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 Anna Hermann, WAPP YAP Advisor | Feb 24, 2026 | Spotlight Articles
Editor’s Note: Last year, Western Appalachian YAP Advisor Anna Hermann was awarded the Women’s Program Scholarship in Memory of Deborah Stitt. She used the scholarship to attend the February Patroller School at Killington. Deb was a dear friend of Anna’s so receiving the scholarship was very personal. The following is Anna’s tribute to Deb Stitt.
I finally sat down after the patroller school event at Killington, February 2026 and had a Miller Lite, Deb’s favorite. While I was writing this article I spent time reminiscing about the great times we had and wishing we could have had more time together.
I was honored to receive the Women’s Scholarship in Deb’s honor. It was incredible to spend the weekend working on patroller skills, something my Deb Stitt would absolutely be pushing me to do. But in all honesty, much of the time was spent thinking about my dear friend, whom I have been grieving for the past few years.
I was in my early 20s when I met Deb. I was already a patroller when she joined, but she quickly became both a mentor and a close friend. Deb taught me many things, the last being how to grieve.
Deb took me under her wing, not just as a patroller, but as a young woman. She gifted me a ski patrol neck gaiter, spent time teaching me how to be a confident woman, a strong female patroller, and gave me a crash course in golf when a group was short a member for our annual Blue Knob fundraiser. Deb founded that fundraiser, and the tradition faded after she passed. She empowered young women to be confident and to become the best versions of themselves.
I consider the opportunity to grieve a friend this deeply to be an honor. They say grief is love with nowhere to go. I take my grief to the slopes.
The ski patrol community has gifted me many friendships. With a larger community comes more loss. We learn and evolve from our mentors and friends within ski patrol, and we also learn how to navigate the loss when that time comes.
Ski patrol shapeshifts as the years go on, but we remember the greats, most importantly, our greats. Who taught you to be the patroller you are today? Who taught them?
We think of our greats as we carve beautiful turns on a bluebird day, or after working a difficult accident. I wear that neck gaiter she gifted me every time I hit the slopes, never daring to swap it out for a warmer one – even in sub zero temperatures at Killington. Deb was right there with me at patroller school making turns and running sleds. We remember and we honor.
To Deb and to all the other fallen greats, we raise a glass and carve a turn.
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.
