Oldies but goodies...

a few entries from our Guestbook from our original site...

Hey Mom and Dad- Just want to let you know that we’re staying tuned and happily watching all of the wonderful things happening at “The Ranch”.  Your dedication and hard work never ceases to amaze us.   We are consistently inspired by this incredible place and what is promises to become.  “Thanks for having us”; it was truly our pleasure- a pleasure greater than you will ever know.  All our love, K&D&DP&J 2009

WALT, NANCE AND FAM- I HAVEN'T BEEN ON THE SITE IN QUITE SOME TIME, BUT IT IS OBVIOUS THAT YOUR LOVE FOR PAT IS UNDERLYING EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING OUT THERE.  IT IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE, THE PEACEFUL FEELING OF OLD ARIZONA GIVES US ALL A SWEET REPRIEVE AND YOUR HOSPITALITY IS INCOMPARABLE....ALL YOU NEED TO SAY IS "I NEED...(ANYTHING!) AND I WILL BE THERE... I'M NOT A BAD COOK OR REC LEADER!) YOU GUYS AND THIS VENTURE ARE AWESOME ... AND WE, AS YOU, WILL NEVER FORGET THE SACRIFICES ON 9/11... I LOVE YOU AND ALL YOU AND ALL YOU ARE WORKING TOWARDS!  KRIS LABARBERA, September 16, 2006

Karen, I wore my husband's FDNY shirt to school today in Pat's memory.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.    Marjie Hudson (great-grandaughter of Florence VanHouten). September 11, 2006

Walt---- Shocked, but most definitely great to see you at the airport. Can you believe we've been out of OHS for almost 35 years. Read your web-site and it looks awesome. We would love to come and see the ranch as we begin to spend more and more time in AZ. We completed the contracting of our house this past weekend. It will be completed in about a year. Once again great to see you---I'm sure glad you recognized me. Sal and Sue Sal and Sue Mignano Miller Place, NY USA - Sunday, May 08, 2005

This is a wonderful labor of love and dedication the VanHouten family have put forth James J Julia Phoenix, Az USA - Monday, March 28, 2005

I was thrilled when Courtney told me about your ranch! Reading about is was more fun! I would love to help any way I can! I truly mean it! Terry Martin Tucson, AZ USA - Tuesday, February 01, 2005

Walt, I've been told that great people make great things happen! May the sun always shine upon you and your good intentions just like the picture that we sent you of the sun shining upon our daughter, Richelle, when we visited the ranch last year. If this is any indication of what is in store..the sun will be shining a lot!! Michelle Belsky Holtsville, NY USA - Sunday, January 23, 2005

All i can say is wow. One of the best experiences of my life was going out to rancho rescate and spending it with Uncle walt aunt nance brooke my parents grams and Matt. This is the most amazing place on this planet. Uncle walt you've made a place that is indescribable, I cant wait to come back out Much love Logan Logan LaBarbera  Islip, NY USA - Thursday, December 30, 2004

Walt, we just spent 3 hours on a plane together and had an awesome conversation about the ranch. Hearing the excitement in your voice shows how passionate you are about it. It' made the flight go by, but it also made me want to know more about the ranch. The site is incredible! I will be visiting the site more often to watch the progress. John Maratea Islip Terrace, N.Y. USA - Sunday, December 05, 2004

Walt, Met you at Home Depot, went to probie school with Paddy class of 7/11/81. Wow, what a great site. Let me know what I can do to help out. I would love to go to the ranch and help out, let me know the details. Thanks Scott RET l-126 Scott Parlatore <Glosco@aol> Massapequa, NY USA - Monday, November 01, 2004

HI NEIGHBORS! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE,THIS IS TRULY A PASSION PROJECT, THAT WILL BE A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL!!! NANCY AND WALTER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR MAKING THIS DREAM HAPPEN . HOPE TO VISIT ONE DAY. ANTOINETTE & BOB Antoinette Gillen Sayville, N.Y. USA - Sunday, October 10, 2004

Hello to everyone associated with this tremendous effort of the healing process. My name is Kevin C. Hook and a short time ago, (38 years), my family and i had the pleasure to haved lived in this home from 1966-1976. I was a boy of just 9 years when my mother spotted the add in the paper for this special, special place. To this day, i think she still has the article! Detaching ourselves from life in Tucson was relatively easy once my two brothers and sister found this magical place that we will always call HOME!!! I have recently moved back to the Oro Valley area, and am looking forward to re-connecting with all the Santa Cruz valley ever meant to me. After 25 years in the produce business in California,My wife Jennifer, and daughter Alyssa decided to come back to be close to, and take care of our aging parents. Now that i am settled into a position with a produce company in Rio Rico, i will be spending much time commuting through the valley. I drove by Rancho Rescate today and marveled at the positive changes have been made. Although i was not able to enter, i am certain that much has been done as it is so beatiful to see. I have not only the fondest of memories, but visions of all that i may be able to contribute to this special VanHouten family. I spoke to Walt this morning from my cellphone ouotside the house and am loking forward to offering the VanHouten family and all of their extended family from the New York Area any assistance. I would like to hear from anyone associated with this program to e-mail any comments or questions about my time spent there, or what i may be doing in the future to help. I have many ways of convincing you that any time spent at the Rancho Rescate, will surely help to heal, strengthen, and livin up the spirits of you and your loved ones. I'll return any e-mail or questions very quickly. Your loving friend and partner in healing, Kevin C. Hook Kevin C. Hook Oro Valley, AZ USA - Thursday, September 30, 2004 at 18:26:05 (EDT)

hey guys.... this is unbelievable...pat would love this...in fact i know he does because he lit up like a kid when he told me about his own work week with walt aug 2001...thanks so much for the info on the website...i hope to see it someday for myself...love to all nance nancy o'keefe kreutzer williamsburg, virginia USA - Monday, September 13, 2004

