'Keeping Dream Alive' honorees named

Roland and Ginny Wilson

DEL NORTE—Rio Grande hospital will be holding its sixth annual Fundraising Dinner and Auction “Keeping the Dream Alive” Aug. 11 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Del Norte School Bus Garage.

The dinner will be provided by Ron Martinez of Mountain View Restaurant and tickets are on sale at Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics. The event will feature an auction with donated items from businesses, live entertainment by San Luis Mariachi, a bucket ticket raffle and a delicious barbecue meal. The first 35 $1,000 donors will receive a gift bag.

In honoring Dr. Norman Haug’s dream, the Rio Grande Hospital will recognize three individuals this year who have gen-erously contributed to the hospital, helping to keep “The Dream Alive”. Those honored will be Walt Lamb, Ron Martinez and Roland and Ginny Wilson.



Roland and Ginny Wilson

Roland Wilson was born in Denver on August 1, 1926 to Swedish immigrant parents. His father was killed in a hunting accident when Roland was just 13 years old, leaving his mother to raise two children, Roland and his younger sister. Roland worked in the local grocery store on weekends to help with family finances. He graduated from Denver’s East High School and left to join the navy the next day.

He served aboard a ship in the south pacific during World War II as a Quarter Master. When the war ended he returned to Denver and attended Denver University, where he earned his degree in architecture shortly afterwards. He met and married Ginny Martin who had just completed her Masters Degree in Art. Roland decided to open his own architecture business and Ginny worked with him as an interior designer.

Those were very busy years, but Roland and Ginny loved to fish, hike, and backpack with their 3 children, Wendy, Eric, and Kris, and nephew, Stan Johnson.

They spent many good times along the Rio Grande and always dreamed of having some property of their own there. The dream became a reality in 1979 when they were able to buy the old Branch Ranch west of Del Norte.

They grew to love the people and community of Del Norte. They admired Dr. Haug and what he was doing for the community, so when Dr. Haug opened the Rio Grande Hospital, Roland and Ginny were pleased to help financially.

When Roland died of cancer in 2009, he and Ginny had been married 53 years. Many of their friends contributed to the Rio Grande Hospital in lieu of flowers as Roland would have wanted.



Ron Martinez

Ron Martinez was born and raised in Del Norte, where he lived until he enlisted in the Army in 1968, serving until 1974. Ron came back to Del Norte and began his own logging business “Ron Martinez Logging” from 1978-1989. He later became owner of Mountain View Restaurant in Monte Vista, which is known for the best steaks and enchiladas in the Valley.

In 2007, Ron was honored by the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce as “Citizen of the Year.”

On Sunday, July 14, 2002, Dr. Norman Haug and the Board of Directors of the Valley Citizens Foundation for Healthcare hosted the kick-off for the fund raising for the new hospital. This event was in the dirt at the site where the hospital would be built. Under the canopy, Ron Martinez served the dinner.

The Rio Grande Hospital is grateful to Ron for his continued support of the event over the past six years, by donating his famous BBQ and green chili meal. Ron has a passion for the fundraiser, recalling a conversation he had with Dr. Norman Haug several years ago in which they planned the event for the purpose of raising money for the Hospital. After Dr. Haug died in 2006, the “Keeping the Dream Alive” event continued in honor of Dr. Norman Haug’s dream.

Ron Martinez would like to thank Ernesto Ochoa for his help in preparing for the fundraiser each year.



Walt Lamb

Walt is a native of Saguache, where he grew up and graduated from high school. After serving in the US Navy from 1944-46, he attended Adam’s State College before marrying his wife Lois of 62 years. They have one son Mike and one daughter Kay and three grandchildren. Walt’s degrees from Adam’s State and Western State College at Gunnison started his teaching career. He taught industrial art and 5th and 6th grade classes and became the Sargent School Elementary Principal from 1966-1987. Walt and Lois had several prosperous businesses in Del Norte ranging from a flower shop to a restaurant called “The Pancake House.” They golf together, enjoy their cabin at Hermit Lakes and are active in the Monte Vista Presbyterian Church. They were among the first investors, in the ski area at Wolf Creek, starting at the North side of the Highway 160 with only a rope tow.

Walt was on the original fund raising committee to help build the new Rio Grande Hospital and has worked tirelessly since!

Walt helped form the Mineral / Rio Grande Health District and served as a Board Director from 1998-2012. The Health District has donated or assisted with grants for a total of 4.5 million dollars to the hospital. Walt also served as a Hospital Board Member for Rio Grande Hospital from 2000-2010. He appreciates the help from deceased board member Boyd Brown, who influenced Walt to become involved in the planning and the development of the hospital.

Walt would like to thank his wife Lois “All this wouldn’t have taken place if I didn’t have a wonderful and supporting wife”.