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
by Trail Sweep Staff | Jun 9, 2026 | In Memoriam
Richard “Rick” Shandler died on April 29, 2026, after a short illness at Lankenau Medical Center in Penn Wynne, PA. Rick was born in 1961 in Broomall, PA to Selma Shandler (née Ziegler) and Irving Shandler.
Rick graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 1979 and was in the Class of 1983 at Temple University with a theater arts major. He spent the next 20 years working in theater traveling the world as technical director for theatrical shows, concerts, festivals, etc. He also taught theater arts at the collegiate level at several colleges throughout the United States.
Concurrently, Rick was working as the Director of Operations at Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Center (DRC) from 1988-2003. He changed careers in 2003 and began working in the medical field first as a senior technologist in Electrophysiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and most recently as an Executive Clinical Account Specialist in Electrophysiology for Biosense Webster as well as Interim Product Director for Ultrasound in 2013 for Biosense Webster.
Rick was an EMT and a Wilderness EMT and was a very active volunteer. He Joined the National Ski Patrol (NSP) in 1996 and worked at the local, regional, and national levels often holding senior leadership positions. He was NSP’s Program Director for the Safety Team and for the Nordic/Backcountry Program. Rick created a Memorandum of Understanding between the US National Parks Service and the National Ski Patrl and created the Valley Forge Ski and Bike Patrol at Valley Forge National Park in 2012 where he was still program director.
In 2012, Rick helped organize a ski tour with the Eastern and International Divisions (then the European Division) to ski the Bernese Oberland Haute Route. This was a combined MTR/Avalanche training. Rick also liked rock climbing doing routes in the Tetons and the Gunks.
During the early through mid-2000s, Rick regularly showed up to help instruct at Level 2 Avalanche courses as well as ESAW (Eastern States Avalanche Workshop) and the IsSW (International Snow Science Workshop). He once represented NSP at ICAR (International Commission for Alpine Rescue) at their European conference.
Rick was and an instructor and IT in Avalanche, MTR, Nordic/Backcountry and OEC. He was instrumental in the founding of the NSP Nordic Master Program and proudly earned Nordic Master #007. In 2013 he received National Appointment #11450 and a Distinguished Service Award in 2020. In 2019 he received a Yellow Merit Star as the Patrol Representative of the National Outstanding Nordic Patrol.
Rick regularly traveled aroundntothe Eastern Division’s Nordic patrols and taught XOEC. He was spearheading the team that was writing the XOEC chapter for the new OEC 7.
Rick also enjoyed spending time on the water teaching whitewater kayaking, whitewater safety rescue classes, and volunteering with the Friendship Dive Rescue Team in Phoenixville, PA. He taught many different classes throughout his life including the National Ski Patrol, the Philadelphia Canoe Club, the American Red Cross, and at many universities and schools throughout the country. His accomplishments, certifications, and the number of lives he touched are too vast to list. Rick loved nothing more than helping people.
Rick is survived by his wife Susan Shandler (née Pratt) and his children Abram and Elias who will all miss him terribly. A Memorial Service was held in his honor at Temple Sholom, Broomall, PA on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Donations can be made to the American Red Cross and to Temple Sholom.
by Dr. Daniel Barletta, Alumni WNY | Jun 9, 2026 | In Memoriam
Barbara (Barba) Priore, a beloved member of the Kissing Bridge Ski Patrol in Western New York, passed away on April 10, 2026, after a brief illness.
Barbara and her husband, Robert, joined the patrol in 1980, beginning a legacy of service that would span decades. Known for her warmth, humor, and unwavering dedication, Barbara quickly became an integral part of the patrol community.
She held the classification of Alpine Patroller and was especially passionate about education. As an Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) instructor, she took great pride in mentoring new patrol candidates each year. Her creative teaching style—famously incorporating crossword puzzles to reinforce OEC material—left a lasting impression on countless trainees.
Barbara was widely regarded as the patrol’s expert in infant emergency care and CPR, a role she carried with both expertise and compassion. Her willingness to help was unmatched; she was the kind of person who never said no when asked for support.
Barbara was recognized by the Eastern Division of the National Ski Patrol (NSP) as a long-tenured patroller who consistently went above and beyond in her duties. Although she did not pursue leadership roles at the patrol or regional level, her dedication and service were honored with the Eastern Division Patroller Achievement Award. In 2013, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the patrol system as a whole, Barbara was further honored with the National Ski Patrol’s Distinguished Service Award.
Throughout her years of service, she completed extensive training in Outdoor Emergency Care including refresher modules, avalanche safety, instructor development, and incident command. She remained actively involved in instructor activities, skills days, and refresher courses alongside her fellow patrol family.
