Robert Michael O'Gara

Robert “Mick” O’Gara, a loving husband, father, and friend to many, passed away peacefully in his Meredith, NH home on May 20, 2024, following health complications. He was born in Levittown, Pennsylvania on October 29, 1956, to Bob and Catherine O’Gara. In his 68 years, he had many joyful adventures. He was known as a passionate coach, tech talker, course conductor, coffee connoisseur, dancer extraordinaire, music enthusiast, dog lover, and a friend to many. During the winter, he could be found on the slopes, and when not skiing, cycling, and sailing filled his days.

Mick had an industrious career in alpine skiing and sales. His passion for skiing developed growing up near the Catskills in New York, and he continued on this path his whole life. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta with a BA in psychology, he combined his knowledge of people with his skiing passion throughout his career. Mick was a highly sought after staff trainer at Waterville Valley from 1982-2018. He was an active member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) from 1981 to his retirement in 2018. He reached the highest certification level in PSIA, Examiner, in 1990. To become an examiner, Mick worked up the ranks of ski teaching and skiing skills for six years, showing dedication and commitment to his goals. In 2015, Mick was given the Alpine Examiner Emeritus Award, having demonstrated his commitment to the ski profession.

Mick believed there was always room to grow. He was constantly improving his ski technique and challenging others to do the same. Quietly, he listened and studied, then reflectively responded. He read, researched, and refined ideas in conversation with others. Mick considered ski turns and ski teaching an art, and he was known to say, “practice makes permanent”. To this end, he practiced his craft by skiing in Waterville Valley and all over the East, as well as the big mountains in the West and in Europe.

Mick leaves behind his wife, Carissa, who he adored for 38 years, and his two best furry friends, hound Emmy and black lab Gabby. He is survived by his daughter, Kara Joy Pampanin and his son, Michael Pampanin; his mother, Cassie O’Gara; sister Colleen Kresky and brother-in-law Andy Kresky; his sister Cathy O’Gara; his bother-in-law and wife Wes and Cathie Hull; and sister-in-law, Diane Fuller. Additionally, Mick leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. His skiing and cycling compadres will miss his quick wit, laughter, and tech talks. One of his best friends says he is skiing the clouds, and we can smile thinking of him doing just what he so loved.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, June 23, 2024, 10 am, at the top of Snows Mountain in Waterville Valley, NH. In honor of Mick’s love of nature and being out in any weather, this will involve a short hike or bike to the top, rain or shine. A small gathering will follow the mountaintop celebration for close family and friends.

In honor of Mick’s love of skiing and rescue dogs, donations can be made in Mick’s name to PSIA-AASI Eastern Region's Education Foundation https://easternsnowpros.org/donate/ or Mary’s Dog Rescue in Northwood, NH. https://www.marysdogs.org/