My brother’s wife, Marianne Klancke, passed away very unexpectedly earlier this month. Many of you reading this newsletter knew her. She was bigger than life and I always believed we’d have another 25 years of conversation and time together. Her passing leaves a huge hole in our family and the Fraser Valley community. My brother, Kirk, is very active in Colorado water issues, Trout Unlimited, Lions Club and many other charities and events. Marianne was a huge supporter of his causes but she, in her quiet, tenacious way, made her own immense impact on Grand County and Colorado. Marianne helped bring necessary improvements and planning to her community for almost 40 years. She helped others with her coaching, often without pay and she continued to express herself artistically with her beautiful paintings. Marianne was one of those people who was involved in so much, in so many ways, yet always shone the light away from herself.

Marianne accomplished more in her 58 years on earth then many of us will accomplish in a long lifetime. Her latest passion, the charity “Advocates for a Violence-Free Community” had just raised the funds and purchased the Sprout House, a shelter for battered women in Grand County. Marianne was putting the final touches of paint on the safe house walls 2 days before her death.

Please consider honoring this extraordinary human being by making a contribution to her lastest love, The Advocates of Grand County. To date, over $17,000 has been raised in Marianne’s memory. Much more is needed. Any gift would be so appreciated and is tax deductible. Gifts can be sent to Advocates of Grand County, PO Box 155, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451. Feel free to reference Marianne on the payment. Thank you.