The big moment
Inside a spacious, vaulted tent comfortably cooled to beat the 90-degree heat—and equipped with jumbo TV screens—a bluegrass band played in the background as new neighbors connected and staff members congratulated each other on a job well done.
Speech highlights included empowering comments from Wind Crest Executive Director Craig Erickson, who credited “pioneer residents” for making Wind Crest an extraordinary success. “Thank you for taking the time to research and for your trust in this great concept,” he said.
He also recognized the land’s previous owners—Johnny and Katie Bowen. “We appreciate you being particular about who you wanted here in the place you called home for so many years,” he said. The Bowens raised four children at the Flyin’ B cattle ranch, which belonged to Johnny’s father before him.
True believers
Ed and Pat Welbourn from Eagle’s Trace in Houston predicted a bright future for those that are moving in to Wind Crest and reaffirmed the amenities and worry-free lifestyle that awaited them— from the on-site medical center, fitness center, and marketplace to the wonderful restaurants.
“Thank you, John Erickson, for creating this wonderful concept,” said Pat Welbourn. “We love it.”
A leader speaks
When John Erickson took the podium, he spoke of teamwork, the future, and creating a labor of love. Erickson likened the process of building a community to childbirth—the act of creating something without knowing for certain how it’s going to turn out. “The miracle happens when those buildings come alive with people and staff who work together to make life better,” he said.
Erickson and his wife Nancy have four children— all of whom now work for their father’s company in some capacity. Erickson has complete confidence in son Craig, who began working for Erickson in construction. “You’ve got a good leader, and that’s not just as a proud father,” he said. “I’ve seen him work over the years, and I think you’re going to be fine.”
Continued commitment
In response to the growing number of older Americans, Erickson promised an ongoing commitment to creating valuable services and programs in the future to make the best of what he called “the freedom years.”
“With four children, 17 communities, and ten more contracts in the hopper, this is going to go on for a long time,” Erickson said.
One special guest
As more than 600 guests made their way to the clubhouse to enjoy an endless array of hors d’oeuvres, and desserts, Clarence Burton stayed behind to chat. Burton, who assisted with the ribbon cutting, was Wind Crest’s first official resident. Burton fought back the emotion as he described how he felt while driving to Wind Crest June 6 (the day he moved in) from his east Denver home where he lived for 56 years. “I said to myself, ‘I’m going home.’ It was just a wonderful, wonderful feeling.”