David Crowley, part of family behind Wachusett Mountain, dies at 69

(This story was updated to add new information.)

David Crowley, who with his family ran Wachusett Mountain Ski Area for nearly a half-century, passed away early Wednesday.

He was diagnosed a few years ago with FTD/PSP, a rare degenerative neurological disease.

Crowley was 69.

He was instrumental in making Wachusett Mountain a ski destination, helping to shape the "Wa-Wa-chusett" advertising campaign and other marketing efforts.

"David was always the voice of reason in setting the right course for the mountain and always trusted his intuition about what was best for the business and the customers," reads a remembrance from Wachusett Mountain.

Crowley ran the mountain with sister Carolyn Stimpson and brother Jeff.

"The blend of his outgoing personality, humor, intelligence, kindness and keen business sense made him one-of-a kind and reinforced the major impact he had on his time and place in the industry," reads the mountain remembrance.

He lived in Princeton. He leaves his wife, Julie, and children David Jr., Lisbet, Trudy and Nate. Besides his sister and brother Jeff, he is survived by brothers Ralph and Chris, executives at Polar Beverages, another Crowley family business.

The Crowley family has been part of the ski operation at the Princeton mountain since 1969, when it was headed by family patriarch Ralph D. Crowley Sr. With David Crowley involved, Wachusett Mountain Associates was formed in 1982 to run the ski area under a long-term lease with the state, owner of the mountain and surrounding land.

David Crowley, who served as general manager for many years, continued to enjoy the mountain amid his health struggles. A sit-ski system and guides allowed him to hit the slopes.

The David Crowley Race to Cure PSP was created to raise funds for research.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: David Crowley, part of family behind Wachusett Mountain, dies at 69