SHELBURNE FALLS — When Shelburne Falls resident Paul Howes died unexpectedly at home on April 22 at the age of 59, the close network of friends he and his wife, Elizabeth Howes, had made as members of the Berkshire East Ski Patrol knew they wanted to do something to honor his legacy.
With a large memorial gathering being out of the question due to social distancing guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday, more than 50 members and associates of the Ski Patrol organized a “walk by” in the afternoon.
They assembled in the Eddie’s Wheels parking lot just up State Street from the Howes home, donning their red ski patrol jackets. Led by Byron Call, of Bernardston, who hoisted the ski patrol’s flag — bearing a white cross on a red background — they walked 6 feet apart past the home where Elizabeth Howes stood with her family.
Some offered words of condolence; others bowed or waved, resisting the urge for human contact during an emotional time. In return, Elizabeth Howes smiled, waved and held her arms open in an air hug to each of the mourners who slowly made their way by the two-story house on the banks of the Deerfield River.
Skiing was a passion for both Paul and Elizabeth Howes, both having grown up on skis since the age of 3, Elizabeth Howes said. Paul learned to ski at Berkshire Snow Basin Ski Area and Elizabeth at the old Mount Mohawk Ski Area in Shelburne.
According to Elizabeth Howes, Paul’s father, Kimball Howes, was also on the Ski Patrol at Berkshire East. Paul followed his father onto the patrol, where he met Elizabeth, who was also on the ski patrol there. When Paul Howes wasn’t working at Northfield Mount Hermon School, he was escaping on ski adventures with Elizabeth, she said.
According to Howes’ obituary, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Berkshire East Ski Patrol, 66 Thunder Mountain Road, Charlemont, MA 01339.
The family plans to have a more formal gathering later, when the pandemic subsides.
Reach Paul Franz at 413-772-0261, ext. 266 or pfranz@recorder.com.
