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In Memoriam
Memorial to Des Plaines River Nordic Patroller Mike Boxer
Our friend and fellow Patroller Michael Boxer lost his battle with cancer at
the beginning of December 2007. Mike was PR for Des Plaines River Nordic
Patrol on and off for many years. He participated at Glacial Park Ski Patrol
events over the years as well, and was always there when we needed an extra
hand. Michael was a good friend that touched many lives in our National ski
patrol family, as well as in his personal life. Mike’s Wife Frada sent a
note out when it was suggested that Mike go into Hospice Care at the end of
November and many of you responded with comments and fond memories that were
in turn shared with Mike. I can only guess that some of those comments made
him smile and helped him and his family know that he touched many lives and
was acknowledged by many as a kind and gentle man that was always willing to
help out when needed and teach what he knew. Mike was awarded the Southern
Cross on three separate occasions for fundraising and as Patrol Director in
our Southern Region, and many of us remember him as an OEC instructor and
Nordic toboggan instructor. Mike was always present at the Trail of History
weekend for which he volunteered at the first aid tent, often staying
overnight. Mike was also on the “Birkie” patrol for many years traveling to
Hayward Wisconsin to patrol the American Birkebeiner Nordic Race each
February. Mike enjoyed the outdoors and had a great appreciation for nature,
an active canoeist he was honored after his passing with a December canoe
paddle down the Des Plaines River with a close group of friends wishing him
farewell. Mike is survived by his wife Frada, his two sons Russell and Eric
and grandchild Caden. He will be greatly missed. Respectfully submitted by
Sue Fishburn
Patrol Representative
Glacial Park Nordic
Memorial to Villa Olivia Nordic Patroller Bob Faulkner
NSP lost one of it’s long term dedicated patrollers, Monday
June 18, 2007, when Bob Faulkner past away. Bob joined the NSP in 1979 as a
Nordic patroller. Bob contributed to the NSP in so many ways. He made
presentations to attract new members, he handled public relations at the Region
level, and he was a member of the Speaker’s Bureau. He was a regular worker at
the Ski Sale and headed up the Nordic Department for many years. He taught OEC
and taught patrollers to be instructors of OEC as well as teaching Instructor
Trainers. He was the mainstay of the nordic basic training for over ten years
and held the Assistant Nordic Advisor position in charge of testing and training
for five years. He was an MTR instructor, and completed many other electives as
well. Bob was a member of several patrols including the Norsk Nordic Patrol,
the Villa Olivia Nordic Patrol, the Cary Ski Jump Patrol, the Glacial Park
Patrol, the Birkie Patrol, the Northern IL Nordic Patrol, and the Joliet Nordic
Patrol. Bob earned numerous awards including National Outstanding Nordic
Patroller twice, and the Primly Outstanding Birkie Service Award and in 1991 Bob
earned National number 7388.
My favorite memory of Bob is when he bought his book
“Cross Country Ski in One Day” and instructed my grandson’s scout troop; from
which many of the boys got their Snow Sports Merit Badge.
Al Down
Villa Olivia Nordic - National
Number 4880
I remember the early years when we were "guests" of the
Sawyer County Sheriff. Bob always wanted to have a bed down location in the
'jail'. It was very important to him to say he slept in the jail for the Birkie
weekend.
Howard C. Holz
Viking Nordic Patrol, MN
I was lucky enough to have known and to have worked with
Bob for many years. I can honestly say that there are few people that were, or
are as devoted to ski patrolling as Bob was. To me, Bob was more than just a
fellow patroller, he was a genuine friend. I am really going to miss him.
Norm Janowicz
Indianhead Patrol, MI
Bob Faulkner - He was the best coach, mentor, advisor and
driver for me, as going through the senior OEC, he would NOT let you fail.
Bill Johnson
Villa Olivia Patrol, IL
Bob was a strong example of the commitment it takes to make
a volunteer organization like ours successful.
Julie Timmons
DPRN, Wilmot Patrols
Bob in a nutshell: A solid friend with boundless enthusiasm
for projects large and small.
Don Creelman
Right after Bob had gotten his yellow Porsche, he had come
to my company for a morning press check
and drove his new Porsche so I could see it. We went for lunch, it was cold that
day, but Bob had
the top down. Knowing I was a former gear head, he pushed the car hard to show
me the acceleration
and as we approached a red light (very fast) I looked at him and said, " you
know that light is red", he nonchalantly turned to me and said " I know, I want
to show you also how fast it stops".
Well it did, and we just turned to each other and smiled.
He will be greatly missed.
Mark Johnson
BFCPRINT.com
Bob was a great friend and strong supporter of the Ski
Patrol, especially the Birkie Ski Patrol. He was a great help in organizing,
cajoling and herding in the early days of patrolling the race. His artistic
contributions ranged from good-natured teasing to art on our memorabilia.
I am saddened to learn of his passing. His unique wit, cheerful disposition,
and endless goodwill will not be forgotten.
Toby Markowitz
(Roseville, MN, retired National
Ski Patrol #5770, past Division Nordic Advisor, Birkie Ski Patrol founder,
current XC ski competitor)
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