Fallen Skiers

Fallen Skiers

Harold "Chappy" Chapman passed away on March 6, 2008 at age 84. He was a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier pilot in the Pacific Fleet during World War II. He returned to active service during the Korean War as U.S. Air Force pilot stationed in Germany. It was in Germany that he met and married his loving wife of 54 years, Ursula. His 26 year military career was highlighted by his role as USAF Chief Engineer to the SR-71 Blackbird Project and a Mach 3+ flight in the Blackbird. Chappy and his family relocated to Granite Bay, Calif., upon his retirement.
I have slipped the surly bonds of earth... and touched the face of God.

Carmon Auble, age 78 passed away on January 22, 2008 at Ashland, Ore. Born and raised in Chisholm, Minn., he became an engineer specializing in aeronautics at UW-Madison. He married, and in 1960 with his wife Lou Ann and children, he moved to Sacramento to join Aerojet. In 1974 Carm co-founded Sierra Technology (STC) of Carmichael.

Roy C. Gill, age 79 passed away on Nov. 1, 2008. After graduating from Stanford Univ., he joined the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned and rated pilot in 1953. While flying for the Air Force Reserves, he graduated from U.C. Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law. He worked for the State of California , starting out as an inheritance and gift tax attorney, and finishing as an administrative law judge for the Unemployment Insurance Board of Appeals. He married Vietta Downs, a Canadian nurse, in 1961. Roy once served as a president of our ski club.

Ardith Berkshire (Young)l, age 73 passed away on June 6, 2010. She was a dedicated member of Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church and a past working member of Senior Gleaners. She lived in Elkhart from childhood to adulthood and was a 1955 graduate of Elkhart High School, before working her way through, and graduating from, Saint Edwards University in Austin, Texas. Ardie was a long-time member of our ski club.

Robert C. Cassano passed away on February 7, 2003 at age 76. The son of a Sierra gold miner in Camptonville, Bob was part of the golden age of bridge and highway construction in California. During 36 years of his career at Caltrans, Bob helped engineer the bridge over the Sacramento River in Butte City and the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which stands over the main channel of Los Angeles Harbor. At the time of his death, he was assisting with construction of the famous Tacoma Narrow Bridge as a consultant. When he wasn't working on these projects, he enjoyed his family, bicycling, fishing, skiing and hiking. He continued to ski till he was 75.

Pat Musselman passed away on June 27, 2005 at age 74. Though Pat was primarily a wife & mom while the family followed her husband to his Air Force assignments, she was also an outstanding athlete. She became an avid Skier, Biker, and competition Ice & Roller Skater. She won Silver & Bronze Medals in International competition in both sports in the 1970 Squaw Valley Invitational. She belonged to our ski club for over 20 years. She was an innovator in encouraging us to try new sports such as skating & special bike rides. She passed the fastest of us as often as she slowed to encourage those of us who fell behind.

Sharon Ferguson was born Aug 23, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska. She grew up and attended school in Campbell, MN. In 1959 she graduated cum laude from Univ. of North Dakota with a degree in Business Education. She was offered a teaching position in Willows, California and decided living in Calif. would be a better life with more fun and adventure than winters in North Dakota. Living in Willows with her friends she met Linn Ferguson and they married in 1960. Linn introduced Sharon to skiing in 1972. Sharon and Linn spent many happy years being active in the Auburn Ski Club with their two daughters. Jill raced for six years with Placer High and Sierra College racing teams and Suzy died in a racing accident in 1978. After Linn’s retirement they made two trips to Europe to check out the French Impressionists and Chefs. They also traveled throughout the western states skiing at most of the major resorts. Sharon and Linn joined our ski club in 2000. You couldn't miss them skiing together down the mountains wearing their bright red jackets. Sharon brought laughter to all and her love of life was contagious. She loved biking, skiing and playing bridge and spent many hours volunteering at her favorite thrift store in Auburn. Sharon passed away on Oct. 7th 2010.

Joe Paddock, our active member at age 85 passed away on October 6, 2011. He was born in Cortland, NY. He served with the US Navy in WW II, earned his Masters at Syracuse University, worked for Park-Davis followed by a 35-year career at IBM. Joe was also a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, active in SRS, Traveling Elks, Senior Net, Renaissance Classes and several ministries at Divine Savior Church . He had a strong work ethic, and would selflessly sacrifice anything for his family. He was always able to insert intelligent humor or important insight into any conversation.