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MICHIGAN SKI HALL OF FAME recently Passings 2018 sons.
inducted JAMES “JB” BARTLETT, its eleventh JOHN DOUGLAS IRVING, the longtime director After-Sales Support
inductee since the HOF was formed in of operations at GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN
2003 to recognize those who have contrib- RESORT, NH, passed away unexpectedly from
uted significantly to the growth of skiing cardiac arrest on July 24. He was 67.
and snowsports in the state. Among other notable ski industry Described as the heart, soul, and back-
accomplishments, Bartlett helped develop and patent the bone of Gunstock in a blog entry posted recently on the
Nub’s Nob fan gun in the 1970s, leading to faster, more resort’s website, Irving had been a fixture at the resort for
efficient snowmaking. Many ski areas across the Midwest nearly four decades. He started off as the director of the ski
still use some derivative of this technological advancement. patrol, then became the director of operations in November
Bartlett, who served as general manager of Nub’s Nob for 30 1982. Irving had a hand in all the modern major expansions
years, is also a founding member of the Michigan Snowsports and improvements at the resort in that time, most recently
Industries Association. overseeing construction of the ZipTour ziplines (at the time
the longest ziplines in the continental US) and the resort’s
Altruism Weigand Mountain Coaster.
Staunchly dedicated to Gunstock, Irving was known for
his integrity, sense of humor, and humility, among numerous
other qualities. He took particular interest in helping others
succeed, and as a manager he was revered, according to Greg
Goddard, Gunstock’s general manager.
“Doug was highly regarded for his listening, coaching,
and mentoring skills. When I was making the rounds to his
crews to announce his death, several of them mentioned he
was the best boss they ever had,” Goddard said.
Among other lifelong outdoor interests that included
kayaking, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing, Irving had a
Executives from two New York ski areas have raised more passion for playing golf—not only for the game but also for
than $40,000 to help fight cancer, joining 140 other cyclists the many close friendships he developed through the sport.
on a recent 546-mile seven-day bike ride across the state This love of the outdoors fueled Irving’s commitment to
to support the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo. being a good land steward and an advocate of preserving the
Participating in the event were HOLIDAY VALLEY’S President/ mountain environment. He spent tireless hours volunteering Commitment that
CEO DENNIS ESHBAUGH; Vice President of Finance DAVID with a variety of organizations, and much of this involved
TRATHEN; Vice President of Resort Operations BONNIE working closely with the Belknap County Conservation
KOSCHIR; Marketing Director JANE ESHBAUGH; and from District, the Belknap Range Trail Tenders, and numerous

HOLIMONT SKI AREA, Human Resources Manager DEBBIE other naturalists and environmentalists to protect the land-
STEIN. With generous support from a variety of individuals scapes, vistas, streams, woodlands, and wetlands in and speaks volumes.
and companies in the ski industry, the team’s contribution around Gunstock. He also was one of the founders of the
was part of more than $660,000 raised to help fund cancer lift mechanic certificate program through the NH Community
research and clinical trials. College system.
In recognition of Irving’s contributions to the New
After months of wildfires that have taken a heavy toll on Hampshire ski industry, Gov. Christopher Sununu’s office You invest in us, we invest in you. We are committed to your success. 13 full service outlets throughout North America
Colorado’s Western Slope and other mountain communities, prepared a special commendation for him, which Goddard That´s why we are proud to have the strongest service network in 4 new facilities opened since 2013
SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN RESORT in Glenwood Springs is giving read at the celebration of life service August 19. North America. 2 new facilities coming this year
a thank you gift to hundreds of active firefighters and first In memorials written about Irving, time and again he More parts inventory, more service bays,
responders (including those from out of state). Sunlight has was noted for his devotion to his family and his pride in We continue to invest in new infrastructure and technology. more staff
announced that every Wednesday throughout the 2018–19 their accomplishments, great and small. Survivors include We are improving our ability to store, service and quickly fi ll parts
season, it will host “Firefighter Fun Days,” in which these his life partner, Debbie Irwin; sons Jon Sachetta (Sarah) orders every day.
brave individuals can enjoy an entire day of free skiing and Jamie Irving; Debbie’s sons, Hale Irwin and Lee Irwin;
and snowboarding when they present a valid ID at the two sisters; two grandchildren; and numerous extended We call that commitment.
ticket window. family members.

www.pistenbully.com/service
62 | NSAA JOURNAL | EARLY WINTER 2018