Beyond her work with the ski patrol, Barbara dedicated over 20 years to the Theater of Youth, where she served as Head of Wardrobe, contributing her creativity and care to countless productions. She also more recently became co-owner of the Spotted Octopus Brewing Company with locations in Buffalo and Rochester, NY.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 45 years, Robert; her children, Sarah Priore and Robert Priore; sisters Bonnie Redder, Johann Clancy, Diane Leigh, and Ellen Kisker; brother Richard Kisker; and 16 cherished nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her legacy of kindness, service, and mentorship will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
Dr. Daniel Barletta, NA #140391
Kissing Bridge Ski Patrol
by Dr. Daniel Barletta, Alumni WNY | Jun 9, 2026 | In Memoriam
In 1968, 58 years ago, Diane joined Glenwood Acres (now part of Kissing Bridge Ski Area), and from that very first run, she never looked back. She pointed her skis downhill and spent a lifetime lifting others up—patrollers, guests, and friends alike. Her impact stretched far beyond the slopes of Kissing Bridge, touching the entire Western New York Region, the Eastern Division, and the National Ski Patrol. To so many, she wasn’t just a leader—she was an inspiration, a mentor, and family.
Diane gave her whole self to the patrol. Whether she was teaching, mentoring, testing, or leading, she did so with unmatched energy and care. She served in countless roles, including First Aid/OEC Examiner, Instructor, Junior Advisor, Assistant Patrol Director, and most notably, Patrol Director for nearly three decades (1983–1993 and 1997–2024). Her leadership shaped generations of patrollers, and her influence will be felt for years to come in every lesson taught, every hill swept, and every life helped.
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. Diane was honored as Kissing Bridge Patroller of the Year and Western New York Patroller of the Year, and she received the National Ski Patrol Distinguished Service Award. She was awarded National Appointment #4871 in 1976.in recognition of her extraordinary leadership and was recognized for 50 years of service in 2018. Over her career she received Purple Merit Stars (2), a Blue, a Yellow, and a Meritorious Service Award. Yet, for Diane, the true reward was never the recognition—it was the people, the patrol, and the purpose she loved so deeply.
Those who knew Diane will remember her as more than her titles. She was the one cheering you on when you doubted yourself, the one who showed up—always—and the one who gave 120% in everything she did. As was so perfectly said, “They don’t get any better.” And truly, they don’t.
Diane came to ski patrol out of a love for skiing and a desire to help others—but she stayed because it became her family. And she gave that family everything she had, right up until the very end.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank Smith, who shared her passion for the National Ski Patrol and Kissing Bridge Ski Patrol. She is survived by her cousins, Geraldine Stuff and Gary (Stephane) Stuff; her sisters-in-law, Shirley Wojtkowiak and Barbara Coleman; her nieces and nephews, Katherine Marks, Steve Wojtkowiak, Ken Wojtkowiak, and Karen Schneider; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Though Diane may no longer be with us on the slopes, her spirit will always be there—in every turn, every act of kindness, and every patroller who carries forward what she so selflessly gave. Her tracks will never fade.
Dr. Daniel Barletta
Kissing Bridge Ski Patrol
by Marianne Lewis, Seven Springs Patrol Manager | Apr 26, 2026 | In Memoriam
It is with sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our longtime Seven Springs ski patroller and dear friend Howard Johnston on Sunday April 12, 2026.
For many years, first as a Safety Ranger and then as a Ski Patroller, Howie was a steady presence on our mountain. The guests came to know him for his kindness and looked forward to greeting him at the Gunnar Chairlift every morning. When he retired due to declining health, just a few years ago, the question; “Where is Howie?” was heard over and over again on the mountain.
Employees from all departments knew him by name, and he had a special way of making everyone feel seen and supported without ever making a big deal of it. At the end of every shift, Howie would send our guests off to the front side of the mountain with a pointed arm, a clear direction, and a contagious smile.
Like many of you, my time working with Howie has been one of the most cherished times of my life. We all have our own special memories of working alongside Howie, sharing long days on the hill, moments of laughter and sometimes a Code 33 (code for having a drink with friends after the shift, and a reference to the Rolling Rock Brewery that used to be nearby) on Friday evenings.
But, it’s all of the little moments with Howie that really stick; the chats in the hut, his childlike pranks, how he would hide cookies in our packs for later, the radio calls that would make you laugh until you cried and how he encouraged joy and fun into every day. Howie always took the extra step in everything he did, made everyone feel special, and he always chose kindness above all else. We all learned so much from him and his presence on this mountain and in this Patrol will never be forgotten.
Beyond Ski Patrol, Howie was a member of the Monongahela Church of the Nazarene that his grandfather, Rev. Paul Andre founded. Over the years, he worked for Combustion Engineering, U.S Steel, where he completed training as an instrument repairman, and for ABB. Using his training and experience, he later performed work as an independent contractor.
Howie and his wife Karen very much enjoyed the gym and the parks (Ohiopyle, South Park, Mingo, and Cedar Creek) working out, running and walking for many years. In his younger years, he also enjoyed running the 10K and 5K races.
Howie was always willing to help others. He was a volunteer fireman in Monongahela, he coached his children’s baseball teams, and for years he helped place and remove flags at cemeteries in the area.
Howie will always be part of our Ski Patrol team. I hope we can all take a moment to reflect on how much Howie has meant to us. I know he would want us to find joy in remembering him through stories and laughter.
At Howie’s request, there will be no funeral service.
Marianne Lewis
Patrol Manager
Seven Springs, PA
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.
