, and expertise.
A devoted skier during the winter months, Steven became a member of the Big Vanilla at Davos Ski Patrol and eventually rose to Patrol Leader until the area closed. He was active in many National Ski Patrol fundraising events throughout the Southern NY Region, including the annual ski shows at the New York Coliseum each fall. In 1979, Steven was awarded National Appointment #5531. He was also an OEC instructor who looked forward each year to the refresher where he could reconnect with patrollers from across the region.
Steven remained a bachelor until 1982, when a chance meeting in a movie line—waiting to see An Officer and a Gentleman—introduced him to Terry, the woman who would become the love of his life.
Their early trips together included a visit to Cape May, NJ, where they both fell in love with the community’s Victorian charm, friendly spirit, and, of course, its beautiful beaches.
After a long search, they found the perfect home for a gift shop, which became The Whimsical Mermaid—another one of Steven’s imaginative ideas. They ran the shop for eighteen joyful years, meeting countless wonderful people, many of whom became lifelong friends. Steven, who adored children, would invite them to return with a hand-painted shell in exchange for a small gift. Over time, the walls of the shop filled with hundreds of painted shells brought by children from near and far.
Steven explored every corner of Cape May by bicycle. With his outgoing personality and genuine interest in people, he became a familiar face to locals and business owners alike—so much so that he was affectionately declared an honorary Mayor of Cape May.
This past June, Steven and Terry celebrated his 84th birthday, his last. Parkinson’s Disease gradually, and then rapidly, took over his body, though he miraculously managed to keep his sharp wit until near the end. Steven was truly one of a kind. To know him was to be blessed. He was Terry’s best friend, and together they were “attached at the hip.”
He will be missed dearly and loved for all the days to come.
by Marty Silverman | Nov 19, 2025 | In Memoriam
John Cleary, a 30-year volunteer patroller at Hidden Valley Ski Patrol, Western Appalachian Region, passed away on October 25, 2025 at the age of 74.
“John was kind, soft-spoken, funny, genuine, warm, and so much more,” said Hidden Valley Ski Patrol Director, Lisa Buss. “John was one of the kindest people I have ever known. Not only was he an excellent ski patroller, but he also went out of his way to have a chat and ask fellow patrollers about their life outside of patrolling…how is the family, how is work, any trips coming up?
Following his retirement from Hidden Valley Ski Patrol, John and his wife, Kathy, continued to be homeowners at Hidden Valley, and were often seen in the chairlift lines or on the slopes, and made frequent visits to the patrol room to say hello.
John was a graduate of Kent State University in the field of architecture. He was a survivor of the Kent State Shootings on May 4, 1970, when National Guard troops suddenly opened fire on anti-Vietnam War protesters. Four students were killed and nine, including John, were wounded.
He was the injured student shown in the iconic Life Magazine cover photo about the Kent State University shootings.
In 2010, John told an interviewer for the oral history project for the Kent State University Libraries that he did not join the demonstrators but rather came to take pictures with a borrowed camera.
“Everyone was talking about how there was going to be a noon rally and that sort of thing,” he said. “And so, I went over to just see what was going on and observe the protesters.”
“As the National Guard got near the top of the hill, I wanted to get one last picture of them before they went over the crest of the hill, so I was getting ready to take another shot and suddenly, they just turned and fired. It was like this volley of gunshots. And then I got hit in the chest.”
John went home after his hospital stay but returned to Kent State to continue his studies the following year. At the one-year commemoration of the shooting, a mutual friend introduced him to Kathy Bashaw, who would become his wife. Ten years later, on May 4, 1981 their first child, Andrew, was born.
“He and my mother had one of the greatest love stories,” his daughter Elizabeth Dove said. “They were married for 51 years. They were crazy about each other.”
John initially shunned the attention that would follow him. Many of us who patrolled with him never knew of his connection to the Kent State shootings until his picture on the cover of Life Magazine appeared in local papers on the 50th anniversary of the shootings. But John eventually returned to campus to join the annual commemorations of May 4.
In 2025, during the 55th annual May 4 Commemoration, he was honored with the privilege of ringing the university’s Victory Bell, a moment he described as deeply meaningful.
“John was a testament to the power of reconciliation” said Kent State President Todd Diacon. He had every reason and right to lead with anger and bitterness for the rest of his life, yet the John we came to know was kind, sensitive and an inspiration. We are all better for knowing him and will be guided by his strength within the legacy of May 4, 1970.”
This experience shaped his lifelong commitment to perseverance, family, reflection, and peace. He lived a life filled with creativity, kindness, and devotion to those he loved. A talented architect, he spent his career helping to design spaces that blended beauty and purpose, leaving a lasting mark on his community through his work and generosity of spirit.
“He was just the most resilient man that I know,” said his daughter, Elizabeth. “He just kept moving forward, no matter what life threw at him. That’s what I remember most about him, his ability to persevere throughout hardship.”
