Flying W Ranch is an integral part of the cultural history of Colorado Springs. The ranch is thick with a colorful past that includes senators and Gen. William Jackson Palmer himself.

Russ and Marian Wolfe founded the world-famous ranch, and the Wolfe family has been stewards of this unique and glorious piece of Colorado land since 1947. Their daughter, Leigh Ann Wolfe, is the proprietor today.

Flying W started as a breeding operation for Black Angus, Hereford and champion quarter horses. The ranch slowly expanded its offerings to include a train, a cowboy church and barns with various animals for families and visitors to enjoy. But it was the unique Chuckwagon Suppers and an original Western Stage Show that put the ranch on the cultural map as a “must see and must experience” destination.

Leigh Ann grew up in this glorious ecosystem of cowboys, hard work, music, animals, family, friends and, most importantly, faith.

That faith would be tested beyond her wildest imagination when the Waldo Canyon fire ravaged the ranch in June 2012. Ironically, three structures remained after the fire: a teepee, the outbuilding that housed the books and recipes of the Chuckwagon, and a wooden cross where cowboy church took place in the back meadow. All three speak to the profound sense of legacy at Flying W.

Land, family, faith.

There is not a harder working woman in this city than Leigh Ann Wolfe. She seeks no accolades, pats on the back or fleeting friendships. She knows who she is and what her calling is. Here is a bit of our recent conversation.

Question: What does culture mean to you, Leigh Ann?

Leigh Ann Wolfe: Culture is faith, family, land and hard work. Culture is the collection of values, beliefs and behaviors. I was raised in a family that lived by the word of God. That is my culture.

Why do you care so deeply about the legacy of Flying W after the Waldo Canyon fire?

This ranch was here long before so much else. It stands for the Western way of life. It’s who we were, all of us, pioneers. The ranch represents that. If I didn’t commit to rebuilding the ranch and bringing back the Wranglers after the fire, all that would be lost.

How would you suggest families learn from your experience with your family and how to share cultural beliefs?

I think of cultural awareness one person at a time. A child can come to Flying W never having had the opportunity to see baby calves or any of the other animals that call this home and that experience is etched in their memory for life. That’s important to me: children and culture. I pass that on where I can.

Why should folks care about Western culture?

Western culture is a big part of who we are as Coloradans. Here at Flying W, we have the opportunity to keep that alive. This work is all part of God’s marvelous work. The Chuckwagon Suppers and the Western Stage Show are uplifting. The Lord came to give us life abundant and live eternal. As the world becomes darker, it is important for us to think about “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, and admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).” We hope that when folks come and experience the Flying W, they see his work, and see his face. I am simply the vehicle for his work and the happiness it brings.

Are there any other thoughts on culture you want to share?

My daughter reminds me often that commitment to any culture is hard and one must be relentless. I am reminded of a poem my grandfather penned when he lost his 7-year-old son from an accident:

You never are alone you know,

When sorrow comes your way,

Many other’s thoughts and prayers;

Are with you all the way.

We know, that when, these times of sorrow,

The sun, will bring new light tomorrow,

Time — and time — alone can heal,

And through God’s help it will reveal,

That some time in the far off land,

And only, then we’ll understand.

So carry on each day by day,

Your loved ones would have willed that way,

Knowing that all grief and sorrow

Will vanish in that (God’s tomorrow)

— D.H.W. (Donald Hunt Wilson)