Richard Thalacker 1936 - 2011
Dick Thalacker, patroller of many years, and our good friend, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2011. He originally joined the National Ski Patrol program back in 1961, and has been patrolling with us here at Mt. Brighton since 1976. He will be missed by the whole Mt. Brighton family.
A short memorial service will be held on Sunday, Feb 20th at 8:30 AM at Mt. Brighton at the top of the Red Chairlift.
Update: We have a photo gallery from the memorial service up here
The Livingston Daily ran the obituary for Dick, as well as a nice article about him.
A memorial service for Dick will be held at 3 p.m. March 27 at St. George Lutheran Church, 803 W. Main St. in Brighton.
We’ve set up this page so that you can share your thoughts, memories, and stories about Dick with the rest of us.
Sorry, but due to spam, we’ve had to disable further input. If you’d like to email your memories to webmaster@mtbrightonskipatrol.com, we’ll post it here on your behalf.
The memory that is fresh in my mind is how Dick, even near the end of his life and quite ill, he still kept a positive attitude, and had a smile on his face (even through the mask). He’s an inspiration, and I will miss him.
-Jeff Henry
The Sunday of Dads (Dicks) passing, I had been called off the hill to be with him for a couple of hours. When I showed-up to his hospital room and at his bedside his heart rate immediately and drastically increased; I believed and remarked Hes upset that I didnt complete my duty shift just to see him. The nurse assured me that it was the meds. and his blood pH level. I still believe it was a reaction spurred by his deep passion/commitment to the NSP, Mt. Brighton ski patrol, Mt. Brighton ski school, Mt. Brighton ski area and his love of skiing. Ultimately, caring about and helping people. One last stern taking-to; get aboard with the idea and do good work with integrity.
-Dan Thalacker
The funniest thing that ever happened while skiing with dick was on the red. He was teaching nick(his grandson)pizza slice.now dick had just got clearance to ski that day as he had a recent hip surgery. so first day out were on the red and hes doing pizza slice backwards showing nick how to ski and he slammed backwards right into the shanty. it was one of those OMG moments but we laughed so hard. nick will never forget pizza slice. loved him much, will miss him lots and forget him never. thanks for everything dick…proud to be your daughter-in-law….tina
-Tina Thalacker
Dick Thalacker - A friend and mentor who will be dearly missed. His passion for skiing, helping others and doing the right thing will live forever in my memories.
-Steve Godell
Dick your passion & dedication to ski patrol will surely be missed. My Head ski’s will be treasured.
-Karen Brietzke
One of my fondest memories of Dick actually occurred about three weeks ago on his Saturday shift. After the Red/Black trails were opened, I had the opportunity to ride up the chair with him. He told me that today was going to be special because Dan and his grandson Nick were going to join him for the day. He also told me without going into detail that he would soon be going back into the hospital and he wanted to get some turns in. Later on that morning Dan and Nick did join him and they skied like three teenagers until lunch time. That was the last time I saw him on the hill. I know that in the future, this moment will be a special time for Nick to remember, skiing with his grandpa. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire family for their loss. He will be greatly missed.
Jay and Jody Stubblefield
-Jay Stubblefield
To Dicks Family and Friends. I have known Dick for a few short years but, I will say I have NEVER met a kinder soul. He would come to my office and share many life stories. His dedication to the Ski Patrol and the sport of skiing was unparalleled. The Mt. Brighton Ski Patrol, MT Brighton will never forget this wonderful man. Thank for all the peppers Dick!! God Bless you and enjoy the big hill up there.
Bob Mateja Golf Course Supt. Jackal Golf Club @ Mt. Brighton
I will always remember Dick as being the most positive person I have ever met. He never let any of us know how ill he was and was able to continue to be cheerful when in reality he was probably feeling pretty lousy at times. I spoke to him just two days before he was gone while he was waiting to get his “last chemo”. He sounded great and up-beat as ever. Needless to say it was a shock to hear he was gone so fast. What a way to go though! There will never be another Dick Thalacker, no one will ever be able fill his shoes, and we are so fortunate to have known him as our director and leader. Rest in Peace Dick, you will be missed. Lisa Niemi
-Lisa Niemi
Hey Dude-give Minnie Dole a handshake for us!!
His passion for the NSP and especially the NSP family will never be matched.
I remember one of my first patrol room shifts as a candidate nearly 20 yrs ago. A patient came in and Dick let me run the show. I was quite flattered at the time, this big kahuna was letting the little candidate do some real OEC. It was just Dick doin’ his thing---a superb person right to the end.
-Linda B.
Dick was the one who encouraged me to consider being a ski instructor at Mt. Brighton. He performed both roles (patroller/ski instructor) and loved it. I followed his lead and when he learned that I needed an instructor jacket he graciously offered his old one. He would smile when he saw me teaching in his old jacket and would only accept my appreciation in return for his kindness. Neither of us realized that his prompting and encouragement would eventually lead to a second career as a ski/snowboard instructor at the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. Thanks Dick!
-Gil Miller
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