Hank Bosco was bigger than life to me. Well, I should say Mr. Bosco, because at one time that name sent chills down by spine. But, over time, Mr. Bosco became Hank to me.

So, exactly 50 years ago, as an Oklahoma college student, I spent a couple of summers as a room clerk at the Hot Springs Lodge. About 10 years prior to that, Hank and 21 other families bought the Hot Springs. Over the next many years, I got to know some of those families, like Bosco, Mitchell, Farnum, Stuart, McFadden, Parkison and Weaver. But there were also others: Bell, Cole, Christenson, Dahl, Fitch, Kistler, Gallagher, Huntley, Lake, McKee, Rader, Tenbrook and Dever.

These original investors were community leaders of assorted professions, but their goal was simple: Keep the ownership local. Was it a good investment? Let’s just say it was an investment in the community. Right away, Hank and the board of directors made a decision to do a major update to the pool. Over the next many years, Hank was instrumental, in my opinion, to improvements such as the lodging up on the hill, expanding pool lobby, dressing rooms, pool deck, restaurant and sport shop. Then adding the slide, athletic club, spa and my very favorite, an updated, state-of-the-art filtration system for the pool. If you swim in its clear water, or touch anything at the Hot Springs, Hank probably had something to do with it.

I want to thank Hank Bosco for hiring me to be pool and sport shop department manager from 1971-81. I so much appreciate getting to know him. In his later years, I especially enjoyed our visits during his stay at Heritage, where we would share stories about the pool.

Hank Bosco was a leader who acted on his vision. Hank Bosco came along at just the right time, and he leaves us with his legacy. History will treat him well. I will miss him. Thank you, Hank.

Gary R. Miller

Rifle