While we were driving home last night, Bill commented that it was ironic and sad that Lee Collins (Thompson Falls, Mont.) and Luther Rodarte (California) first met on Sept. 1, 1967, and probably never had much time to talk about their common love for horses or their families.
Both died that day in the 56,000 acre Sundance burn in the Selkirk Mountains while working with a dozer.
Fifty years later, their families met for the first time yesterday morning in Upper Pack River and again at the Edgewater Resort. There was plenty of talk about the two men who perished in the Sundance Fire that first day of September. The families also talked about horses and cattle and all things which had to be dear to both men.
It was a very special day for the Rodarte and Collins families, and to have had the opportunity to meet and visit with most of them was something special for Bill and me, as well as the folks who had spent months coordinating this weekend's events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Sundance.
Yesterday was family day. Last night was Dutch Oven Cookout time as Ginger of the Collins family brought out the Dutch Ovens and stood on the Edgewater lawn for a few hours cooking up a feast of pork roast, potatoes, bread and dessert to go along with other potluck dishes.
She wanted the organizers from Sandpoint, Priest Lake and Bonners Ferry, which included museum volunteers, Forest Service and Idaho Dept. of Lands to have the experience of Dutch oven delights.
And, so while Ginger tended the ovens and members of both families helped out, other folks got to know each other better.
I wish I could remember everyone's names, but I won't forget the fascinating and friendly conversations I experienced while making the rounds. These are phenomenal people, and it's neat that they have had the opportunity to get acquainted.
One special highlight at last night's gathering occurred just after Ginger came over and said something to the effect of "Blog Lady, wait until you see what Tracy's going to show us."
Yup, I was pretty impressed as was everyone else when Ginger's daughter Tracy stood before the crowd (with her brother, I believe) and showed off some impressive and beautiful handiwork which will go to Washington, D.C. this Christmas season along with the 75 trees the Kootenai National Forest is supplying for the White House Christmas displays.
Ginger and Tracy collaborated on the tree skirts, representing different points of pride from the State of Montana. Tracy, the artist, worked on design while Ginger, the quilter, put the skirts together. She said it took her most of the summer.
I learned later that Ginger, who's been doing Dutch oven dishes for 55 years, also has had her share of quilting experience. Tracy told me her mom works all year on quilts in conjunction with the Friends of the Quilting House in Thompson Falls.
They receive support from the local Elks Lodge, and each year around Veterans' Day, the Elks put on a dinner for the veterans where quilts are given out. Last year 55 quilts went out to veterans.
Ginger and her friends do quilts for other groups too.
Lee Collins would, for sure, be proud of his daughter as he would the other family member I met last night. Same is true for Luther Rodarte. I thoroughly enjoyed getting acquainted with his family.
Members of both families expressed deep appreciation for the day and huge effort that has been made to honor their loved ones.
The weekend of remembering Sundance continues today with the public ceremony, starting at 10 a.m. near the second bridge in Upper Pack River. It will include dedication of markers, weather-related talks about the fire, reminiscing and a short hike.
Visitors should bring their food and drinks and lawn chairs. The program is expected to last until 1 p.m. and T-shirts commemorating the fire will be available for $20.
This morning I'm also including a link, regarding another event in Utah that was also on our minds last night. The news video highlights last night's football game between Hillcrest and Highland High Schools in the Salt Lake area where Cazzie Brown coached football.
Last night's game not only featured gridiron competition but an impressive show of unity in honor of the memory of Cazzie, a member of our extended family, who died earlier this week.
Today, the football stadium will be the scene of a celebration of Cazzie's life, which ended much too soon, but like Lee Collins and Luther Rodarte's, had an extraordinary impact.
Happy Saturday. Enjoy this day and every day! And, thanks to the Collins and Rodarte families for a very inspiring evening.
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| Posted on Facebook by Sig Thompson Brannan from last night's football game, honoring Coach Cazzie Brown. |
http://kutv.com/news/local/hillcrest-highland-students-join-hands-in-unity-game-to-remember-beloved-coach
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| Pam Aunan (right), an Idaho Dept. of Lands lookout, coordinated the organization of this weekend's Sundance Fire commemoration. She is shown with Lee Collins' widow, who is remarried and lives in Canada. |
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| Ginger, from Thompson Falls, Mont., cooks, quilts and did a fine job helping the organizers coordinate aspects of this weekend's Sundance Fire Commemoration. |
P.S.: If Collins and Rodarte family members see this blog and want to fill in with some names, feel free to use the comments section to do so. Thanks.
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