Richard John Wiedenbeck

West Point, 1968

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Dick, the Skier on March 5, 2010:

Last week during the snow here in Texas, as I was driving between banks, I was reminiscing in silence about the snow and skiing. Then I happened to remember a thought about the West Point ski slope where I first learned to ski (although not well). I remembered Dick Wiedenbeck, the kamakazi skier on the slopes. Since Dick grew up in Florida, he didn't know how to ski either, so we were both in the same boat. I had a few lessons and learned how to do a "snow plow turn," but I don't think Dick ever learned that technique. I can remember him out on the slopes with overalls on, getting off of the rope tow at the top of the bunny slope. Then he would line up down the hill and push off to start his descent. Since he couldn't turn, he would go straight down the slope like a kamakazi until he either fell, hit somebody, or reached the bottom. He would reach top speed near the bottom and then he had to fall in order to stop. After falling, he would brush the snow off of his overalls, get on the rope tow, and "do the mountain again." You didn't dare get in his way, or he would run over you. Just wanted you to know, Dick, that I was thinking about you. Take care and hold the fort down till we get there.

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