In Memory of Bill Dayson

If a persons age could be marked by the number of people they have helped or influenced in a positive way Bill would have been thousands and thousands of years old.

Asessippi Ski Area & Resort is very sad today to acknowledge the passing of one of their dearest board members and friends, Bill Dayson. Bill has influenced all of us here, his outgoing, warm personality would show up at the resort to help out on a busy day, to escort VIPs or to just stop in the pub to chat with guests. His huge smiles and big bear hugs would always make you feel good.

I first got to know Bill 9 years ago, I had just started snowboarding and was really not very good, he asked me to go for a few runs with him.

"I am not a very good snowboarder yet," I said.

"Oh come on," he replied, "you can keep up to me!"

So off we went. Bill only began skiing when Asessippi opened, I think he was about 65 years old then. For Bill, it seemed, investing in the development of Asessippi was not about skiing or about return on investment, it was about supporting his community. When tough times hit the resort and cash flow was tight I remember what he said to me as we left the building. "This place is so important, I just have to look around Roblin to know, I see the cars all parked at the hotels and all the people in town, we have to make it work."

That day skiing with Bill I watched, listened and learned. He was so friendly to everyone, chatted to everyone on the lifts, in the line, at the top, anywhere. It was like this was his home and you had come to visit. He welcomed everyone. We reached the top of the Porcupine chair and there were a group of young adults, he asked how supper was last night, if the accommodations were good, they chatted back, obviously they knew each other. So once the group skied away, I asked if they were family.

"No," he replied with a chuckle, "I just met them in the pub last night."

Haha, now that was a lesson for marketing. Since then I have always remembered Bill's warmth and love of life. He has influenced me significantly in how I view the resort and in many other things in life too and his influence is not restricted to my department. Many of the staff here could share similar stories, I just have the biggest mouth. I laugh at this, yes Bill once said that's how I got the job of marketing, I just had the biggest mouth.Well he might be right because I do love to share stories and there is no story more that I would like to share with you today than the love and respect I hold for Bill.

Bill seen here, skiing with Nancy Greene Raine celebrating Asessippi's 10th season.

Thank you Bill for your being part of Asessippi and touching all of our lives and thank you to his family for sharing him with us. Our deepest sympathy is with you. He will be very sadly missed.

Sincerely, Roz the big mouth and all of us at Asessippi.
February 13, 2010

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