I visited Ranch Rescate and Walter on August 27th. It is wonderful what you are doing. I work with Gary Brasher and I also visited his Salero property. Please put me on your mailing list. Roger Marquette Roger Marquette Nogales, Arizona USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004

Van & Nancy - Great cause. I know it will help the children. Your big hearts show and your generosity humbles me. Van - I remember the old days when we used to volunteer at the nursing homes, you haven't changed a bit. Let me know if you need anything. If you need me at the ranch to help when the kids arrive, Ill be there in a NY minute! Mike D'Apolito Stuart, Florida USA - Sunday, August 15, 2004

YOUR GRAND PAS BARBER....... ANGELA FIDANZA GILBERT STUART , FLA USA - Wednesday, July 21, 2004

As a friend of the family I am in awe, as I remember this project from it's early conception, to breaking ground, to the results of such heartfelt love, passion and hard work on the part of the VanHouten family. You are an inspiration!!! May God Bless this family, this ranch and all who enter therein. Love ya, Dawn Dawn Smith Selden, NY USA - Thursday, July 08, 2004

Just a quick note to thank all of you for writing. It truly makes our day...keep it up! Kelly Thorry USA - Friday, July 02, 2004

Paddy was exactly that ,a gentleman. Losing 343 brother FFs hurt, some just hurt more than others, Paddy was one. It figures Paddy would have such caring friends. As Terry Hatton would say, " OUTSTANDING!! " Jim Trainor ( Ret. Res#4 ) Middle Village , NY USA - Tuesday, June 29, 2004

The ranch looks wonderful!!! What a great way to remember and honor Uncle Pat. Janet Ward Melville, NY USA - Sunday, June 27, 2004

I just ordered a cowboy cookbook! I need to get a dutch oven or two and I'll be ready to whip up some "grub" for your guests. I'm willing to help out in any way. Walter, this is a great tribute to New York's bravest. Tom Guida Babylon, NY USA - Friday, June 11, 2004

Watched you kids grow up and knew you would be off to great things. This is even more then I dreamed. Pat brought love and goodness to everyone he touched. He must be so proud of you all. Hope we make it out to see the place. Love you all, Uncle Wacky and Aunt Jane Wacky and Jane Lucas Bradford, 03221, NH USA - Tuesday, May 25, 2004

You never stop amazing me. What a wonderful way of remembering such a special person. Best of luck to you! Mary Gunvaldsen Margate, Florida USA - Saturday, May 22, 2004

WOW,WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE YOU HAVE DEVELOPED. LIVING ON THE GREAT SOUTH BAY LIKE PATRICK, IS A SPECIAL PLACE TOO, BUT TO BE IN THE WEST OF THE USA IS GODS LAND AND CHILDREN WILL HAVE PEACE PLACED IN THEIR HEARTS,IM SURE AFTER THEY HAVE VISITED THIS RANCH. ONE DAY IWILL VISIT,AND OF COURSE I WILL TELL PEOPLE OF THIS WEB SITE. GODS SPEED TO YOU KIM GREIF EAST ISLIP, N.Y. USA - Friday, May 21, 2004

This looks like a fantastic place...Best of luck to all of you. Tara Gunvaldsen Margate, FL USA - Tuesday, May 18, 2004

I was just on this site and this is awesome. It is the most nicest thing I have ever reviewed. My prayers are with all of you. You are successful in what ever you do. Sheila Gunvalsen Sebastion, Fla. USA - Monday, May 17, 2004

The ranch looks like a piece of heaven. I would love to visit it one day soon. I hope all goes well in this venture of life. Jennifer Czerniak Saginaw, Michigan USA  Saturday, May 08, 2004

Great job Walt David Loper - Royal Tucson Tucson, Az USA - Monday, May 03, 2004

Walt... it takes special people to do what you have done for the children and the memories of those gone before us. keep up the good work buddy. And I have not forgotten about your invitation. Be careful what you wish for.. *smile* Ken Ken Boroski Toronto, Ontario Canada - Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Hey Walt, Great web-sie. I love it! Good luck and God bless. I am coming down as soon as I can. Me and Viejo need a break, some time off with a good friend. Adios, Rocco Rocco J. Wachman- Cowboy College Scottsdale, AZ USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Hey everybody! We had some technical difficulties getting the guestbook up and running, but the techs fixed it up and here we are. I encourage anyone who visits this site to- at the very least, leave your name, so we know you were here. It is important for us to get feedback, hear suggestions and know we have the support we will need to make this endeavor the success it should be. Our sincerest and heartfelt thanks to everyone, and I mean everyone who has helped to get this passion project this far. Now get writing! Kelly Thorry NY USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004

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Coming Soon!!

AT THE BACA FLOAT RANCH- TUBAC, AZ 

RANCHO RESCATE