Forget -me-not: Mothers And Sons

Forget-me-not:
Mothers
and Sons
14 June –14 September 2008
Portland Art Museum The Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Sculpture Court
Presented as part of
the Contemporary Northwest Art Awards
Marie Watt’s sewing circle
Inara Verzemnieks
I dropped by the studio of artist Marie Watt the other day, where
she was in the middle of her latest project – a piece to be shown
this June at the Portland Art Museum in an exhibit highlighting
the work of the winners of the Contemporary Northwest Art
Awards. (Watt was one of five winners selected from a field of 28
finalists.)
Watt uses blankets in her artwork, and her studio, in an industrial section of Southeast Portland, was filled with towering
stacks: old woolen Pendleton blankets, scratchy army blankets,
thrift-store finds that constitute her raw materials. Watt’s
finished blanket pieces, which have been exhibited in such places
as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian,
are frequently large – covering entire walls – and labor-intensive,
and so she often invites people to help her in their construction,
through sewing circles.
Earlier in the week, she had sent out an email to everyone she
knew asking for people to come by and help her stitch her latest
piece. She had decided to call it “Forget-me-not: Mothers and
Sons.” Using the blankets – an ordinary object that is actually infused with meaning, she liked to say, the thing that wraps us
at our births and our deaths, an item of comfort and reassurance
and protection – she had decided to construct portraits of all
the servicemen (and one woman) from Oregon killed in the Iraq
war. Along with the soldiers’ portraits, she had also invited the
men she knew to give her the names of women who they felt
deserved some sort of remembrance. Some chose mothers and
grandmothers. Others chose historical figures they admired.
She then hung the finished portraits of soldiers and women together on a web made from old blankets, and the effect was a
suggestion of connection, an interconnectedness – an unrealized
link – even between strangers.
As she opened bags of bagels and arranged some cream cheese
and lox on a plate – she had promised to feed everyone who came
to help – people began to drift through the door.
She set each person up at a large work table in the center of
the studio, carefully drawing the portrait they would be stitching from a manila envelope, so that none of the dozens of fabric
pieces that composed the face would shift or fall away.
Watt pulled out a soldier for her first volunteer-stitcher. “And
here’s a little more about him,” she said, opening a white
binder, full of news stories about each casualty. “Twenty-four …”
the stitcher said.
That’s how old the man was when he died.
Then she sat down and began to sew, making a connection
with each draw of the thread.
Originally published in The Oregonian, Friday, April 4, 2008. Reprinted with permission.
Mothers and sons
The men and women pictured in these pages
had rich lives, which is hard to express in six
short lines. Many people submitted long and
carefully-composed tributes, which, for space
reasons, had to be cut brutally. This was not
easy, nor lightly undertaken. This document
provides only a starting point in a discussion
of the lives of the people portrayed herein; we
color images of each portrait, with complete
submitted text are available on Marie Watt’s
Flickr site: flickr.com / photos / marie-watt-studio.
Prints of individual portraits may be ordered
there. If you find factual errors in this document – and you may – please send corrections
to forgetmenot@mkwatt.com, or to Marie herself,
in care of her gallery, PDX Contemporary Art,
925 NW Flanders, Portland, Oregon 97209
Like much of my work, Forget-me-not is about memory, story,
and devotion. In part, it stems from my disinclination toward the
abstraction of war by the modern media. Television, in particular, does not lend itself to considering individuals: we are taught
to refer to our servicemen and women as ‘troops,’ which is a
collective term. It wasn’t enough for me. As a mother, I wanted to
know more about the sons and daughters from my community
who were sacrificing themselves in our name: where they lived,
what they liked to do, what kind of people they were. Making
these portraits helped me to do that: slowly, with research, consideration, and – within the communities of my studio and sewing
circles – discussion.
I am a Seneca woman, a member of a matrilineal society. The Iroquois concept of ‘mother’ is broad, extending from one’s mother
through a long line of women: aksote ( grandmothers ), aksote
kowah ( great-grandmothers ), aunties, sisters, Sky Woman, mentors, friends, leaders. So it was with this view of motherhood
in mind – and its dense web of connections extending across generations – that I asked the men I know to suggest women who
were significant to them to include in this work. Some of these
women were mothers in the physical sense; others gave to our
culture in other ways.
The result, I hope, is conversation and communion among individuals: those hung from the web of the circle and those, like you,
within it. It is a conversation that I intend to expand. Information
was gleaned from public sources; there will be errors, and I welcome correction. I also invite you to contribute to these stories to
further illuminate the individuality of these men and women.
I will allow myself some politics in that I wish Forget-me-not was
finished. But I fear I will be adding men and women to its web for
some time.
Marie Watt Portland, June 2008
e-mail: forgetmenot@mkwatt.com
1
5
9
13
17
2
6
10
14
18
3
7
11
15
19
4
8
12
16
20
1
Tane T. Baum
1975–2005
Army Sgt., Nat’l Guard, 113th Av. Rgt.
Graduate of Weston-McEwen HS, Athena, OR.
Active in soccer, cross-country, basketball.
Engineer on helicopter; nervous of heights,
but loved to fly anyway. Survived by wife and
two young sons.
2
Adulsa / Nora Hodgekiss/ Susan Wasson
1841–1917
Shirod Yonker
My great-great-grandmother was married
twice to white men; it was common to change
their Indian wives’ names to those of their
dead mothers. Adulsa is her Indian name.
Ended up being the matriarch of most of the
contemporary Coquille tribe.
3
Bryan P. Bertrand
1979–2002
Marine Lance Cpl., Marine Aerial
Refueler Transport Sq. 352
Son of two teachers; all-state linebacker at
Marshfield HS, Coos Bay. Enlisted after one
year of college, specializing in aviation electronics. Volunteered for second tour. Loved
physical challenge, teamwork, playing guitar.
4
Jeanie Alec-Feddersen
1926 – 1991
Joe Feddersen
One of my very first memories of Mom is her
sitting at the kitchen table. She had finished
Dad’s breakfast and had a little time before the
kids got up. I awoke and made my way down
a dark hallway to find her drawing a picture
of a horse. This memory probably influenced
my future direction in the arts.
5
Joseph R. Blake
1972–2006
Army Pvt., 1st Bn., 32nd Inf. Rgt., 3rd
Bde. Combat Team, 10th Mountain Div.
Lived in Portland only a few weeks prior to enlisting. At 34, the “old man” in basic training
and was proud that he could keep up with his
younger comrades. Born and raised in Detroit
According to adoptive father, he was proud of
what he had achieved in the military.
6
Margaret Aiken
1922–1998
Greg Kucera
A lovely woman in heart, mind and soul, an
avid and dedicated collector, and over the
course of the nearly 20 years I knew her, she
curated a superb collection of contemporary
prints. Just before her death, she donated
nearly 30 major prints to the Washington Art
Consortium, a group of museums who
jointly hold a collection of works on paper by
modern and contemporary artists.
7
Joseph M. Blickenstaff
1980–2003
Army Spc., 1st Bn., 23rd Inf. Rgt., 3rd
Bde Combat Team, 2nd Inf. Div.
A quiet, well-liked boy from Corvallis, looking
for direction and found it in the Army. Lived
with intensity, passion, creativity, humor,
faith, and generosity and service to others.
8
Klara Anderson
1926–2001
Neil Anderson
Her limitless supply of love, kindness, stories
and scrumptious meals made my summers in
Orange County all the more sunny.
9
Aaron Boyles
1990–2004
Marine Lance Cpl., HQ Co., 7th Marine
Rgt., 1st Marine Div., I Marine Exp. Force
Grew up in Hood River. Tough, patriotic
(married on July 4, 2003), cool under pressure.
Loved “The Dukes of Hazzard” as a kid, chewing tobacco as an adult and lived off frozen
pizza, canned chili and beer as a bachelor. Married, expecting son when killed.
10
Lois Anderson
1913–1990
Mark Anderson
My mother, an Iowa farm girl who moved out
West after her mother died. She worked as a
cook and housekeeper for a lawyer; he and his
wife treated her like a daughter, educated her.
She was kind, spiritual, caring and liked to sit
and talk over a cup of coffee.
11
Travis Bradach-Nall
1982–2003
Marine Cpl., Combat Service Support
Group 11
Graduate of Grant HS. Wrestler, drummer,
singer. Liked brainy punk music, Marlboros,
tattoos and skydiving. From fireworks to
stretch limos, he loved spectacle. Volunteered
to stay in Iraq and help with a mine-clearing
operation to spend more time with friends.
12
Joanne Marie Annen
1931–2008
Jerry Annen
Single mother of seven, after premature
death of husband. Registered Nurse, worked
with geriatric patients. Matriarch ; pillar of
Catholic parish in Mt. Angel, OR. Devotee of
Chinese food; taught Chinese cooking at
community college. Wood carver. Gardener.
13
Joshua C. Brennan
1985–2007
Army Sgt.; 2nd Bn., 503rd Airborne Inf.
Rgt., 173rd Airborne Combat Team
Graduate from Ontario HS. Ran the hurdles,
played football and enjoyed elk hunting.
Worked part-time throughout HS to pay for
expenses; maintained above-average grades.
too. Dedicated, dependable. Won two Bronze
Stars in Afghanistan.
14
Aquash/Anna Mae Pictou
1945 – 1976
Jules Boykoff
Smart, energetic political activist dedicated
to making Indian cultural history available
and willing to take part in direct action in
order to bring attention to injustices rained
upon Native Americans. She was murdered in
the winter of 1976.
15
Dean Robert Bright
1974–2006
Army PFC, 7th Sq., 10th Cavalry Rgt.,
1st Bde., 4th Inf. Div.
Graduated from Sutherlin HS; class president.
Served two terms on Sutherlin City Council;
joiner and doer. Father of two; planned to
re-marry their mother when he came home
on leave. Won two Bronze Stars.
16
Tabitha Babbitt
1784–1853
Tom Nutt
Early American tool maker, credited with
inventing the first circular saw used in a saw
mill in 1813. She also shares the invention of
cut nails with Eli Whitney. A member of the
Shaker community in Harvard, MA, Babbitt
never patented any of her inventions.
17
Brian Browning
1986–2007
Army PFC, 4th Bn., 31st Inf. Rgt., 2nd
Bde. Combat Team, 10th Mountain Div.
Deep family history of service; dropped out of
HS to enlist: was rejected. Recruiter told him
to finish his HS diploma and lose weight. Completed GED at the Tongue Point Job Corps
site, lost 40 pounds, and enlisted at 18. Relatives say the Army helped him find focus.
18
Norma Jean Baker
1926 –1962
Louie Adams
Los Angeles girl. As Marilyn Monroe, more or
less set the standard for the Hollywood icon.
A good actress, decent singer and remarkable
character ; a beauty, though it had less to do
with her looks than the persona she invented.
Married Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller.
19
Cedric Bruns
1991–2002
Marine Lance Cpl., 6th Eng. Support
Bn., 4th Force Service Support Group
Graduate of Prairie HS, Vancouver, WA. Kind,
thoughtful, generous, liked a party. Known
by his fellow Marines as “Hollywood.” Service
gave him perspective, maturity, according to
family; letters home detailed plans for school,
home ownership. Drove a 1977 Buick Electra.
20
Clara Barton
1821–1912
Dan Anderson
Teacher, nurse, humanitarian. Founded the
American Red Cross. I see Clara as an iconic
contributor to one side of a coin where the
other side is the chaos of war.
21
25
29
33
37
22
26
30
34
38
23
27
31
35
39
24
28
32
36
40
21
Jeremy E. Christensen
1977–2004
Army Spc., 1st Sq., 4th Armored Cavalry Rgt., 1st Inf. Div.
Easygoing workaholic from Clackamas ;
moved to Albuquerque. Didn’t care for halfmeasures: insisted family Thanksgiving
football game be full-contact. Enlisted after
9/11 attacks ; cared for fellow soldiers and was
good with Iraqi children.
25
Arizona native; his mother lives in Molalla.
Veteran of both Iraq wars. Army life gave him
discipline and structure to overcome a childhood of abuse: a high school dropout became
a high-ranked noncommissioned officer with
two college degrees.
26
22
Simone de Beauvoir
1908–1986
Bryon Adams-Harford
Beauvoir’s influence on existential thought,
as well as her contribution to the fight against
sexism and (later) agism, is undeniable; her
name and thought should never be forgotten.
23
Aaron Contreras
1971–2003
Marine Cpt.; Light Attachment Helicopter Sq. 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39
Father of three, devoted to faith, family and
country. Helicopter pilot, born on July 4.
Sherwood HS retired his #28 football jersey
(all of his brothers had worn that number) in
honor of his service.
24
Mabel Robinson Bechtel
1900 – 1998
Mark Evans
My grandmother lived her life isolated on a
family farm in rural Ohio. An amazing woman,
the work she did. She gave me an old quilt,
now close to 200 years old, hand-stitched, it
reminds me of you!
Eric Francis Cooke
1960–2003
Army Cmd. Sgt. Maj., 1st Bde., 1st AD
Mary Brown Betts
1889–1973
Larry McNeil
My grandmother gladly took us kids into her
home and raised us for two years. She epitomized all good things about humanity and
taught us what it meant to be decent human
beings. She taught me that strong and smart
women are to be respected and honored.
27
Douglas Desjardins
1982–2006
Army Spc., 2nd Bn., 37th Armored Rgt.,
1st Bde. Combat Team, 1st AD
Grew up in Mesa, AZ and Scio, OR. Graduated
Scio HS. Fun-loving, generous people person
from two supportive families. Diehard fan of
the Phoenix Suns.
28
Josephine Bochsler
1901–1989
Mark Annen
After my father died when I was 7, Granny
really stepped up to help my mom take care
of us 7 kids. She would share dinner with us
and provide us with chores to earn money.
She also set up funds for us to go to college.
29
Kevin DeWayne Davis
1964–2005
Army S. Sgt., Nat’l Guard, G Troop, 82nd
Cavalry
Devoted to the advancement and nurturing
of children; worked at Linn-Benton Juvenile
Detention Facility, started a new school for
Iraqi children. Sang “You Are My Sunshine”
as a lullaby every night to his daughter. Avid
fisherman, softball player, devout Christian.
30
Lynne Brunswick
1944–2007
Matthew Juniper
She was a very strong, intelligent and spiritual
woman. She passed away last year after fighting lung cancer. I’m glad my children got to
have her influence in their lives.
31
Adrian M. Elizalde
1977–2007
Army Sgt. 1st Class; 2nd Bn., 1st Army
Special Forces Group (Airborne).
Driven, disciplined, highly-decorated Green
Beret from North Bend, OR. Wrestled as a
youth and in high school won district championship in the 126 weight class. His daughter
was six years old at the time of his death.
32
Katherine Burg
1913–2001
Mike Burg
A wonderful teacher of the important values
in life. Her devotion to her family was endless
through growing pains.
33
Jessica A. Ellis
1984–2008
Army Cpl., 2nd Bde. Spc. Troops Bn., 2nd
Bde. Combat Team, 101st Airborne Div.
Combat medic. Graduated from Lakeview HS.
Friendly, outgoing, hard-working, non-judgemental. Worked on fire crews during summers
before enlisting. Ran track in high school and
studied dance.
34
Diane Burns
1957–2006
Paul Chaat Smith
A deacon in the Church of Beautiful Losers.
Terrifying and inspirational. Her best poem,
“Sure You Can Ask Me a Personal Question,”
was exactly like its author: smart, funny, and
tragic, wrapped in a package of devastating
cool. Trust me on this: a hundred years from
now we’ll still be talking about Diane.
35
Adam Emul
1988–2007
Marine Lance Cpl., 3rd Bn., 4th Marine
Rgt., 1st Marine Div., I Marine Exp. Force
Graduate of Hudson’s Bay HS, Vancouver, WA.
Moved to Vancouver from Saipan in 2003.
Quiet, responsible, independent, but considerate; always willing to help others. Had family
send him big bags of candy to hand out to Iraqi
children he met on patrol.
36
Claude Cahun
1894–1954
Karl Davis
Artist and extraordinary intellectual working
in Paris during the rise of surrealism ; during
WWII participated in the French Resistance.
Photographer, critic, philosopher, proto-performance artist. Her work involved androgyny,
polymorphic sexuality and the nature of self.
37
Jason Evey
1977–2006
Army S. Sgt., 1st Sq., 10th Cavalry Rgt.,
2nd Bde. Combat Team
Born in Corvallis. Not a political person, had
doubts about mission in Iraq, but was dedicated and enthusiastic about his career in the
army. Artistic: drew and made photographs,
found beauty wherever he was, especially in
the outdoors.
38
Caruthers, Helen
1911–2000
Stuart Wylen
My grandmom was a world traveler.She was
progressive on foreign policy and the environment before it became fashionable. When
I was a 16-year-old high school dropout, she
paid for my six-month journey through
Europe and the Middle East because she felt
strongly that Americans needed to be more
aware of the rest of the world.
39
Justin Everly
1981–2004
Army Sgt., 2nd Bn., 162nd Infantry Div.
Graduate of South Salem HS. Sophomore in
graphic design at PSU, hoped to work in the
music industry or produce video games. Could
laugh at anything. Fan of and ran Web site
about rock band Filter, who wrote their song
Soldiers of Misfortune in his honor.
40
Julia Child
1912–2004
Orland Nutt
Chef, teacher, media personality, gourmet and
gourmand. Brought classical French cooking
into American homes ; wellspring of American cuisine from postwar to present. Six feet
tall. Food in this country started with her.
41
45
49
53
57
42
46
50
54
58
43
47
51
55
59
44
48
52
56
60
41
Billy Farris
1986–2006
Army Cpl., 5th Bn., 20th Inf. Rgt., 3rd
Bde., 2nd Inf. Div.
Graduate of Chemawa Indian School, Salem,
OR. Good student. Prankster. Baseball fan;
befriended Joe Garagiola at age 5. Cheyenne/
Arapahoe, but lived in Gila River, the same
Pima community as Iwo Jima hero Ira Hayes.
45
Graduate of Beaverton HS ; co-captain of football, wrestling teams. Attending WSU when
activated. Hearing loss sustained during service prevented him from a commission. Humble, selfless, determined. Survived by wife.
46
42
Julie Coffeen
1919–2007
Michael Gately
Put four daughters through college by long
hours of nursing, still found time to volunteer
in the community. Her great joy was helping
others, a legacy she left to her daughters. Her
dedication to God, country, and family had a
profound influence on my 40-year military
career.
Sean P. Fennerty
1981–2007
Army Sgt., 3rd Bn., 509th Inf. (Airborne),
4th Bde. Combat Team, 25th Inf. Div.
Graduate of Jesuit High School and OSU (B.S.,
History). Enlisted after graduation for
reasons of public service. The second of four
children, remembered for his hearty laugh,
bear hugs, and fantastic grin. An avid reader,
aspired to be high school history teacher.
Tee A. Corinne
1943–2006
Horatio Law
A pioneer in Queer Art, she showed me the importance for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender artists of creating their own history, and
the value of being seen, heard, and recorded.
She made me feel what I was doing was
relevant and important to her and the world.
Kane M. Funke
1984–2004
Marine Lance Cpl., 2nd Bn., 7th Marine
Rgt., 1st Marine Div., I Marine Exp. Force
Montana native; dreamed of being a Marine
from age 8. Moved to Vancouver, WA to join
Naval Sea Cadet Corps; graduated Heritage
HS, Vancouver. Popular student. Friends
claim he skipped graduation for Boot Camp.
Wrestled; loved to fish.
48
44
Gladys Mae Etter Covault
1905–2001
Bruce Covault
Raised by a hateful stepmother. No boys on
the farm, so all the girls were field hands.
Graduated seminary during the Depression.
Very few women ministers at the time.
Minister, mother, musician, fun and funny/
funky; worked her way through school as a
professional photographer.
47
43
Damien T. Ficek
1978–2004
Army Sgt., 1st Bn., 161st Inf. Rgt.
Ann Dasburg
1916–2006
Andy Kerr
Lifelong activist for peace and civil rights. In
1950s New Orleans, drove first African-Americans to integrated elementary school. Loved
nature and the arts, and lived life of Buddhist
compassion. To her, a soldier’s death was like
the death of one of her own children.
49
Brennan Gibson
1979–2006
Army Sgt., 4th Bde. Combat Team
(Airborne), 25th Inf. Div.
Graduate of Thurston HS and OSU (B.S. Art,
emphasis in graphic design). Youngest of six
children. Loved being a soldier. Met his wife,
Corrina, as students at OSU. Their son, Kaden,
was born prior to his departure for Iraq.
50
Mary Davenport
1929–1998
Cyrus W. Smith
My grandmother was a teacher to me in many
ways. She taught me how to be a host, how to
see the world, and how to play cards without
skipping a beat in conversation.
51
Chase Armstrong Haag
1984–2006
Army Sgt., 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Rgt., 1st
Bde., 4th Inf. Div.
Raised, with his brother, by a single father.
Dreamed of becoming a police officer; joined
Explorers in high school, did ride-alongs
with local police. Wanted to help people; enlisted for experience and leadership training.
52
Gayle Diamond
1929–1998
Nat Andreini
Gayle played the blues. She loved her family
and friends. She also was a talented golfer.
She used to tell a charming story about how
she sat on Clint Eastwood’s lap once. Gayle
taught me the importance of music in life.
53
Christopher D. Henderson
1972–2007
Army Sgt. 1st Class, 1st Bde., 1st Inf. Div.
Graduate of Glencoe HS in Hillsboro. Father
also served. Quickly rose through the ranks,
deployed several times. Remembered fondly
by wife for being a neatnik; also “a very good
husband and a very good father. He loved his
job completely and was a hero to many people.”
54
Shirly Ann Koch Disch
1928–2004
Ryan Price
To many, she was the paragon of a woman.
She liked to say, “Everyone in the world is my
friend. I just haven’t had the chance to meet
them all yet.”
55
Richard Henkes
1974–2006
Army Sgt. 1st Class, 2nd Bn., 3rd Inf.
Rgt., 3rd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div.
Graduate of Clackamas HS, where he ran track
and wrestled. Passion was snowboarding.
Devoted to service; father, both grandfathers
and great-grandfather also served. Caring,
compassionate. Believed he was serving the
greater good.Survived by young daughter.
56
Mary Dollarhide
1881–1981
Kazu Ohashi
My father’s mother. A counterpoint for the
extensive family on my mother’s side.
Willpower and dedication are the dominant
traits for these women. Warren Dollarhide
was her third husband. They married in 1961
in Atkinson, Nebraska. He was 59 and she
was 75. After he died, Grandma went to Idaho
to live with family and lived until 93 or 96.
57
Ryan Jeffrey Hill
1986–2007
Army Pfc, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Rgt., 2nd
Bde. Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div.
Attended McNary HS, earned his diploma
through the Oregon Youth Challenge. Not
sure what he wanted to do in his life, he
joined the Army. Caring, radiant personality
and smile. Had doubts about prosecution of
war, but loved his fellow soldiers.
58
George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans)
1819–1880
David Oates
Full-tilt intellectual, yet embodied her inquiry
in “real” fictional people, and explored the full
spectrum of the human condition: the emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual. She wrote
and lived unconventionally and found a way
to be one of the most complete of humans.
59
Nainoa Hoe
Army 1st Lt., 3rd Bn., 21st Inf. Rgt, 1st
Bde, 25th Inf. Div.
Surfer, swimmer. Proud of Hawaiian ancestry
to the point of nationalism. MBA/University
of Hawaii. Structured, precise, respected leader
who also loved the comic rock act Tenacious
D and served for a time as platoon barber.
Newlywed ; wife attends college in Oregon.
60
Kathleen Agnes Sullivan English
1919–2002
Thom English
Small in stature but strong in character, she
raised five children and dedicated her life to
them and her husband. Her love for family
and country was fierce. She served her community, always ready to help those in need.
61
65
69
73
77
62
66
70
74
78
63
67
71
75
79
64
68
72
76
80
61
John Holmason
Marine Lance Cpl., 2nd Bn., 7th Marine
Rgt., 1st Marine Div.
Graduate of Scappoose HS. Moved to Surprise,
AZ. Worked as host, server at Applebee’s.
Polite, respectful, loved blasting music out of
his Orange SUV, and the USMC. Aspired to
train for special operations post.
62
Marjorie Jean Ficke
1922–1991
Dave Watt
My Aunt Jean worked as a domestic childcare
provider all her life. Her gifts were a kind
and loving spirit, rather than the intelligence
and ambition our society prizes. We need
to remember people like Aunt Jean because in
our culture they are too easily undervalued,
ignored or forgotten.
63
James B. Huston, Jr.
1982–2004
Marine Lance Cpl., 2nd Bn., 1st Marine
Rgt., 1st Marine Div.
Graduate of Hermiston HS. Involved with 4-H.
Loved hunting (delayed enlistment so as not
to miss archery hunting season), heavy metal,
and drawing SF/fantasy pictures. Enlisted
as diesel mechanic but switched to infantry to
“actually do something.”
64
Betty Feves
1918–1985
Jim Lavadour
Mother of three, musician, teacher, nationallyexhibited ceramicist, passionate advocate
for arts, music, education in eastern Oregon.
“The arts teach creativity better than anything
else, and it is creativity that will bring about
change and betterment of the human relations
that we all must learn to cherish.”
65
Benjamin W. Isenberg
1976–2004
Army Sgt., Nat’l Guard, 2nd Bn., 162nd
Inf. Rgt.
4th generation Army. B.S., Geology, Western
Oregon University. Worked as state forestry
officer and firefighter prior to service. Loved
the outdoors; devoted Christian and family
man. Survived by wife and two sons.
66
Nanna Frey
1899–1969
Thom Smith
Single mother of six at the height of the Great
Depression. Worked two jobs ; lost one daughter early to cancer, but managed to keep her
family together and maintained a kind, loving
attitude. All of her surviving children went
on to serve honorably in WWII.
67
Joseph A. Jeffries
1983–2004
Spc., Army Reserve 320th Psychological Operations Co.
Graduate of Sunset HS. Raced 4-cylinder stock
cars. Wanted to be soldier since age 10; enlisted also because of GI Bill. Felt he was making
a difference in Afghanistan. Loved children,
and looked forward to being father; wife was
pregnant with their son when he was killed.
68
Frances Irene Brooks Furlong
1894–1997
Chuck Hutchins
Fran and her husband moved into the same
apartment building with my parents. In time,
she became closer than my own mother.
She is remembered annually with the Frances
B. Furlong Scholarship at the University of
Michigan School of Music and a scholarship
recital given there every spring.
69
Drew Jensen
1970–2007
Army Cpt., 5th Bn., 20th Inf. Rgt., 3rd
Bde., 2nd Inf. Div.
Damascus native; graduate of West Point.
Shortly before death, designated that a fund
established in his name should go to help offset housing costs of families who travel far
to visit injured relatives at Seattle’s VA hospital.
70
Rose Gardella
1924–1988
Mark R. Smith
Mother, activist, social worker and master
gardener presiding over a community garden
in East Harlem, NYC. She cared for everyone
equally and lived out all of her community’s
tragedies and successes. At 65, she died
of a stroke. Our daughter is named after her.
71
David Johnson
1967–2003
Army Spc., Nat’l Guard, 2nd Bn., 162nd
Inf. Rgt.
Amateur motorcycle racer with orange dreadlocks, already in his 30s when he enlisted
after 9/11 attacks. Loved music, art, cooking:
he was a cook, but retrained as a gunner.
72
Helen Grace Gibson
1919–2005
Damien Gilley
My grandmother had five children and served
as a public health nurse most of her life. She
traveled extensively. She had ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She cared
for her country and family, and the health
and well-being of all she encountered.
73
Jeremiah Johnson
Army Cpl., 3rd Bn., 509th Parachute Inf.
Rgt., 4th Bde. Combat Team
Graduated Prairie HS, Vancouver, WA. Liked
fishing, hunting, fireworks, pranks, building
booby traps for fun, studying military manuals, practicing athletic moves on his brothers,
and once downed three triple cheeseburgers
at a sitting.
74
Goldman, Emma
1869–1940
Philip Cooper
Known principally as anarchist, but in fact she
was a fierce, influential thinker and advocate
for women’s rights, freedom of thought and
expression, sexual freedom and birth control,
labor unions and the eight-hour work week.
Deported to her native Russia for her work on
behalf of conscientious objectors during WWI.
75
Derek W. Jones
1985–2006
Marine Lance Cpl., 2nd Bn., 3rd Marine
Rgt., 3rd Marine Div., III Marine Exp. Force
Graduate Sprague HS, Salem, OR. Loved to
draw; planned to study architecture after
service. Was already drawing up plans for the
house he planned to build for his wife (high
school sweetheart) and daughter.
76
Eileen Gray
1878–1976
Greg Miller
As a furniture designer and maker, I admire
her work and have imagined trying to make a
place in the early 20th century as a young
woman with a modernist æsthetic, and with
peers like Gropius, van der Rohe and Rietveld.
Though her body of work is small, it is
every bit as relevant as that of her male peers.
77
Robert L. Jones
1984–2006
Army Spc., 40th Engineer Bn.
Milwaukie, OR native. Remembered as a
compassionate joker “with a grin from ear to
ear.” Clear-eyed about fortunes of war.
Enlisted to serve his country and get help
paying for college; also to support his family.
78
Edith Green
1910 – 1987
Jack McIsaac
Democratic congresswoman and a political
leader of great power and warmth who represented everyone. The author of Title IX, the
law that gave women equal footing in college
athletics, which today makes women’s sports
every bit as exciting as men’s.
79
Bryan Kelly
1983–2004
Marine Lance Cpl., 1st Combat Eng. Bn.,
1st Marine Div., I Marine Exp. Force
Graduate of Klamath Union HS. Easy-going.
Planned to become police officer like father;
joined Police Explorers in HS. Engaged to be
married.
80
Addie Guess
1906–1988
Jeff Gibson
Not much known is about my great-grandmother. She had a very hard life but is really
the beginning of the full family that I know
today. I always remember her as warm and
friendly, but she stayed in bed for as long as I
could remember. I would climb in bed with
her. It was a huge bed covered with quilts that
she had made.
81
85
89
93
97
82
86
90
94
98
83
87
91
95
99
84
88
92
96
100
81
Joseph P. Kelly
1987–2007
Army Spc., 27th Bde. Support Bn., 4th
Bde. Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Div.
Graduate of Elmira HS, Veneta, OR. Worked
as computer specialist prior to enlisting.
Goofball. Daredevil personality. Brought toy
sword to HS English class; gave impromptu
sword-swallowing demonstration. Smart,
independent. Engaged to be married.
82
Sgt. Maggie Hayes
1908 – 1995
Stephen Hayes
My aunt, who we all called Sgt. Maggie, rose
to the rank of Sergeant in the WAC. She cared
for and lived with my grandmother until her
death and then on her own as our matriarch;
she helped raise her nieces and nephews, and
did it with military flair.
83
Aaron A. Kent
1977–2005
Navy Hospitalman, 2nd Marine Div., II
Marine Exp. Force
Lab assistant at Red Cross in Portland; enlisted to learn and pursue a career in medicine.
Called “Doc” by Marines on his patrol. Graduate of Roosevelt HS in Portland. Known for
sense of humor: friends thought “he should
open up his own comedy club.”
84
Katharine Hepburn
1907 – 2003
Dana Brown
Gave America a strong, independent woman.
Wore pants and no makeup when it was not
common, rejected rules and games required
to succeed in Hollywood. Still holds the
record for 4 leading actress Oscars. Atheist,
suffragette, always made up her own mind.
85
Eric Kesterson
1974–2003
Army CWO, 9th Bn., 101st Airborne Rgt.,
101st Airborne Div.
Grew up in Vernonia, OR. Had completed
eight-year tour in Marines when 9/11 attacks
compelled him to enlist in the Army. Helicopter pilot; as hobby built full-size working
replicas of WWI fighter planes. Received
Marine Corps Medal of Heroism.
86
Della Housley
1888–1973
Jeff Hudson
A generous spirit with a strong sense of family
and community. Her door was always open,
and she always cooked a bit of extra food in
case someone stopped by. My mother never
heard her speaking ill will of or to anyone; an
attribute we admire but have not achieved.
87
Eric King
1977–2006
Army Spc., 1st Sq., 67th Armored Rgt.,
2nd Bde. Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.
Florida native lived in Vancouver, WA. Planned
career in Army. Loved to make people laugh;
always smiling. Married; devoted father of two
daughters.
88
Carol Ostendorf Hoyt (Dorf)
1939–2003
John Hoyt
My mother was the moral compass for her family and friends. Whether leading fights
for open housing and civil rights in the 60s or
founding the Seattle branch of the Raging
Grannies in the 90s, she always fought the good
fight. I ask myself daily, as I navigate this crazy
world, “What would Mom do?”
89
Daniel Leckel
1988–2007
Army Spc., 1st Bn., 28th Inf. Rgt, 4th Inf.
Bd. Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div.
Graduated Glendale HS, Medford, OR. Loved
sports; was lousy at them. Volunteered to
manage teams instead; became indispensable.
Once walked 58 miles to see his team play
when he couldn’t get a ride. Hoped to become
sportswriter. Easy-going, never complained.
90
Fanny Black Hull
1914 – 1993
Roger Hull
A New Yorker who moved to my father’s hometown in Northern Idaho, never fully coming
to terms with the Far West, though she made
the best of it. Established the first free public
kindergarten in Idaho; raised six children;
assisted my father in his law practice ; known
for her skills as hostess and cook.
91
Ann Hutchinson
1591–1643
Richard Klein
Perhaps the first American feminist. Advocate
for both women’s and Native American rights,
she was eventually excommunicated from
the Puritan church. The only woman to have
co-founded an American colony (RI), with
fellow liberal thinker Roger Williams.
Ken Leisten, Jr.
1985–2004
Army PFC, Nat’l Guard, 2nd Bn.,
162nd Inf.
Weary of slow pace of classes at Forest Grove
HS, earned GED and enlisted at 17. Skilled
with computers; hoped to pursue degree in
computer science. He voluntarily changed
units to be deployed to Iraq. “He had a smile
that would stop a truck.”
94
Elizabeth Hutchinson
1904–1988
Ben Mitchell
My maternal grandmother never learned to
drive or owned a home; worked night shift
cleaning funeral homes; kicked her drunkard/
railroad-laborer husband out of her home
and marriage; and raised three children alone.
Liked sitting in graveyards.
95
Marc A. Lee
1978–2006
Navy PO 2nd Class, SEAL
Graduate of Hood River Baptist Christian
School. Avid soccer player. Enlisted to “stand
up for what was right and to make a difference.” Died singlehandedly holding off enemy
as his team rescued wounded comrade.
Married; looking forward to starting family.
92
93
Nicholas Lightner
1978–2007
Army Sgt., 1st Sq., 8th Cavalry Rgt., 2nd
Bde. Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Div.
Member of Ranger Medic Unit. Graduate of
Toledo HS, where he played offensive line
on the football team. Known for his big heart,
compassionate nature, deep patriotism and
desire to help others. Enlisted after 9/11 attacks.
Loved the outdoors. Engaged to be married.
96
Molly Ivins
1944–2007
Steve Taylor
Progressive political columnist and humorist.
She wrote: “I don’t have any children so I’ve
decided to claim all the future freedom-fighters and hell-raisers as my kin. I figure freedom
and justice beat having your name in marble
any day. ”
97
Justin W. Linden
1982–2004
Army Spc., Nat’l Guard, 2nd Bn.,
162nd Inf.
Moved with friends from Wisconsin to Portland in 2000. Married just before shipping
out to Iraq; met wife while working at a KFC
in Portland. Known for sense of humor, love
of music, devotion to country. Wanted to be a
police officer, or possibly an actor.
98
Nettie Janzen
1907–1996
Frank Janzen
She instilled strong work ethic into all of us,
which, thankfully, we have we have managed
to pass on to our children. One of the incredible moments in my parenthood was when my
son, barely out of his teens, said to me ‘Thank
you for allowing me to make my own decisions and thank you for giving me a strong
work ethic.’ I told him that it came from his
grandmother.
99
Nathaniel Bradley Lindsey
1967–2006
Army S. Sgt, Nat’l Guard, 41st Bde.
Combat Team
Prior to guard service, served in Navy aboard
USS Enterprise. “Epitome” of citizen soldier.
First to volunteer for assignment or deployment; loyalty shaped life. Devoted husband
and father of four; coached daughter’s flag
team at Reynolds HS and son’s soccer team.
100
Joan of Arc
c. 1412–1431
Matt Ferranto
Warrior, mystic, leader of men, whip-smart,
wore armor, burned but never faltered.
101
105
109
113
117
102
106
110
114
118
103
107
111
115
119
104
108
112
116
120
101 Jeremy Loveless
105 Zachary W. McBride
109 Joshua McIntosh
113
1981–2006
Army Cpl., 2nd Bn., 1st Inf. Rgt., 172nd
Stryker Bde. Combat Team
1987–2008
Army Sgt., 3rd Sq., 2nd Stryker Cavalry
Rgt., 1st Armored Div.
Volunteer on Estacada Fire Department prior
to service ; enlisted to get specialized training to help in goal of becoming a paramedic.
Founded Fellowship of Christian Athletes
while at Gresham HS ; considered becoming
youth minister. Survived by wife, daughter.
Graduate of Moutain View HS, Bend. Intelligent, quiet. Serious about being a soldier.
Excelled at academics, especially science:
Army entrance exam scores were high; he was
encouraged to specialize, but wanted to be
on the ground, making a difference.
102 Eva Elizabeth O’Brien Johnson
106 Coretta Scott King
David Lambert
1927–2006
Tim Abbott
The woman behind the man that changed
America, and the way America looks at race,
creed and color. While he was alive, she sacrificed their personal lives for all of us. After
he died, she upheld his legacy and dreams.
103 Jeffery Lucas
107 Erik S. McCrae
Graduate of Corbett HS. Devoted husband,
father. Loved skiing and golf ; even got 4year-old son his own set of clubs. Aspired to
be SEAL from early age; awarded SEAL of the
Year (East Coast) in 2004.
104 Barbara Jordan
1936–1996
Charles Froelick
Born in one of Houston ’s poorest neighborhoods, graduated Magna Cum Laude from
Texas Southern University. She was elected
Texas’ first female African-American state
senator. In 1972, she was elected to Congress,
the first female African-American to serve a
southern state.
Attended from Grant HS, Portland; graduated
from Kingman HS, Kingman AZ. In charge
of aiding sick and injured Marines. Artistic,
good-humored. Hoped to study nuclear
medicine after mustering out of the Navy.
110
My mother-in-law was a humble person who
walked gently on this earth and left it a better
place. She was a dedicated teacher, beginning
her career in a one-room school in western
North Dakota. She was also a beautiful wife
and the mother of two daughters.
1972–2005
Navy PO 1st Class, SEAL Team Ten
1991–2003
Navy Hospitalman, 3rd Bn., 7th Marine
Rgt.
1989–2004
Army 1st. Lt., Nat’l Guard, 2nd Bn.,
162nd Inf. Rgt.
Graduated from Tigard HS. Co-valedictorian.
Postponed deployment for 3-day honeymoon with wife; new owner of a Harley 1200
Sportster, replacing the beat-up pickup he
drove in high school. Proud of Scots heritage;
distinguished by faith, love of others.
108 Maude Kerns
1879–1965
Michael Gold
American artist. After traveling through Asia
and Europe seeing the works of Kandinsky,
Mondrian, Klee and others, as well as a stint
with Hans Hofmann, returned to teach art at
the UO where she was named head of the Arts
Department and remained until retirement.
Ruth Kroger
William A. Kroger
Lived to be 96; her mind was sound but the
old body was not. She was my mentor and
inspiration for the successful life I’ve enjoyed.
I recommend such a woman for any son
during war or peace.
111
Eric Scott McKinley
1980–2004
Army Spc., Nat’l Guard, B Co., 2nd Bn.,
162nd Inf. Rgt.
Graduate of Philomath HS. Outdoorsman.
Worked as baker prior to activation; goal was
to open a juice bar. Quiet, caring. Sported
several tattoos and, in his HS portrait, a purple & blue mohawk. Engaged to be married.
112
Evelyn Sibley Lampman
1907–1980
Adam McIsaac
A writer in early radio, and (after the death of
my grandfather in 1942) a single mother who
raised and educated two daughters by writing
46 novels for young adults. She may have
been the first white-collar woman to wear trousers to work in Portland. She never remarried.
Graham McMahon
1985–2007
Army Cpl. (medic), 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Rgt.,
4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div.
Graduated from Corvallis HS ; attended OSU
before enlisting. Wanted the discipline of
the Army; hoped to pursue a career in sports
medicine. Strong-willed, youthful, energetic.
“Always looking out toward the world, wanting to be a part of it.” Survived by wife.
114
Ellen Lanier
1949–1998
Sam Beebe
Mother of two; environmentalist for ODFW,
Metro, and the Oregon Zoo; teacher. Diagnosed with stomach cancer, she took out her
savings, bought art, and travelled with her
kids. She used holistic health care practices to
live a year and a half after diagnosis.
115
William Benjamin Meeuwsen
1981–2005
Army Sgt., 2nd Bn., 502nd Inf. Rgt., 2nd
Bde. Combat Team, 101st Airborne Div.
Roots in Hillsboro and The Dalles. Dropped
out of Texas A&M to enlist following 9/11
attacks. Newlywed. Loved animals; remembered as “tall, caring man with a warm smile
and a compassionate heart.”
116
Anna Lauderbac
1928–2006
Derek Franklin
My grandmother’s aunt’s attitude of sticking
together and helping others out has influenced my life greatly and may be all I have for
ethnic culture. She is what I consider a great
American: living the American Dream by bettering herself, the community, and her family.
117
Mikeal Wayne Miller
1986–2008
Army Sgt., 3rd Sq., 61st Cavalry Rgt.,
2nd Bde. Combat Team, 2nd Inf. Div.
Graduate of South Albany HS. Determined,
physically imposing, but funny. Loved offroading in his Ford F150 and pulling pranks
on friends. Newlywed; planned to leave Army
after current tour (his second) to start a family.
