CALGARY- Nearly four decades of memories have been packed up at an Alberta ranch, with the bank poised to take possession of the landmark on Wednesday.
Rafter Six Ranch, a popular spot for weddings and reunions, closed its doors for good on January 1. That came after the Cowley family made a deal with resort developers who then went into receivership, leaving the family with a massive amount of debt.
They attempted to sell the ranch for $12.5 million, but no buyers came forward. Still, the family is hopeful something can be salvaged.
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“We definitely have a Hail Mary out there at the moment,” says David Cowley. “If something does come through and tomorrow there’s a change, that’d be amazing. An eleventh hour miracle.”
On Tuesday, family and friends were busy packing up barns, moving horses and organizing memorabilia, while reflecting on what the ranch has meant to them all these years.
“You know, you can put all your belongings in a box and semi truck and truck it away, but you cannot pack its spirit,” said family member Gerard Buehler. “This place is something very special, and it is the people that made it special. Buildings are just buildings, stuff is just stuff, but in the end it still hurts.”
The Cowleys are still appealing for anyone who is interested in the property to come forward, and suspect the trust company may be willing to sell it.
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