Timberline Ski Patrol Establishes Randy Poole Memorial Fund
Timberline Ski Patrol Establishes Randy Poole Memorial Fund
Front left to right: Dale Schultz, Kyle Griffin, Brian Griffin, Dwight Pettry, Lanelle Grzesik, Steve Cvechko, Bill Cox, Scott Kersjes, Herb Edwards, Tom Bennett, Richard Dunn, Ron Klabunde, Kareena Klabunde, Vanessa Bennett, Alex Bennett. Back left to right: Ben Merzouk, Mary Lou Legg, Scott Young, Brian Menzies, Logan Lemon, Ian Worrel, Tom Kotarsky, Carl Bowlen, Chuck Griffin, Darren Bennett
Robert Andrew Poole, aka Tin Man, 1953-2009
October 20, 2016 – Members of the Timberline Ski Patrol, friends and family members have created an endowment in memory of Randy Poole, a member of the National Ski Patrol since 1992, whose legacy will benefit others for perpetuity. The memorial fund supports emergency medical training for Tucker County.
Poole graduated from Georgia Southern in 1975 and moved to St Albans, WV to work for C&P Telephone Company. When the company was acquired by Verizon in 1997 he transferred to Ashburn, Virginia.
From 1992-2009, he served with the Timberline Ski Patrol as an Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) Instructor for patrol candidates and provided annual refresher training for active members.
Friend Steve Cvechko had this to say, “Randy was known as “Tin Man” on the mountain radio and among his friends after his amazing recovery from open heart surgery. He never took life for granted; he lived it to the fullest with appreciation and zest. He led many fundraiser events for the patrol over the years, supporting OEC and ski/ toboggan training, continuing education, and Special Olympics. He was dedicated to teaching others proper emergency care skills. He was an excellent instructor and loved to share his passion for helping others anytime he was needed. Randy had a keen sense of humor and could diffuse any situation with his perfectly timed jokes. He had the ability to see the good in everyone and was deeply committed to community support in his neighborhood. Randy loved Canaan Valley and the people who live there; essentially, a de facto second home. He always wanted to give back to its citizens. As a patroller, he organized clothing drives in partnership with local churches. As a longtime resident of West Virginia, Randy had worked through his church to help many.”
Randy was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church and a longtime member of St David’s Episcopal Church in Ashburn, Virginia. He led numerous church committees and mission trips across the U.S. to assist disadvantaged communities.
He loved to write short, and often extremely amusing, stories. His friends commented that a few favorite expressions underpin Randy’s approach to life. “Life is a journey. Roll down the window and enjoy the breeze.” And perhaps even more memorable, “It’s a beautiful thing.” Randy Poole died July 4, 2009 at the age of 56. He is survived by his wife Holly, four daughters, and granddaughter Caroline.
To support the Randy Poole Memorial Fund donate online at www.tuckerfoundation.net, or mail a check to TCF, PO Box 491, Parsons, WV 26287.
For more information how to endow a fund contact the Foundation’s Development Office at 304-259-5008. Visit us at www.facebook.com/tucker.commfound for up to date information about Tucker Community Foundation.
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