LETTER: Thank you for working to #BringRobHome

I am heartbroken and undone by the loss of my dear Rob. From my first call with dispatcher Jack Wiggins, Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office and Beaverhead County Search and Rescue were kind and helpful. The search for Rob was mobilized quickly, and the agencies, volunteers and other search teams were fast to converge on the search area.

The waiting was excruciating, and I was so grateful for the good information and updates we received from the incident commander Sergeant Dan Mulkey of Beaverhead County Search and Rescue. I’m so thankful for my dear friends who came alongside me, even from Mexico, to stay with me, determine needs and coordinate deliveries of supplies, to manage the updates and disseminate them accurately and regularly. During the worst days of my life, so many people volunteered their time, money, and resources on behalf of Rob and our family, and I am forever grateful. I know the search area was huge, the hours long, and the trekking was arduous, and it means so much to me that you all would work so hard and long to #BringRobHome.

To the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Kluesner, the Beaverhead County Search and Rescue, to Flathead Search and Rescue, to Plum Creek of Evergreen for making it possible for Rob’s coworkers to join the search, to Two Bear Helicopter and other aerial searchers, to the various groups on horseback, the handlers and their search dogs, the many volunteers from Montana and outside Montana, including two of our children, many of Rob’s friends, and even former students, and any other agencies involved in the search to find and restore Rob to his family, I am humbly thankful.

It brings healing to my heart that Rob was found and we weren’t left in that terrible limbo of not knowing. I find a measure of peace in knowing how Rob died, how quickly and peacefully. I’m so appreciative of the grace and dignity my Rob was given in death, and also to us, his family, during this extremely difficult time. Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort in knowing how much Rob was loved and valued.

One day I want to visit Beaverhead County, to shake the hands and hug the necks of those involved in finding my Rob. My deepest and heartfelt thanks and appreciation. —Barbara Carter, Kalispel