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.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 13, 2025 | In Memoriam
Lowell S. “Bud” Brooks, Jr., 90, of Allendale, NJ, passed away on August 13, 2025, in Allendale, NJ. He was born in Kingston, New York, in 1934, alongside his identical twin brother, Lynn, to his parents, the late Margaret and Lowell S. Brooks, Sr.
He attended Kingston High School, where he was on the ski team and began his lifelong service with the National Ski Patrol. A graduate of Norwich University (1957) and later Fairleigh Dickinson University (MBA, cum laude, 1968), Bud served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before beginning a distinguished career in engineering, information systems, and business management, retiring from Cytec Industries in 1999.
In 1963, Bud married Ellen Schutz, and together they raised two children, Lowell “Scott” and Amy, in Allendale, where they lived for over 50 years. Bud was a devoted husband and lovingly cared for Ellen in her final years, as she battled Alzheimer’s, until her passing in 2018.
He was deeply involved in his community, serving on the Allendale Planning Board for 18 years, as an Elder at Highlands Presbyterian Church, and with the Holiday Observers. Summers were spent in Weekapaug, RI, where Bud was an active member of the Weekapaug Yacht Club, the Watch Hill Yacht Club, as well as a former longtime member of the Weekapaug Golf Club.
A lifelong skier and patroller, he served 57 years with the National Ski Patrol achieving Lifetime Membership and received numerous honors, including National Appointment #2780, a National Certificate of Appreciation, and the Patriot Star.
Bud is survived by his children, Scott and his wife Gretchen (Ede), and Amy and her husband Jay Sarzen; his grandchildren, Charlie Brooks, Maggie Brooks, and Andrew Sarzen, his twin brother, Lynn, as well as other beloved family members.
He will be remembered for his devotion to family, his service to church and community, and his lifelong love of skiing, sailing, and golf. At the end of his life, he considered himself to be one of the most fortunate people in the world.
A visitation with Bud’s family was held at the VanderPlaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff, NJ on Thursday, September 4, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Weekapaug Chapel in Weekapaug, RI in the Spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Weekapaug Chapel, Weekapaug, RI.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 13, 2025 | In Memoriam
David R. Hanning, an alumnus of the Swain Ski Patrol in Swain, New York, died July 13, 2025 at the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Greece, NY at the age of 98.
David joined the National Ski Patrol in 1964 and patrolled for 40 years, serving with distinction as an Assistant Patrol Director, Membership Chairman, Outdoor Emergency Transportation and Mountain Travel and Rescue instructor, and Western New York Region Chairlift Evacuation Program Administrator.
He became a senior patroller in 1966 after passing the senior ski & toboggan test during the blizzard of 1966 that left all the senior candidates and examiners stranded in the storm and unable to travel home for two days.
For his ski patrol leadership and dedicated service to the skiing public he received National Appointment Number 7099 in 1989 and the National Ski Patrol Distinguished Service Award in 2004. Upon his ski patrol retirement, the David Hanning Commendation Award was established in his honor to be awarded for cumulative career contributions to the Swain Ski Patrol.
In 1998, David initiated and managed the dedication ceremony and installation of graveside granite stones and brass plaques he had designed to commemorate Minnie Dole’s founding of the National Ski Patrol and the 10th Mountain Division. He arranged for the presence of NSP officials and 10th Mountain Division soldiers as well as members of the Dole family at the Paul Smiths, NY, cemetery celebration and co-authored an article describing the event that was published in the Fall 1998 Ski Patrol Magazine.
David was born in Saranac Lake, NY in 1927 and enlisted in the army upon high school graduation in 1945. Assigned to the 24th Infantry Division, he was sent to Yale University to study Japanese and was deployed to post-war Japan to interpret for army engineers overseeing the dismantling of fortifications and to inspect manufacturing plants for detection of munitions and weapons assembly.
Upon his return to the states, he served in the Army Reserve 98th Infantry Division and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He worked at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY for 34 years retiring in 1986 as Unit Director of the Materials Management Division.
David was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, and skiing. His hunting excursions included many trips out west in search of big game and birds with fellow patrollers and hunters.
He was an avid America’s Cup fan and traveled to Newport, RI to experience crewing the Weatherly after that vessel’s retirement from racing. David was a long-time member of the Rochester Ski Club, completing many of their trips over the years, especially his favorite annual trek to Sunday River.
David was preceded in death by his wife Jean Conheady Hanning, his eldest son, Paul Hanning, and his two stepsons Steven and Scott (Trucker) Wright. He is survived by his wife Korleen Dickinson, his son Stephen (Donna) Hanning, daughter Shauna (Ernest) Newcomb, daughter Maura (Kenneth) Hanning Sims, stepchildren Sheryl (Earl) Dunbar and Shellee Wright, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
David’s exemplary ski patrol accomplishments made him an inspiring role model for young patrol candidates and seasoned patrollers alike. David was a loyal friend to his fellow patrollers and his engaging personality, quick-witted humor, admirable leadership, and personal generosity will be remember fondly by all who knew him.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 13, 2025 | In Memoriam
John K. Jepson, Sr. of Simsbury, CT, the former husband of Anne M. T. Jepson and Andi Thorne Jepson passed to be with his Lord on July 23, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents John Jepson and Clarice Kincaide Jepson and is survived by his brother, Henry Lincoln Kincaide Jepson (Vicki) and his two sisters, June C. Jepson and Esther G. Gomez (Richard).
