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.
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.
