July 3, 2021

Obituary

​The Eastern Region Ski Patrol is sad to announce the passing of Elk Mt former Patrol Director, Howard (Howie) Wyandt, NSP Hall of Famer, National Appointment #6584 .

Surrounded by family, Howard C. Wyandt, of Union Dale, died peacefully on July 3, 2021, of complications of Parkinson’s Disease.  A wonderful father, husband, and friend, Howie was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on February 6, 1947, the son of the late Howard and Anna Bohr Wyandt.  

After graduating from Scranton Technical High School, Howie joined the United States Army.  From his military experience, Howie knew that he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, and, following his honorable discharge, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Widener University.  With his nurturing and caring ways, nursing came naturally to Howie. With his high standards and dedication to his profession, Howie’s leadership qualities were recognized early in his nursing career.  As he took on more administrative roles, Howie’s drive to best serve the community led him to obtain a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Marywood University.  Always adopting a team approach to service, Howie was widely admired for his guiding spirit, gentle wit, and attention to detail throughout his long career in health care administration.

These attributes and his love of the outdoors led Howie to join the Elk Mountain Ski Patrol over fifty years ago. An avid skier from his early teenage years, Howie quickly became an invaluable member of the Ski Patrol with his strong skiing skills, medical know-how, and unparalleled commitment to skier safety. In 2004, Howie became director of the Elk Ski Patrol, a position which he held until his retirement in 2014.  Howie’s training abilities and professionalism were recognized far beyond his local service to Elk’s patrol—he was awarded the rare honor of receiving a National Ski Patrol number, and in 2015 Howie was inducted into the National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame, the highest honor that can be granted a ski patroller.  Mentoring generations of young patrollers who have provided decades of service to the skiing public, Howie never sought accolades or awards, he sought only to serve, to keep skiers safe, and to have his fellow patrollers be the best they could be.  Throughout the years, Howie considered the Elk Patrol family; their greatly appreciated ongoing support and concern for him showed that this feeling was reciprocated.

With his signature tenacity, Howie pushed through many challenges presented by his advancing disease.  Without complaint and equipped with his well-honed problem-solving skills, Howie approached setbacks by making the most of what he could do rather than focusing on what he could not.  As his disease progressed, glimpses of Howie’s humor and caring spirit remained despite all odds.

Howie is survived by his wife Karen Mangan Wyandt, his son Ryan Lafferty and wife Kim, and his granddaughter Leah Lafferty.  He is also survived by his sister Diane Rava and husband Joseph, cousin Marilyn Hiller and husband William, brother-in-law Timothy Mangan and wife Carolyn, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary Kelly Mangan and John Mangan, and his brother-in-law Jack Mangan.

The family would like to express special thanks to the caring staffs of the Forest City Nursing Home and Traditional Home Health and Hospice.  The family also thanks Dr. Neil Davis for his guidance and compassionate care during the course of Howie’s illness.  

A mass celebrating Howie’s life will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 11 a.m. in Saint Rose of Lima Church, 6 North Church Street, Carbondale. Family and friends may pay their respects Friday, July 9, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Brennan and Brennan Funeral Home, Inc., 55 Lincoln Avenue, Carbondale, and, in the church on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until the time of mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Elk Mountain Ski Patrol, 344 Elk Mountain Road, Union Dale, PA 18470, or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Howard C. Wyandt  -  Elk Mt.