He is also survived by his three children, John K. Jepson Jr. (Kara), Jeffrey F. Jepson (Donna), and Kristin J. DuBois (William), his three stepsons, Greg Thorne, Rick Thorne (Jennifer), and Dan Thorne ( Michelle), and his thirteen grandchildren, Nicole Wolter (Matt), Ashleigh Jepson, Laura Jepson, Grace Trainer (Bennett), Emma McMahon (Dylan), Lincoln Jepson, Austin DuBois, MacKenzie DuBois, Caroline DuBois, Grant DuBois and Keegan DuBois, Alexa Thorne and Zachary Thorne.
John was born in Hartford, CT, attended Kingswood High School in West Hartford, and graduated high school from Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, VT. He briefly attended Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO before transferring and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from St. Lawrence University. He later attended the University of Connecticut (UCONN) Law School where he earned his law degree.
While at St. Lawrence, he started his long military career by completing the Reserve Officer Training Corp program where he earned a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, Infantry branch.
He lived, worked, and served most of his years in Simsbury, CT. In 2004, the town of Simsbury recognized his exemplary civil service by giving him one of its highest awards, the “Hometown Hero Award” recognizing John for his many years of exemplary community service.
John was an attorney by trade working for 13 years as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Connecticut. He also served a number of years as the head of the Legal Department for the nation’s oldest bank, Connecticut Bank & Trust. He completed his legal career in solo private practice. While practicing, he served both as an Adjunct Professor of Law at UCONN Law School and as Chairman of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Veteran’s and Military Affairs Committee.
John had a heart for service and was a perennial volunteer. He served in the United States Army Reserve for 32 years retiring at the rank of Colonel. During his military service, he held four different commands, served as the 76th Training Division’s Public Affairs Officer, its Inspector General, and in the Judge Advocate Generals Corps.
John also volunteered as national legal counsel for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) advising and protecting the rights of our country’s “citizen soldiers” and veterans. He served on the national board for the Reserve Officer’s Association and was highly decorated with its highest award, the Legion of Merit.
John had a love for skiing and skied competitively in both high school and college. He served on the National Ski Patrol for 53 years with most of those years at Butternut Basin in Great Barrington, MA and was the Western Mass Region Legal Advisor. In his later years, he also became certified as a ski instructor where he was able to share his passion with others.
John loved music and served as a long-time board member and former Chairman of the Hartford Symphony and founded its Volunteer Association. He was one of the founding board members of the Talcott Mountain Music Festival in Simsbury, CT. Each year, the festival brings the Hartford Symphony and many other wonderful artists to Simsbury creating a community cultural event the entire town looks forward to.
John was a 50-year member of the Connecticut Chapters of both the Masonic Temple and the Shriner’s Organization and kept a long-standing family tradition by maintaining membership in the Royal Order of Jesters.
The family held a private service with full military honors at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, CT on August 8, 2025, where John was laid to rest with his late wife, Andi Thorne Jepson. In lieu of flowers, John requested that donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital of New England, 516 Carew Street, Springfield MA 01104 or shrinerschildrens.org.
The family expressed their extreme gratitude to all the healthcare workers and employees of Avon Health Center in Avon, CT who provided such professional and loving care for their father over these past years. To leave condolences for the family please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com
by Joe Probst, Holiday Mountain Ski Patrol | Sep 13, 2025 | In Memoriam
Stanley J. Klima, age 94, has finished his last run. He passed away August 14, 2025, the same way he came into the world – at home. He was the son of Albert and Stella (Chojnacki), the beloved husband of 59 years to Mary Ellen (nee Maher), and loving father to Catherine Gletherow (Jamie), John (Jill), Mary Lynn Golliher (Doug), Carol Auth (Rodney), and Jim (Angela). Stanley (Stash) was an U.S. Army veteran, NASA engineer, and an avid skier.
Stash was always slightly amazed at how his life turned out. Hailing from the small town of Buck Lake in Michigan’s upper peninsula, his military service showed him the world. When he returned home, the GI Bill paved the way for him to go to Michigan Technological University, leaving work on the family farm and in the mines. He landed a job at the NASA Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio where he worked as a metallurgical engineer on research and testing that was used in the space program.
He was heard to say, “Hard work pays off, but you still need a little bit of luck.” Stash spent over 50 years volunteering for the National Ski Patrol working at both Brandywine Ski Resort in Ohio and Holiday Valley Ski Resort in New York.
Always eager to make one more turn, he was fond of telling friends and family that “some of the best skiing is in the rain” – a not-so-subtle reference to that fact that east coast skiers were a hardy breed and love of skiing overrode snow conditions.
