Support Colorado fire family

The entire area was below the typical seasonal precipitation in recent history and it had been hotter than usual, but Dick Crabtree was not prepared for the reverse 911 emergency call nor the devastating news that an uncontrolled wildfire was racing up the mountains and he and his wife of four years, the former Corliss Taylor Dunn, would have to vacate their home within the hour. Corliss, a former actress, was 30 miles away conducting a rehearsal for an upcoming play, so after calling immediate neighbors to see if they were safe and if they had received the notification, Dick made the best decisions on what to escape with from their home, an A-frame log house that overlooked the scenic mountains from their home in Forbes Park, Colorado. After all, this could just be a precaution and they could return home in a matter of hours or days.

Dick crammed what he could in his truck and carefully drove the 7-miles down the unpaved mountain road to the entrance of their community. They were directed to go to the local community center where he was to meet Corliss. Thoughts of what was left behind included their combined 70+ years of art and other collectibles, their other truck, research books, precious jewelry, and all clothing had to be left behind. He also thought of the materials for the barn he was constructing, as well as, the recently added commercial soap kitchen for Corliss’ advocation. Hoping they would return after a bit, he did not know the fire, allegedly started by an arsonist, would continue to burn fiercely and 6-days later the fire had consumed 80,000 acres and was declared as the worst wildfire in Colorado history. And 6-days later the only knowledge they have of their 3,000+ sq. foot home are pictures captured by someone who was authorized to go back into the community.

Corliss and Dick, both seniors love Colorado, the Ft. Garland area, and their mountain home in Forbes Park. The Park has lost a lot of its mountainous charm, but they have decided to stay and rebuild. The cost to do so is still undetermined and it will be a while before rebuilding can begin. Mementos and precious pictures can never be valued or replaced. But, rebuilding the infrastructure for water and other systems and replacing appliances, cookware, clothing, computers, TV’s, wall art, other precious items and the rebuilding of Corliss beloved commercial soap kitchen may take a while. It is unlikely that she will have product available to her customers this Christmas, as planned.

Currently, besides the clothes they left with and the items they’ve picked up here all they have are the gloves, plastic bags, and shovels given to them by the Red Cross in preparation for the day when they can start the search for anything left in the ruble of their beloved A-frame house in the southern mountains of Colorado. Please keep them in your prayers. At this time, we are asking for monetary donations to help with the rebuilding of their home from the foundation up, replacement of furniture, personal property and clothing.