Merle K. Eldridge

Merle “Knobby” Eldridge, an alumnus of the Swain Ski Patrol in Swain, NY, died March 28, 2020 at his home in Brockport, NY of a heart attack at the age of 84.

Knobby joined the Swain Ski Patrol in 1979 and patrolled for 35 years, serving with distinction as a Patrol Director, Outdoor Emergency Care and Ski and Toboggan Instructor, Senior OEC Examiner, and Regional Program Administrator. He became a Senior Patroller in 1987, received National Appointment #7221 in 1990, and was given the National Ski Patrol Distinguished Service Award in 2001 for his dedicated service to the skiing public and significant leadership to the ski patrol. He also received the 2011 David Hanning Commendation Award for his cumulative career contributions to Swain.

Knobby’s most significant ski patrol contribution was in leadership, including his work as an instructor, his service as a Patrol Director, and his ability to organize people to get any job done, no matter how complex or far-flung it was. Knobby was also a strong supporter of the Young Adult Program in its early days when it was known as the Junior Patroller program, and his two sons participated as juniors when Knobby served as the Western New York Region Junior Program Advisor. Knobby was known as a vigorous advocate for the welfare of the patrollers who worked under his leadership and was particularly proud of their accomplishments and of the many regional, divisional, and national awards that they earned. He believed that his facilitation of the achievement of other patrollers was his greatest achievement. The quality of emergency care given to the skiing public at Swain reflected the significant contributions that he made to leading, training, and refreshing patrollers.

Knobby was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, tennis, and skiing. He worked in film and emulsion technology at Eastman Kodak for over 30 years. After retiring, he founded M. Eldridge & Sons General Contractors which renovated Post Offices in Western New York, hiring former Kodak employees who had been downsized when Kodak went bankrupt. Knobby continued working in his company right up until the time of his death.
Knobby was predeceased by his son, Micah, his daughters-in-law, Brenda and Audrey, and his brothers, Richard, Churchill, David and Ervin. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jeanne; his son, Luke; his grandchildren, Dillon and Makayla; his brothers, Adelbert and Earl (Cora) Eldridge; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held in memory of Knobby on Saturday, September 12, 2020.
As a patroller for 35 years, Knobby contributed every day until his retirement. His accomplishments set an example for patrollers to follow and he served as an inspirational role model for candidates and seasoned patrollers alike. Knobby was a faithful friend to his fellow patrollers and his outgoing personality, strong leadership, hearty laugh, and generous manner will be missed by all who knew him.

Nicholas Schiavetti
Swain Ski Patrol Alumnus