May 18, 2009 – On Friday, May 15, 2009, John Stearns of Bridgewater, VT and Glastonbury, CT passed away at the age of 74 with his family by his side. It’s not very often someone comes along who embraces an organization like John Stearns embraced the Catamount Trail. John’s passionate love for skiing and the outdoors were expressed through his dedication to the many facets of the organization.

For well over a dozen years, John served on the Board of Directors for the CTA, including terms as Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer. He served as a Regional Coordinator of volunteer Trail Chiefs in the southern half of Vermont, and was a Trail Chief for several sections of the Trail. John built bridges, scouted and constructed several large trail relocations, led numerous tours and played an integral part in the completion of long-standing trail gaps. In addition, he played a critical role in helping guide the CTA through a wide range of issues that have threatened the viability and integrity of the Catamount Trail over the years. In 2003, at the age of 70, John, along with 15 other skiers, became an official End-to-Ender in a month long journey on the Catamount Trail.

John contributed to the Catamount Trail in countless caring ways. His absence will be felt by all those who had the honor to ski, cut trails, build bridges or serve on the CTA Board with him over the years. Known to many as Mr. Catamount Trail, it is fair to say that the Catamount Trail would not be what it is today without John Stearns.

John is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Judith (Phinney) Stearns; brother David Stearns of Bridgewater, VT; brother James Standish of Woodbury, CT; sister Janice Standish of Woodstock, VT; son John “Jay” and his wife Janet and their son Christopher of Sheffield, England; son Robert and his wife Dafna and their daughters Neve and Liad of Granby, CT; son James and his wife Kim and their children Emma and Myles of San Francisco, CA.

A memorial service will held at the Bridgewater Congregational Church on Route 4, Bridgewater, VT on Tuesday, May 26 at 11:00am. Contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Bridgewater Congregational Church, P.O. Box 4, Bridgewater, VT 05034 or the Catamount Trail Protection Fund, 1 Mill Street, Suite 350, Burlington, VT 05401