Crichton: A legacy of storytelling

Inter Lake editorial

Michael Crichton did not believe in resting on his laurels. If he did, he could have retired 20 years ago and still been satisfied with his career as an author and film maker.

By 1988, he had already written novels such as "The Andromeda Strain," "The Great Train Robbery," "Congo and "Sphere," all of which were eventually turned into films. He also had directed several very well-received films of his own such as "West World," "Coma" and "Runaway." In addition, he had written a book about the modern artist Jasper Johns, a travel memoir and several other non-fiction books.

But if Crichton had retired in 1988 the world would have been deprived of "Jurassic Park," its sequel "The Lost World," "Rising Sun," "Airframe," "State of Fear," and his most recent book, "Next." This would have been a disaster for travelers, who counted on Crichton's natural-born story-telling ability to make the hours go by faster when cramped on an airplane, bus or train. It also would have been a costly loss to Hollywood, which never met a Crichton novel it didn't like.

And that's not to mention "E.R.," the long-running television drama which has won numerous Emmies and entertained millions worldwide.

All this to say that although Crichton's imaginative contributions to the world of books and film will be missed, he will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Congratulations to the Salvation Army's Touch of Grace Health Clinic for 10 years of providing free health care to the Flathead Valley's poor.

The clinic truly is a community effort, with scores of health-care professionals donating their time to help people at the poverty level who are in need of medical assistance. About 30 to 40 physicians, including specialists, volunteer at the clinic or see people referred from Touch of Grace to their specialty. At least 50 nurses have donated time over the past decade. Local pharmacists are involved; so are lab workers, physical therapists and many other volunteers.

Keeping a free clinic up and running is a constant challenge, and we applaud the Salvation Army for its commitment to the clinic and myriad other community support projects it has a hand in.

The holidays are fast approaching and the Salvation Army's red kettles soon will be posted at storefronts. Remember this most charitable cause when you're figuring your holiday giving this year.