In Memory of Robin

Honoring Robin’s Memory with a Gift to the Community She Loved

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since Robin passed. Some days, it feels like just yesterday—and other days, like much longer.

Everyone knows how deeply she loved Wash Park. She walked it almost daily, catching up with family and friends on the phone, strolling with local buddies from all different chapters of her life, or simply making new friends as she moved through the world with her signature warmth and energy. If you're reading this, chances are you walked beside her—or shared a phone call during one of her laps.

I always imagined commemorating Robin with a memorial bench in Wash Park. But sadly, the city has ended that program. A bench somewhere else just didn’t feel right—it wasn’t her place. It was time for plan b.

I kept thinking about one very “Robin” moment: each time she passed the fire station on the park’s edge, she’d call out with a cheerful “Hi guys!”—a burst of joy and connection, just like her. That memory led me to wonder: what if we created something meaningful there, at the firehouse she passed so often—and that ultimately responded when she collapsed in the park nearly two years ago?

After months of conversations, my daughter Anna and I recently met with the crew at Station 21 to share Robin’s story. A few of the firefighters even remembered her smile from those park laps. With help from Laura Douglas (Executive Director of the Denver Fire Department Foundation) and Captain Powell, we came up with a beautiful plan: a $5,000 donation in Robin’s name to fund supplies and improvements for the station. These include:

• Supporting the annual neighborhood pancake breakfast

• Upgrading the station’s outdoor water fountain for other walkers

• Planting the garden beds Robin would’ve loved

• Providing lumber to build a sauna to help crews detox after smoke-filled calls

• A new dog biscuit box to encourage community interaction

• Tools for basic repairs—expenses the firefighters currently cover themselves

A plaque honoring Robin will accompany these gifts—a lasting reminder of her spirit, generosity, and love of community.

We’ve set up this Colorado Gives campaign to invite those closest to Robin to be part of this tribute. Our goal is $5,555—not only to cover costs but to give a little extra and because we often joked about repeating numbers, believing they bring a bit of good luck.

If you have any questions or thoughts, please reach out to me directly: ellen@backpackdreams.org | 303-885-4555

Thank you for being part of this remembrance. Your support means more than words can say.

With love and gratitude, Ellen