Ernie Marinig

by Jim Smiith Jr.

A long time ago there were a few pioneers that paved the way in the snow sports industry. As a snow sports school we were fortunate enough to have had those pioneers establish what we know today as Snow Sports Northwest. They had a vision, and did what was necessary to make this vision a reality. They established an instructor staff, found a student base, built a beautiful lodge and supported this effort for decades. Jim Smith Sr., Bill Hancock, Alan Oakley, Bill Clarke, Grant Maurer and Ernie Marinig. They have brought enjoyment to the masses by introducing people to the Winter experience. Unfortunately Mother Time has caught up with some of them. A few years ago we lost Grant Maurer and sadly enough we lost Ernie Marinig this past March.

He lost his battle with cancer that slowly took his body, but never took his passion for life and his desire to give. I would like to take this opportunity to let everyone know that we have not only lost a great pioneer, but a special friend. Ernie lived a full and wonderful life. We were fortunate enough to see Ernie just before he passed and present him with a Life Time Achievement Award for his dedication and commitment to the Snow Sports Industry. It was one of his proudest moments. A final farewell for Ernie was held on March 27, 2008 at St. Louise in Bellevue. I want to take this time to thank Ernie and his family for all they have done.

Jim Smith Jr. is the director of Snow Sports Northwest at Snoqualmie

Sharon Arwine

by Mike Peters

Sharon Arwine died February 6, 2008 after a courageous fight against ovarian cancer. Sharon and her husband of 47 years, Gordy, were the directors of Star Skiers Ski School at Crystal Mountain.

Sharon was born on August 27, 1935 and grew up in Bellevue. Her father was a long time Husky Football fan and took Sharon to many games. Sharon and Gordy continued to enjoy going to games throughout their marriage, rarely missing a home game.

Sharon and Gordy met while both were on Ski Patrol at Stevens Pass. Sharon taught First Aid and was the Ski Patrol Regional First Aid advisor, where she earned her National Ski Patrol ranking.

When Crystal Mt. opened in 1962 they joined the Jack Nagel Ski School and taught for many years. In 1979 they purchased the school from Jack. In 1980 they changed the name to Star Skiers. They ran the school for 25 years and in 2004 sold the school to Crystal Mountain.

Sharon was a talented organizer and administrator of the ski school. She implemented many personal touches to make the school one of the best in the northwest. She created unique programs for kids that are still being taught. Sharon and Gordy put in a tremendous amount of extra effort to build the reputation of Star Skiers. They were inducted into the Crystal Mountain Founders Club Hall of Fame in 2005.

Sharon was also an avid lover of the water. She and Gordy boated frequently and eventually built a house on Harstine Island overlooking the sound. Her Harstine Island home was meticulously designed and reflected her sense of decoration and her personality. Unfortunately, Sharon was only able to enjoy her new home for a short time.

Sharon’s memorial was held at the Seabeck Conference Center where she and Gordy have been members for 30 years. They spent many memorable weeks there with their family and Seabeck friends. The memorial was also a chance for friends, family and former instructors to come back together. A tree was planted on the Seabeck grounds in her memory.

Family members also include three daughters, Dana Brienza (Danny) of Taos, New Mexico, Laurel Hansen of Shelton, and Noel Arwine of Kirkland. Grandchildren include Jamy and Justin Johnson, Stephanie Hansen and a great granddaughter, Meagan Johnson.

Mike Peters is the Ski School Director at Spout Springs. He taught for Jack Nagel and Star Skiers for 22 years.