Flying it forward

RANGELY I It is always nice to hear a success story, especially one that incorporates hard work, companionship and giving back to the community.
After serving four years in the U.S. Army — at Fort Carson and in Panama — Frank Huitt came to Rangely in January 1978, to find a place for himself and his wife-to-be to live and start a career. He returned to Missouri, married his wife Grace in March, and returned to Rangely. Frank began working for R and R Well Service for $5.20 an hour. He worked for several different companies, including living and working for 8 years in Vernal.
Frank started his own business, KR Fishing and Rental Inc., in 1994. He also got his pilot’s license that year. He owned a helicopter until a couple years ago, and still owns his own plane. With a branch of his business in Trinidad, Colo., the plane helped shorten his commute. Frank said he enjoyed flying over the mountains, although the trip could be rough at times.
Frank enjoys being a pilot. He has flown all over, from Louisiana to Montana. Flying is one of the ways Frank has given back to the community, giving residents airplane rides and offering children who have never flown an opportunity to share the experience. He has flown friends in tough situations to Grand Junction and even flew one friend and his dog to Fort Collins to visit Colorado State University.
Two community members complimented his caring attitude and contributions to the community saying, “They are good people and love their community.” Another added, “He is a great guy.”
Frank and Grace also give a scholarship each year to a graduating senior.
“I love to help people that are trying to help themselves,” Frank said.
Frank sold his business in 2008, and he and Grace are now semi-retired and feel fortunate to be able to travel and hunt all over the world. They have hunted in Africa three times and traveled to Costa Rica, England, Scotland, the Northwest Territory and New Zealand. They plan to go to Argentina and British Columbia in the future, along with another hunting expedition in Africa.
The Huitts have two sons: Kristoper and his wife Angela live in Fruita, Colo., and Ryan and his wife Danna live in Rangely. Both boys went through the school system in Rangely. Kristopher met Angela while she was enrolled in CNCC’s dental hygiene program. He is currently employed by Cal Frac and Angela is a dental hygienist in Grand Junction. Ryan and his wife were high school sweethearts. Danna graduated from Mesa State and now works for the Rangely Hospital. Ryan owns his own business, Wildlife Expressions Taxidermy, an extension of the Huitt family’s love for the outdoors and hunting. Grace works in the shop during the week to help with the business.
Frank was involved in the local youth programs while his kids were growing up and says, “Rangely is a great place to raise a family.” He continues to be very involved in the community, serving 10 years on the WRBM board and in his eighth year on the Rangely Town Council.
Asked what has changed the most in Rangely in the past 34 years, Frank said, “The town has cleaned up a lot. The main street is cleaner and there are new retail businesses in town.”
He is very complimentary of the town manager and staff for their hard work and hopes to continue contributing to the town’s progress.
Frank believes it is very important that people work hard for what they get. He has done just that to make a life for his family in Rangely. He came from very humble beginnings and has given his family the opportunity to enjoy a good life in the community he loves. He has given back in very caring ways and is appreciative of what he has. He and his wife have been married for nearly 34 years now and are pleased to be in a place where they can enjoy life in a rural area. They will continue to venture on new journeys, knowing where they came from and looking forward to wherever their future may take them.