Owner of Chehalis Produce Stand Loses Home to Fire

Chronicle, The (Centralia, WA)

Feb. 18--For the past two and a half decades, Mabton resident Ron Colgrove has made the trek from Yakima County to Jackson Highway several times a week to sell fresh, Eastern Washington produce to area residents.

"He's been there for 26 years and everybody loves him," said Chris Vandenberg, a Chehalis attorney and Colgrove's friend.

In the wake of a house fire at his Mabton home early this week that killed pets and destroyed most of his possessions, including his late wife's urn, Colgrove's customers-turned-friends in Lewis County are stepping up to help him get back on his feet.

A "Ron Colgrove Relief Fund" is set up at Columbia Bank at 290 Chehalis Ave. in Chehalis.

Vandenberg said he is working with other supporters to set up a benefit fundraiser for Colgrove at a date and time to be determined.

"I don't ask for charity," Colgrove said Thursday.

However, he said it felt good to have his Lewis County customers rally behind him.

"I've made a lot of friends," he said.

According to a story by The Yakima Herald-Republic, the fire was reported at 9:10 p.m. Monday. Colgrove was already setting up fresh stock at the produce stand in Chehalis by then, Vandenberg told The Chronicle.

The Herald-Republic reported that the fire was well-involved when firefighters arrived and that the roof collapsed soon after they began fighting the fire.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Colgrove said his family lived on the property for most of his life.

"I've lived there since I was 1 year old," he said.

While he got married at 18 and left the home for a time, he later returned to take care of his ailing father.

"You've got so many memories," he said.

The home was a total loss. Colgrove lost two dogs, a parrot, his collection of baseball cards and his late-wife's urn.

"His house burning down is a real disaster for him because he lost all of his possessions and he wasn't insured," Vandenberg said.

One dog was able to escape when firefighters kicked open the home's door, Colgrove said. He is struggling with the loss of his other pets.

"They're like my kids," he said. "I've raised them since they were babies."

He also breeds prize rabbits, which also survived the fire, Vandenberg said.

Ron's Produce Stand, located at 3725 Jackson Highway in Chehalis, is typically open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Colgrove, 63, is staying with his daughter for the time being, and is currently in Yakima County working to get his property cleaned up. He plans to return to his produce stand after the work is completed.

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