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.
by Michael Sommer, Alumni/EMARI | Dec 22, 2025 | In Memoriam
Steven Reisman, former Patrol Leader at Big Vanilla at Davos Ski Patrol in the Southern NY Region, passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born on June 13, 1941, Steven attended Bayside High School, where he excelled at swimming. At just sixteen, he became a lifeguard at Rockaway Beach—a role that sparked a lifelong passion for the ocean. He later joined the Knickerbocker Yacht Club in Port Washington, NY, serving as secretary for more than sixteen years and participating in countless sailing events on the Long Island Sound.
Steven was also a proud member of the New York Athletic Club in New York City and enjoyed spending time at their summer facility on Travers Island in Westchester, NY.
Deeply committed to community and history, Steven served as a trustee of the Cow Neck Historical Society in Port Washington, where he contributed his time, ideas, and expertise.
A devoted skier during the winter months, Steven became a member of the Big Vanilla at Davos Ski Patrol and eventually rose to Patrol Leader until the area closed. He was active in many National Ski Patrol fundraising events throughout the Southern NY Region, including the annual ski shows at the New York Coliseum each fall. In 1979, Steven was awarded National Appointment #5531. He was also an OEC instructor who looked forward each year to the refresher where he could reconnect with patrollers from across the region.
Steven remained a bachelor until 1982, when a chance meeting in a movie line—waiting to see An Officer and a Gentleman—introduced him to Terry, the woman who would become the love of his life.
Their early trips together included a visit to Cape May, NJ, where they both fell in love with the community’s Victorian charm, friendly spirit, and, of course, its beautiful beaches.
After a long search, they found the perfect home for a gift shop, which became The Whimsical Mermaid—another one of Steven’s imaginative ideas. They ran the shop for eighteen joyful years, meeting countless wonderful people, many of whom became lifelong friends. Steven, who adored children, would invite them to return with a hand-painted shell in exchange for a small gift. Over time, the walls of the shop filled with hundreds of painted shells brought by children from near and far.
Steven explored every corner of Cape May by bicycle. With his outgoing personality and genuine interest in people, he became a familiar face to locals and business owners alike—so much so that he was affectionately declared an honorary Mayor of Cape May.
This past June, Steven and Terry celebrated his 84th birthday, his last. Parkinson’s Disease gradually, and then rapidly, took over his body, though he miraculously managed to keep his sharp wit until near the end. Steven was truly one of a kind. To know him was to be blessed. He was Terry’s best friend, and together they were “attached at the hip.”
He will be missed dearly and loved for all the days to come.
by Marty Silverman | Nov 19, 2025 | In Memoriam
John Cleary, a 30-year volunteer patroller at Hidden Valley Ski Patrol, Western Appalachian Region, passed away on October 25, 2025 at the age of 74.
“John was kind, soft-spoken, funny, genuine, warm, and so much more,” said Hidden Valley Ski Patrol Director, Lisa Buss. “John was one of the kindest people I have ever known. Not only was he an excellent ski patroller, but he also went out of his way to have a chat and ask fellow patrollers about their life outside of patrolling…how is the family, how is work, any trips coming up?
Following his retirement from Hidden Valley Ski Patrol, John and his wife, Kathy, continued to be homeowners at Hidden Valley, and were often seen in the chairlift lines or on the slopes, and made frequent visits to the patrol room to say hello.
John was a graduate of Kent State University in the field of architecture. He was a survivor of the Kent State Shootings on May 4, 1970, when National Guard troops suddenly opened fire on anti-Vietnam War protesters. Four students were killed and nine, including John, were wounded.
He was the injured student shown in the iconic Life Magazine cover photo about the Kent State University shootings.
In 2010, John told an interviewer for the oral history project for the Kent State University Libraries that he did not join the demonstrators but rather came to take pictures with a borrowed camera.
“Everyone was talking about how there was going to be a noon rally and that sort of thing,” he said. “And so, I went over to just see what was going on and observe the protesters.”
“As the National Guard got near the top of the hill, I wanted to get one last picture of them before they went over the crest of the hill, so I was getting ready to take another shot and suddenly, they just turned and fired. It was like this volley of gunshots. And then I got hit in the chest.”
John went home after his hospital stay but returned to Kent State to continue his studies the following year. At the one-year commemoration of the shooting, a mutual friend introduced him to Kathy Bashaw, who would become his wife. Ten years later, on May 4, 1981 their first child, Andrew, was born.
“He and my mother had one of the greatest love stories,” his daughter Elizabeth Dove said. “They were married for 51 years. They were crazy about each other.”
John initially shunned the attention that would follow him. Many of us who patrolled with him never knew of his connection to the Kent State shootings until his picture on the cover of Life Magazine appeared in local papers on the 50th anniversary of the shootings. But John eventually returned to campus to join the annual commemorations of May 4.
In 2025, during the 55th annual May 4 Commemoration, he was honored with the privilege of ringing the university’s Victory Bell, a moment he described as deeply meaningful.
