THE annual remembrance service at the Alpine Chapel on Mt Buller had to be postponed this year due to COVID restrictions.
Fr Tony Kerin said he decided to postpone the service because he and Fr Ken Bolden were both ‘stuck in Melbourne’ due to COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions.
And the traditional Blessing of the Snow was also postponed until clergy can come out of Melbourne.
Fr Kerin was planning to hold the Blessing of the Snow on June 19 or even later, but has had to wait until restrictions were lifted and he could travel again.
This year two mountain identities will be remembered at the annual memorial service, when it can be held.
The first person is Roger Groombridge, well known for working with the lift companies and for his amazing stone work around the village. Roger passed away about three months ago.
Good friend Rudi Renz said Roger started working for Hans Grimus many years ago as a lift operator and then supervisor, a position he held for many years.
A permanent resident on the mountain for many years, in the summer Roger did a lot of construction work and was renowned for his retaining walls and stone work.
He later worked as a security office for the Arlberg and Kooroora hotels until about 20 years ago when he moved off the mountain and into Mansfield where again he made many good friends.
“He was very popular both on Mt Buller and in Mansfield and had many, many friends,” Rudi said.
The second person to be remembered will be Brian (Boots) Harris, an original member of the ABV Lodge and keen skier since the late 1950s.
Brian’s son Danny Harris is still working on Buller in snowboard and ski hire through Alpine Retreat and Brian’s granddaughter Lily is also an accomplished Buller snowboarder.
Traditionally the first Saturday following the long weekend at Mt Buller is when the community gathers in the Alpine Chapel overlooking the village to remember friends and loved ones who have passed.
Watch for news when this service will be held and Fr Kerin will lead the community in prayer, share stories and celebrate those who have been part of the fabric of Buller’s close alpine community.
Mt Buller is a small community made up of many big and bold personalities.
This annual service is an opportunity to remember so many special people that will be in our thoughts as we ride the mountain this season, even if they are not sharing the chairlift ride in person.
