Our condolences to the Vance family and the Elk Creek, Colorado, Fire Protection District. FireFighter Ralph Vance, 70,
a 32 year veteran with the Elk Creek Fire Protection District, died Friday, December 14, 2001. Ralph was alone driving
a 2500 gallon tanker while responding to a chimney fire when he failed to negotiate a turn and rolled the tanker down a
100 foot embankment. He was airlifted to St. Anthony Central Hospital in Denver where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Ralph was a United Airlines pilot for 29 years, and flew combat missions in Vietnam for 8 years. Our brother, Ralph,
leaves behind a wife, 2 grown children, and a grandchild.
Ralph's funeral will be held Saturday, December 22, 2001. A memorial fund has been established and donations can be
made to:
