The Edelweiss Management Team

Linda McWhirter: Administrative Manager

Linda and her husband, Larry moved to the Methow Valley 5 years ago after retiring from their careers in teaching. They had visited the area with their children when they were young and had always wanted to live here. Larry taught History/Humanities and coached a variety of sports at Curtis High School in University Place ( Tacoma ) and also operated an irrigation / landscaping business. Linda taught middle school (Social Studies, Spanish and Humanities) in the Peninsula School District before retiring. They have three grown children and two grand children so far.

Linda and Larry feel like they lucked out by buying property and building here in Edelweiss just before the real estate/building frenzy began. Like many who move here, Linda worked a variety of jobs after arriving, including Wildhearts Nursery, the Headstart Preschool, Housewatch, as well as doing rental and residential cleaning. She began doing office/bookeeping work for Edelweiss shortly after Phil Heitman asked her to serve on the Edelweiss Board of Directors. After serving her term she stepped down from the position since she didn't think it a good idea to be her own employer. 

It has been a wonderful experience these last 5 years living here and making so many wonderful new friends as well as learning new job skills. (You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!) I am very much looking forward to working with our new management team, Dick Volckmann and Craig Hook, and the Board of Directors, who will continue to work on making improvements to our community.”

Craig Hook: Operations Manager  

A native of western Washington, Craig grew up in Issaquah and attended High School in Fife .  He joined the Marines from 1969-1972, and held jobs in such varied fields as water distribution, sewage treatment and carpentry.  In the last few years he worked in Facility Maintenance and as a Hot Water Driller at the Amundsen-Scott Base, South Pole, and then as a plumber in Afghanistan. (So, you can rest assured Craig can handle our facility maintenance!)

Craig's passion for the mountains, climbing, and wilderness survival training brought him to the Methow. He has hiked and climbed around the world but has always considered the North Cascades home.  The Westside had become too crowded for Craig, so in April, 2007, with his lovely and talented partner Suzanne Same, he moved to the Methow and they are building their home now in Edelweiss. (Welcome Craig and Susanne.)

Richard Volckmann: General Manager  

Dick grew up in Westport , New York , in the eastern foothills of the Adirondack Mountains .  There he was introduced to the outdoor activities he loves so much, such as skiing, sailing, hiking, etc.  He earned a Bachelor's degree in Geology from Colgate University , continuing on to The University of Michigan where he earned a MS and PhD, also in Geology. Following graduate school he spent a year in Spain on a post-doctoral fellowship.  Upon his return he joined the US Geological Survey and over the next 13 years, worked on projects in Massachusetts , Puerto Rico , Kentucky , New York , and Virginia .  Following his Survey years he spent two years in Florida as a yacht broker, involved in the sale of high-end sailboats, followed by 18 years in the rental/property management business in Hilton Head, SC.

In 1999 he and his wife Carol spent Christmas vacation in the Methow Valley .  It was here that his (and her) love of the mountains was rekindled.  In 2000 they moved to the valley from the flatland of South Carolina , built their house at the end of Laney Lane , here in Edelweiss, and assumed they were 'retired'.  Retirement didn't take, however, and since then they have built 3 cabins, also here in Edelweiss.  They currently live in the 3^rd one - having sold their first home - while they are building their next 'permanent' home.

Dick joined the Edelweiss staff at the beginning of August of this year.  He is happy to be involved professionally with the community in which he has lived for the past seven years.  He is also very pleased to be working with Craig and Linda, who are invaluable to the smooth operation of the Edelweiss Community.