Stash has nine grandchildren – Travis Auth (Maggie), Marin Auth, Hallie Auth, Julia Auth, Isabel Auth, Luke Klima, Kate Klima, Wesley Golliher, and Owen Golliher – and one great-grandchild – Dorothy Auth.
He was the brother of Nancy Horansky and the late Eleanor Boehm, Albert Klima, Mary Stanek, Jean Musial, Violet Miller, Frank Klima, Walter Klima, Ed Klima, and Leonard Klima.
by Laura Tucker, Editor | Jul 4, 2025 | In Memoriam
Fred joined the National Ski Patrol in 1984. From that date forward, he actively participated on all levels to better his patrol, his region, and his division. He acquired his Senior Patroller status in 1989 and immediately became a Senior OEC Trainer/Evaluator. He continued to maintain this status until he retired from patrolling, though his responsibilities grew over the years.
He was the editor of Toboggan Run, the Western Mass Region newsletter (1990-94), OEC Coordinator (1992-2000), 990 IRS 990 Return Coordinator (1997-99), Region Coordinator for Senior OEC Trainer/Evaluator Recertification (1998), and Assistant Region Director (1993-2000).
Fred held numerous positions of leadership and responsibility. He was the “go-to” guy who could always be depended upon for positive results. For six years, Fred was the Western Massachusetts Region Director. He took the position over in 2000 when the region was fragmented. His organizational and “people” skills brought the region and its patrols together and its programs thrived.
As Region Director, he served on the Eastern Division Board of Directors. He chaired the Finance Committee, which include the Investment Committee. Under his leadership, the following were accomplished:
• simplified ED investments,
• reduced investment costs,
• improved return on investments,
• dedicated percentage of investment income to support of programs,
• codified an Eastern Division investment policy/guideline, and
• selected and hired a single financial advisor/broker to implement investment policy/guidelines.
In 1992, Fred received the Western Mass Region Director’s Award. He was honored to be awarded National Appointment #9264 in 2000 and the NSP Distinguished Service Award in 2007.
Fred worked in the coatings industry his whole career, selling everything from kitchen cabinet finishes to military spec coatings for submarines. He finished out his career working for Sherwin Williams power coating division for over 25 years and retired in 2008.
Besides skiing, Fred loved camping, travel, music, and boating; anything from sailing a canoe to five years enjoying his pwer catamaran “Cat’s Paw.”
Fred is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sue; daughter, Kristen Tucker; son, Matthew; grandchildren Emma, Jakob, Alyssa, Holden, and Tanner; great-grandchild, Asher; and his sister, Barbara Wilson.
Condolences may be sent to 3351 Campbell Road, Mountain City, TN 37683.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Jun 5, 2025 | In Memoriam
Donald Gardner Hicks Jr., 84, of Leominster, passed away on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, after a brief illness with his family by his side. He was born in Lowell, MA on December 12, 1940, to Donald G. Hicks and Mary S. (Gillespie) Hicks. He received his education at Lowell High School, Lowell State College, Lowell Commercial College, and the University of Massachusetts. In 1959, he began his banking career at The First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lowell. He held several positions over the years at various community banks, including Worcester North Savings Bank in Fitchburg, before retiring as President & CEO of Reading Cooperative Bank in 2002.
Active in professional organizations during his career and leadership positions of multiple community organizations, he was a longtime member of Pilgrim Congregational Church of Leominster, serving over the years as Deacon, Trustee, and Treasurer.
He began his Freemasonry journey as a member of Lowell DeMolay. In 1962, he became a Master Mason at Wamesit Lodge in Tewksbury. In addition to holding multiple positions in various affiliated masonic bodies, he served as Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts from 2002 to 2004.
Don was an avid skier for over 60 years, right up until his illness this year. He enjoyed many ski trips with his children, grandchildren, and many other family members and countless friends over the years. He joined the National Ski Patrol in 1973 as a patroller and later served as Wachusett Mountain Patrol Director, EMARI Region Director, and Eastern Division Treasurer. He was awarded National Appointment 7020 for “Demonstrated Qualifications of Ability and Leadership” in 1988 and received the Distinguished Service Award in 1999. He remained an alumni member after retiring from active patrolling.
He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Nancy (Sargent) Hicks; a daughter, Karen and her husband Grant Thorne; a son, Andrew and his wife Patricia (Kane); a grandson, Brandon Thorne and his wife Meredith (Carr); two granddaughters, Emily Thorne and Megan Hicks; a great-grandson, Aiden Thorne; a brother, David and his wife Susan (Penney); and a brother-in-law Paul Sargent and partner Sandra Bogan, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his adopted brother, Arthur Iverson.
A Masonic Service was held at Wamesit Masonic Lodge in Tewksbury on April 22. The funeral service was held at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Leominster on April 24, followed by the burial in Lowell.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Masonic Education & Charity Trust, The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, or Pilgrim Congregational Church Food Pantry in Leominster.
