As people gathered at the base of Keston Trail at Sky Tavern, a man's voice rang loud and clear over the radio.
"As we take this last ride together, let us remember the times with Gerry. the times we've had with Char. the times we've had with Al," he said.
Sky Tavern honored three of its volunteer ski patrollers - Al Drake, Gerry Carr, and Cher McLear - who recently passed away with a "last ride" down the mountain.
"You hear the stories about all the former patrollers who we're honoring today and how much dedication and time and passion they put into the mountain in the community," said Rick Reed, Marketing Director, Sky Tavern.
Family members of the deceased said the procession meant the world to them.
"It's such a neat tribute, such great way to do this," said Jeanne McLear, Char's sister-in-law.
Jeanne McLear said Char was full of enthusiasm and did everything from firefighting to golfing before discovering a passion for skiing.
"Because of her love of that, the most difficult time for me here was to meet her coworkers," Jeanne McLear said, "because it just brings back Char."
Al Drake not only volunteered as a ski patroller at Sky Tavern but also served as Volunteer Fire Chief in Storey County.
His friend and fellow fireman Tom Buck said Drake taught his wife everything she knows through the resort's ski patrol program.
"In fact, Gwynn got in under his wing and here she is Patrol Director now. He's just full of knowledge, and he will be greatly missed," Buck said.
Buck says he brought a tribute with him - Drake's outfit from the 1980s that he wore for many years.
Each toboggan came down the mountain with flags for the families.
Mark Boge accepted his uncle's flag on behalf of Gerry Carr's children.
"Gerry was pretty freewheeling and he liked to tell jokes. And he liked to make everybody feel comfortable," Boge said. "He taught me many things skiing when I was growing up."
Sky Tavern's "last ride" makes sure McLear, Drake, and Carr won't be forgotten any time soon.
A volunteer firefighter in Storey County came up with the idea to remember his lost friend.
