By Mike Armstrong
Reporter, Carbon County Comet
Congratulations to Doug and Kathy Campbell for all the time they have put into building the Hotel Wolf into the iconic institution it is. As they retire from the place that has brought so many people great memories, they should be aware, truly, they are an inspiration to many folks, including this writer.
Doug and Kathy Campbell played a tremendous role in my coming to live in Wyoming 25 years ago. I would not be here if the Campbells had not opened up their hearts and arms that summer, just before I was moving to Australia for a year.
I say Campbells plural.
I came to Saratoga on a visit with my friend Darby Doll. He is Buck and Ardyce Hoem’s grandson and we were staying in a cabin out on Cow Creek they owned.
That place alone made me know Carbon County was different from any place I had visited.
For two weeks I met Darby’s friends, did some camping and just had an excellent time.
My hub when in town was the Hotel Wolf and I was introduced to the Campbell family, who were friendly. Kirsten, the eldest daughter and I clicked.
She was such an amazing person, I can’t help misting up as I remember back to those times.
It was one of my last days in town and I said to Kirsten how I would like to spend a summer in Saratoga before my trip abroad.
In a heartbeat, she said, “Come work at the Wolf. We need a bartender in the summer and I have an extra room in the house where I live. My folks will hire you.”
That is exactly what happened.
I worked with Judd in the bar and I picked the summer when they were putting in a new software system that was top-of-the-line. It was a learning experience for all.
A few times Kathy or Doug, sometimes together, would talk to me.
There is so much they shared with me; I am not even sure they know how much I took in. The one truth that came across; they were true, sincere, kind people.
Another truth learned, Kathy and Doug love their kids.
While I lived with Kirsten for those three months, she told me stories about her family which reinforced the positive view I had of Doug and Kathy.
I also learned by working for them, they expect a person to work and do their job well. Let me tell you the Hotel Wolf bar in summer, with the bar and restaurant overflowing, requires a strong work ethic. There is no slacking when the place is humming.
Doug and Kathy were on top of everything. The whole family was really. I have owned two restaurants and I still marvel at their prime rib operation. On a weekend it is staggering how much prime they go through.
Both Doug and Kathy were incredibly hands-on. No job was off-limits to them. I saw Doug in that kitchen helping Kirsten pump out meals many times. Kathy was everywhere making sure tables were running smoothly and service was good.
I had such a good time that summer, I decided to buy a townhouse in Saratoga before heading to the land of Oz.
And that is how I came to live in Wyoming.
If Doug and Kathy hadn’t given me a job and let me stay in the house they owned (Kirsten was renting), my life would have altered a bit.
I am not just grateful for the opportunity they gave me that summer, it has been a pleasure to watch them do so much for the Carbon County communities. I have seen firsthand how generous they are with their time and money to worthy causes. I know the Hotel Wolf dinner for two was always a hot auction item.
Then there are their actions, which are just so kind.
There was a character, that used to inhabit the bars in the day, who could be a handful sometimes. Everyone who worked a day shift in a bar knew Sammy. He was almost a tragic figure with his need for drink and attention.
Most people I knew wanted Sammy away from them and to be truthful, I didn’t give much thought to what he did when he left the bar.
As the good guy, I aspire to be, I should have.
Fortunately for the world, there are Doug Campbells. When I found out how he checked up on Sammy and brought him food to his home, it really hit me how selfless and kind Doug is.
Kathy is right up there. She really cares about helping people.
There was no surprise on my part when they won the Big WYO award at the 2018 Governor’s Conference. I was proud they were honored and was honored to be able to say I knew them.
These two people have made so much impact on many lives, and they probably don’t even know it.
I am living proof.
The Hotel Wolf is being passed on to the next generation, which is cool.
In closing, it boils down to this; “Thanks for being an inspiration to so many and I know you aren’t done yet.”
