In Memoriam

Kirk died peacefully in his sleep at home with family next to him. He will be missed by his children, Terry, Kevin, and Martha Bosworth, his sister Gael Stein, grandson Adam Bosworth, wife Kristina, their sons Kilian, Ivar, Stellan, and Ronan and by granddaughter Laura Treichler, husband John and their daughter Peyton and son Tyler. His many nephews and nieces will remember him always. Kirk’s wife of sixty years died before him in 2017. Sisters Patricia Bell and Polly Whitcomb McEwing also predeceased him. His parents were Bernard “Bun” Bosworth and Pauline Sullivan Bosworth.

Kirk’s early childhood was spent in Bristol, Vermont which remained a place close to his heart. In the late 30’s the family moved to Burlington, Vermont, where Kirk began school at Ira Allen grade school. While Bun was serving in the South Pacific during World War Two, Pauline packed up the family and moved to St. Johns Florida and later drove across the country to Dinuba California. When Bun returned after the war the family drove back to Vermont. Kirk attended Burlington High School where he ran track and became captain of the football team. He went on to complete a B.A. at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1955.

Chester James “Jim” Judski, 72, of Owego, New York, passed away on June 21, 2026, at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton following a long period of declining health.

Jim was born on October 5, 1953, in Johnson City, New York, and lived a life marked by hard work, loyalty, and a warm, steady presence that was deeply appreciated by those who knew him. He was the devoted son of the late Chester L. and Mary (Niznik) Judski, and he carried the values of family, responsibility, and perseverance with him throughout his life. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Jeanie and Tim Walsh, as well as many special cousins, all of whom will remember him with love and gratitude.

Jim graduated from Newark Valley High School in 1971 and later attended Broome Community College, where he received his associate degree. The family farm was an intricate part of Jim’s early life and remained important to him well into adulthood. It shaped his character and helped form the practical, dependable man he became. He also became well known for his mechanical skills and his ability to repair and maintain almost any piece of equipment, including tractors, lawn mowers, and snowmobiles. Whether working on the farm, helping others, or solving a problem with his hands, Jim approached each task with patience, intelligence, and determination.

William “Bill” Kellogg, 61, of Newark Valley, NY, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2022. Bill was predeceased by his mother, Micheline Kellogg. Bill is survived by his father, Robert and Linda Kellogg; sister Karen (Dave) Kellogg; son Matthew (Keri) Kellogg; daughter Joselyn (Christopher) Marshall; grandchildren Abigail Kellogg, Olivia Marshall, Konnor Kellogg, Chloe Marshall, and Gavin Marshall; his “favorite ex-mother-in-law” Barbara Duran; and his four-pawed furry companions.

Bill worked at Lockheed Martin for 30 years, retiring in 2014. His work improved the production of U.S. Navy helicopters and ensured their success in the fleet. Bill was a true mountain man who loved the outdoors, especially skiing. For many years, he served on the National Ski Patrol at Greek Peak, where he earned a National Ski Patrol National Appointment #11364 for his outstanding service.

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 student at Wellesley College. 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 two hip replacements, this petite and 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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.