“John was a testament to the power of reconciliation” said Kent State President Todd Diacon. He had every reason and right to lead with anger and bitterness for the rest of his life, yet the John we came to know was kind, sensitive and an inspiration. We are all better for knowing him and will be guided by his strength within the legacy of May 4, 1970.”
This experience shaped his lifelong commitment to perseverance, family, reflection, and peace. He lived a life filled with creativity, kindness, and devotion to those he loved. A talented architect, he spent his career helping to design spaces that blended beauty and purpose, leaving a lasting mark on his community through his work and generosity of spirit.
“He was just the most resilient man that I know,” said his daughter, Elizabeth. “He just kept moving forward, no matter what life threw at him. That’s what I remember most about him, his ability to persevere throughout hardship.”
by Nick Schiavetti | Nov 19, 2025 | In Memoriam
Gordon L. Benoit, a member of the Hunt Hollow Ski Patrol in Naples, NY, died on August 26, 2025 at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada while on vacation.
Gordy joined the National Ski Patrol in 1979 at Ski Valley in South Bristol, NY and advanced to become a senior patroller in 1985. When Ski Valley closed in 2000, he transferred to Hunt Hollow to continue his volunteer patrolling career. He was a dedicated member of NSP for 46 years, serving Ski Valley, Hunt Hollow, the Genesee Valley Region, and the Eastern Division with distinction. His exemplary service to the skiing public and leadership as an Assistant Patrol Director, Ski & Toboggan Instructor, Region Senior Outdoor Emergency Transportation Program Administrator, and Division Instructor Trainer earned him National Appointment Number 8814 in 1998 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2016.
Gordy will always be remembered for using his expert skiing and teaching abilities to help others improve their skills and as the guy who always got the job done right and on time. His personal warmth and loyal friendship were felt by everyone, especially when he was barking orders to “get to work” completing the necessary tasks to keep the ski patrol running smoothly. We will always “keep it up” as he often admonished us.
As a Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute educated chemical engineer with a master’s degree, Gordy worked for many years at the Mobil Corporation Research Laboratories where he developed over two dozen patents in thin film materials science. Gordy was also a master woodworker who dedicated his skills to Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years as one of the brightest lights of the “Hammer and Saw” family. In addition, he was renowned for his skills as a birdhouse builder and origami creator.
Gordy was a loving family man who treated everyone with true friendship and fairness. He was very dedicated to the Mendon Presbyterian Church where he served as head of buildings and grounds for 20 years and was Clerk of the Works when a new church was built. He is survived by his wife Beverly Cole Benoit; his children, Nicole (Robert) McCool and Mark (Irina) Benoit, stepdaughters Susan Plano Faber and Karen Stotz; and eight grandchildren.
Gordy had unrelenting dedication, passion, and energy for the Hunt Hollow Ski Patrol. His thoughtfulness and actions have left a meaningful impact that will endure for generations, and he will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues in the ski patrol family.
Norm Robinson, Skip Millor, and Nick Schiavetti
Genesee Valley Region Alumni
by Molly Bovard, Denton Hill, WNY Region | Nov 19, 2025 | In Memoriam
Beloved Pennsylvania Denton Hill Ski Patroller Daniel “Danny” Shipe died peacefully on August 22, 2025, at the Gatehouse Family Hospice in Williamsport, PA, surrounded by loving family and friends, following an 18-month courageous struggle with cancer.
Daniel Brosius Shipe was born in Philadelphia on October 13, 1955, the son of Robert Amos and Virginia (Burns) Shipe. His love of the great outdoors first developed during outings with his family in Central Pennsylvania, New England, and Canada.
Danny was a UPS career employee for thirty-five years. An added benefit was that all of the walking and steps in and out of the UPS truck kept his skiing quads in shape. In addition to skiing, Danny’s passions included gardening, music, and other outdoor sports including fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking.
Danny’s journey to becoming an avid cross-country and excellent downhill skier began during his college years. In 1989, he joined the Denton Hill Ski Patrol, serving for a total of 37 years, most recently through the NSP Alumni Program. He will be remembered for his passionate commitment to the Denton Hill Ski Patrol and its patrons.
He had a calming persona, and when he took care of someone during an incident, it was like your best friend had shown up to help. Additionally, Danny was seen as a leader within the patrol, having led or participated in multiple committees and activities.
He often helped with teaching OEC classes, instructed during the annual lift evac practices, and led candidates and his fellow patrollers through skiing and toboggan drills and annual training. He helped with mountain bike patrolling and fundraising as well.
Finally, when reports of a distressed cross-country skier were received, he’d change into his cross-country gear and head out for the rescue. Danny was awarded various local, regional, and national NSP awards, including: The DHSP Exemplary Service Award (2005-2010), an NSP Blue Merit Start (2010), the Eastern Division Patroller Achievement Award (2013), and the DHSP Quarter Century Club Award (1989-2014).
In addition to his love of skiing, Danny was best-known in Tioga County, PA, and beyond as a musician. A skilled guitarist, banjo player, and song writer with a rich baritone voice, he was a central figure in four bluegrass, progressive bluegrass, and folk bands: North Fork, Burnt Toast, Hickory Project, and Drowsy Maggie. In the last nine years he sang in a folk duet with Molly Cary.
