Homewood

I recently had the privilege of talking with Nancy Lasky.  Her husband, Bob Lasky patrolled at Homewood for many, many years.  Nancy laughed as she recalled that many of the younger patrollers would often refer to Bob as “Gramps”, a term of endearment earned by his often-requested advice, stories, and shared enthusiasm for skiing.  Nancy wrote a wonderful letter to me, giving some history about how she and Bob became a part of the Homewood Family.  Homewood feels similar ties to the Lasky’s, and has preserved Bob’s memory by naming his favorite ski run Lasky Lane. 

In the words of Nancy Lasky:

“My family has worked and supported Homewood Mountain Resort for over 30 years, with a
combined service of 57 years,” Nancy Lasky said.  “We developed a special
bond with Homewood over the years and taught both of our grandchildren to ski at Homewood.
Our children and son-in-law also worked at Homewood for a total of 30 years.  
Bob was an employee for 18 years; and I worked at Homewood for two years as the Office Manager, and then became the Office Manager at the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce.”

 
“My late husband Bob, was a Major in the United States Air Force from 1966–1987.  He was an
Aeronautical Engineer and held a top secret security clearance.  While stationed in Denver, CO,
Bob became a National Ski Patroller at Arapahoe Basin, a trainer for two years, as well as becoming an EMT.  I also became a patroller during this time.  In 1983, we moved back to California, and we both joined the National Ski Patrol at Homewood, where Bob was the Patrol Director for two years.  He also earned his National number with the National Ski Patrol during this time.  After retiring from the Air Force, we moved to Tahoe City, and Bob became a [full time] Pro Patroller at Homewood. While patrolling, Bob would often exclaim, ‘Look at the view from my office,’ while pointing out the surrounding mountains and view of Lake Tahoe from Homewood’s summit.  Homewood’s view was quite an improvement from his windowless office while stationed in the Air Force.  He loved the view from Homewood.” 

“A Memorial service was held for Bob in 2002, at the top of the mountain.  In Bob’s memory, the ski patrol – along with many donations – put up a flag pole and plaque in his honor at the top of the Mountain and named the run under the Quad Chair, ‘Lasky Lane’.  Homewood upgraded the previous Quad Chair, renaming it the Old Homewood Express.”

Bob Lasky represents the true spirit of Homewood, and the mountain felt it important to preserve the story of how Lasky Lane was named.  Lasky Lane now graces the mountain’s trail map, and Bob’s favorite run will forever host his name and summon happy days of skiing at the mountain. 

“The run is mostly from Bonanza to road #2.  This steep part under the chair was among Bob’s favorite.  The patrol made the sign the first year, honoring Bob as their coworker, ski partner, and friend.   

Other runs at Homewood named for people who either skied or worked at Homewood are: 
Wally’s Folly, Richard’s Bowl, Martin’s Lane, Woody Fellers, and Jimmy’s Run.”

To view more photos of Bob Lasky, click on any of the photos in this letter.