Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary Dedicates June 1, 2024, as 'Clare Witcomb Day'
Press Release from Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, Red Lodge
Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary (YWS) Emeritus Board Member and beloved friend Clare Witcomb, 90, passed away at her home in Red Lodge on April 12, 2024. Her contributions to Beartooth Nature Center (BNC)/Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary (YWS) were immeasurable, starting with the support she and her husband, Dick, gave to BNC Executive Director Ruth Brown. In tribute, YWS has designated June 1, 2024, as “Clare Witcomb Day”.
“On this day honoring Clare, YWS will extend free admission for all guests, all day.” said BR Walker, Executive Director, YWS.
Clare’s family is hosting a celebration of her life at YWS on “Clare Witcomb Day” (Saturday, June 1, 2024) from 1:00-4:00pm.
Wear your hat (Clare’s trademark), bring a blossom, and walk through the grounds to remember Clare,” said Walker, inviting the public to enjoy Clare’s treasure - the grounds of YWS.
For more than 20 years, Clare took on many roles, serving as a volunteer, donor, member, and board member. In 2001, Clare asked about creating a memorial bench and garden following the death of her husband Dick Witcomb. It was at that time that Clare engaged a garden “crew” and started the work on the striking gardens for which the Sanctuary is known. The memorials have grown to encompass dedicated benches, chairs, art installations, bricks and garden signs scattered throughout YWS.
Clare is locally known for YWS’ botanical side, a respite filled with continuously blooming color that delights tourists and guests all summer long. YWS became a family affair, as Clare’s whole family joined in to support the wildlife habitats and gardens. She was a board member extraordinaire and was named as the first Board Member Emeritus. She was also honored as the Red Lodge “Citizen of the Year” in 2014
“Clare Witcomb was an incredible soul! She was “That Woman” - always there to help, to encourage, to direct, to follow, to laugh with you, and to cry with you. The place she has in everyone’s hearts will never close. Her legend will live on,” said Samantha Thomas, Board Chair for YWS.
“She poured herself into the gardens to keep going after losing Dick, and later her sister Molly, and her granddaughter Juliana. She recruited me for the Sanctuary gardens and became my best friend,” remembered Susan Robbins, member of YWS Board of Directors.
YWS’ beautiful red fox is named for Clare, and she was thrilled to receive the honor. In 2023, she joyously celebrated the Sanctuary’s anniversary and was reunited with former Executive Directors Ruth Brown, Jeff Ewelt, and Gary Robson along with current executive director, BR Walker.
“Even approaching ninety, she worked to support the gardens. Our gardener, Corinna Baumbauer, brought Clare to the Sanctuary to oversee preparations for the upcoming season. She has been an inspiration to me, and I will miss her weekly emails of encouragement.” expressed Walker. “When the wolves, Pilot and Index, arrived at the Sanctuary this year, Clare was unable to visit in person. She had a virtual visit and her squeals of laughter over seeing them was music to us all.”
Even in her final hours, she thought of the Sanctuary, requesting that memorials be made to YWS. www.yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.org or P.O. Box 675, Red Lodge, MT 59068
About the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of providing lifelong sanctuary to non-releasable greater Yellowstone ecosystem wildlife while sharing a message of conservation and education. The Sanctuary has been providing safe, comfortable homes and long, fulfilling lives to animals whose only other option was euthanasia. Find out more at www.YellowstoneWildlifeSanctuary.org and schedule a tour.