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 (nee 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Walter R. 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

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.”  

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.

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.

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.

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.