With Burnt Toast and especially with Hickory Project, Danny performed to widespread acclaim in festivals across the U.S., in Ireland, Europe, and Australia, even playing a concert at the Kennedy Center.
He is survived by his wife Pamela Walker Shipe of Mansfield, PA, whom he married in 1993. She continues to be an ardent supporter of the Denton Hill Ski Patrol and earned the Angel Award multiple times.
Danny will be missed by all at Denton Hill. Those who knew him best knew his favorite saying when the snow was deep: “No friends on a powder day!” With a smile on his face, he would yell, “Keep up if you can!” and off he would go.
by Marty Silverman | Oct 23, 2025 | In Memoriam
Chris Lindberg, of the Hidden Valley Ski Patrol, Western Appalachian Region, passed away at the age of 74, on October 13, 2025. He joined the Ski Patrol in 1996. Chris was always smiling and willing to lend a hand with anything he could. He was a long-time OEC instructor and served as a member of the Hidden Valley Ski Patrol Board of Directors. Chris was a full-time homeowner at Hidden Valley and was active in both the HOA and the Jefferson Township community.
Chris was a Major in the United States Air Force, Retired. As Chris would put it, he served in the Air Force for twenty-two years, three months, and eighteen days. His military career took him to many parts of the country and the world, including the University of Nebraska, where he graduated with his master’s in physician assistant studies and obtained his medical license. He specialized in Medical Oncology and Hematology but spent time practicing in related healthcare fields during his military
service.
Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Chris spent the next twenty-five years working as an oncology Physician’s Assistant at the Hillman Cancer Center, dedicating himself to the care and treatment of his patients. Chris spent the last decade of his life in Somerset, PA, where he enjoyed working as a volunteer ski patroller, reading with his grandkids, and relaxing with his cats. He spoke frequently of his family and the joy of being a dad and grandfather.
A friend and colleague said, “Chris was an outstanding physician’s assistant in oncology and provided expert care and comfort to thousands of patients during their most difficult challenges. He had a peaceful, calm bedside manner that was ideal for his patients.”
Chris was a dedicated member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Highland in Pittsburgh. He would drive an hour and a half each way, every Sunday to attend church services. He volunteered frequently at the church and provided leadership as well.
He is survived by his three daughters, Shelly, Gwen, and Haley, and his two granddaughters, Skylar and Selah. Chris is also survived by his sisters Lisa, Nora, Kari, and Sara, and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Somerset Area Ambulance Association, where Chris spent the last two years serving on the Board of Directors. The address is Somerset Area Ambulance Association, 115 Wood Duck Rd., Somerset, PA 15501.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Oct 23, 2025 | In Memoriam
Walter “Buck” G. Berdan passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, surrounded by family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on July 29, 1949, to Leonard and Margaret (Bliss) Berdan.
Buck grew up hiking, camping, swimming and caving all over New York with his brothers and his many cousins and friends. He was an Eagle Scout, a certified scuba diver, enjoyed sailing his numerous boats over the years, and he was an avid winter camper.
Buck graduated from Schoharie Central School in 1967 and enrolled in Union College, Schenectady, New York. His education was interrupted when he volunteered to serve two tours in the Vietnam War. From 1970 to 1972 Buck was a cryptographic Specialist 5 with an armored cavalry unit of the 23rd “Americal” infantry division.
Following his return from Vietnam, Buck began working with troubled youths at group homes in Albany and Troy. He then became a teacher at Camp Cass, a correctional facility for juvenile offenders. In addition to working to rehabilitate troubled kids, Buck dedicated himself to helping people who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. He celebrated 40 years of sobriety in 2025.
Following a serious car crash in the 1980s, Buck became an EMT and joined the Middleburgh and Schoharie Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He served for 30 years, responding to over 1800 emergencies and his service was recognized by a special award from the New York State Legislature. A lifelong skier, he also volunteered with the National Ski Patrol at Plattekill and Royal Mountain for over a decade. 2008-2020
Aside from a call to service, Buck discovered a newfound faith in Jesus following his accident. He worshipped at the Schoharie Reformed Church regularly for the rest of his life. Following his retirement, he volunteered regularly at church events and the town church camp. He taught Sunday school for many years and frequently brought friends and strangers alike to church with him. On his last Sunday before passing, he attended the christening ceremony for his grandson, James.
Buck’s large extended family was very important to him. He is survived by his children: Rebecca and Garrett (Ama); his grandson James; his brothers Leonard (Margaret) and William (Carey Anne); his longtime companion Sheila Kennedy; and many Berdan, Snyder and Grogan cousins, nephews, and nieces. The family would like to extend special thanks to Joseph Tetteh for his kindness and care during Buck’s final years.
A Memorial service was held on September 13, 2025 at the Schoharie Reformed Church, Schoharie, NY. Interment followed in the Old Stone Fort Cemetery, Schoharie.
Please honor Buck’s request to volunteer time or resources to help the church, a local EMS/fire agency, or any other charitable cause dear to them.
