VIRGIL, NY (607NewsNow) – Greek Peak and the greater Cortland area are mourning the loss of the ski resort’s founder.

On July 20, Allen “Al” Kryger passed away at the age of 87.

The Virgil native and United States Marine helped build the first chairlift in the region, introduced snowmaking and night skiing, and led expansion efforts for over 50 years at the Mountain Resort. He oversaw the addition of Hope Lake Lodge, the Cascades Indoor Waterpark, and more before the business ultimately changed hands in 2013.

A celebration of life is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 1 in the Acropolis Room at Greek Peak.