118
Ida Lavenberg
1916–2002
Irwin Lavenberg
At five, joined over one million Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe and Russia living
in Brooklyn. Honor student in high school;
never had the opportunity to attend college.
Worked as a salesgirl at Macy’s, leaving to start
a family. She raised us with kindness and love.
119
David Mitts
1980–2004
Army Sgt., 3rd Bn., 21st Inf. Rgt., 1st
Bde., 25th Inf. Div.
Earned seat on Warrenton HS homecoming
court, where he fell in love with the girl he
would marry. Passionate about hunting and
fishing; could fit a duck hunt into a lunch
hour. Liked peanut butter, cheese and pickle
sandwiches. Survived by wife, baby daughter.
120 Isabelle Lee
1917–2007
Paul Mort
Not blood-related or even closely related, but
every bit the big-hearted matriarch who welcomed our family during family gatherings.
Aunt Isabelle always appreciated good humor
and laughter. She encouraged my creativity,
and helped me begin my path in the arts.
121
125
129
133
137
122
126
130
134
138
123
127
131
135
139
124
128
132
136
140
121 James Lee Moore
125 Nathan Nakis
129 Marcques J. Nettles
133 Long N. Nguyen
137 Christopher T. Pate
1980–2005
Marine Cpl., 1st Bn., 3rd Marine Rgt.,
3rd Marine Div., III Marine Exp. Force
1984–2003
Army Spec., Nat’l Guard; Co. B, 52nd
Engineer Bn. (Heavy)
Graduate of Roseburg HS; described by principal as being a “regular” in her office, but
also remembered him for being hard-working,
independent, and who believed in doing the
right thing. Hoped to turn his love of the outdoors into a profession as a guide in Montana.
As a boy, loved Tonka trucks; as a young man
built orphanages, runways, roads, and reservoirs. Enrolled at OSU to become a civil
engineer; activated one month into his term.
Young Iraqis admired his soccer and slingshot
skills and regularly called on him to play.
122 Ellen Lucille Leigh
126 June Carol Finley Lipe
1912–1980
Timothy Leigh
For her, the world could always be made better
(which meant that it should be arranged in
the way that she decided worked best). She was
able to reshape each of her homes, and even
played a role in reshaping the small town she
lived in ; she somehow never accepted that
other people might like old cars in their yards.
123 Travis A. Moothart
127 Robb Needham
Graduate of Central Linn HS, Brownsville,
OR. So well-known for his smile that mourners were called to smile more to make up for
his absence. Proud father, regularly gushed
over his young son, Owen.
124 Edith Jonas Levy
1905–1991
Benjamin Pinkowitz
My surrogate grandmother. Supported classical music performance and education
for young people. Taught me Latin, respect
for the details and subtleties implicit in
study, and that the boundaries of love and family are not defined by blood.
Graduate of West View HS. Overcame spinal
meningitis; faithful, hardworking, battled a
learning disability and flourished as an
athlete. Enlisted in the Navy to prepare for a
career in nursing. Described by his mother as
“kind and gentle, yet incredibly strong.”
130 Mary Lorang
1935–2005
David Finley Lipe
People called her Nellie.Raised on a tideland
farm near Astoria, OR. I was the only one of her
children to go to war. When I went to the
airfield to ship out to SE Asia, Mom was afraid;
couldn’t even come to the gate to see me off;
sent my father to do that. I think she was praying so hard, she was speechless.
1981–2004
Army Sgt., Co. B, 1st Engineer Bn., 1st
Bde. Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div. (Mech)
1983–2006
Navy PO 3rd Class; 1st Transportation
Support Bn., 1st Marine Logistics Group,
I Marine Exp. Force
1955–2006
Army M. Sgt., Nat’l Guard 1st Bn., 356th
Rgt. (Logistical), 4th Bde., 91st Div.
“The people became the mission” for Vancouver grandfather. Befriended Iraqi family on
second tour; wouldn’t allow commanders to
requisition the man’s house for use as officer’s
quarters. Over 30-year military career, held
many jobs: loved being a soldier.
128 Eleanor “Lallie” Biddle Barnes Lloyd
1906–1985
Patterson Sims
My great aunt and a brilliant collector of contemporary art who inspired the reality of my
loving art and dedication to art and culture in
my professional life.
1860–1938
Brad Lorang
1979–2007
Army Sgt., Nat’l Guard 141st Bde.
Support Bn.
1977–2006
Marine Cpt.; 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Co., Cmd. El., II Marine Exp. Force
Born in Vietnam; moved to Portland at 3. Graduated Madison HS; enlisted in Army in 1998
and joined the Nat’l Guard in 2001 with goal
to become an officer. In 2005, received NonCommissioned Officer of the Year award. Had
close relationship with parents and siblings.
Graduate of the Oregon Episcopal School and
UPS ; student of Eastern religion, mountain
climber, tri-athlete, polyglot, Renaissance man.
From childhood on, intent to try everything
from making his own crossbow to creating a
perfect pie crust.
134 Myrna Loy
138 Agnes Martin
1905–1993
Storm Tharp
1912–2004
Lloyd Hedges
The most adventurous, industrious, and hardworking of souls. She and my great-grandfather had life rich in adventure and travel, a
strong marriage and a wonderful family. It’s
women like her that helped build this nation.
In contrast to almost every other notion of
women projected by Hollywood in the 1930s,
hers seems the most modern and strong. She
didn’t appear to have ulterior motives in her
craft, which translates into something fresh
in the performance. Abstract expressionist who worked with delicately modulated grids based on Taoist reflections. “Artwork is a representation of our
devotion to life. The enormous pitfall is devotion to oneself instead of to life. All works that
are self-devoted are absolutely ineffective.”
131 Randy Lee Newman
135 John B. Ogburn, III
139 Robert Paul
1985–2006
Graduate of Mountain View HS, Bend, OR.
Excelled at wrestling; loved fishing, hunting,
camping; owned “souped-up, full-sized
Dodge truck, painted in Mountain View red,
white, and black.” Devout Christian and part
of a close family. Called himself “mama’s boy.”
132 Ada Lovelace
1815–1852
Mark Conahan
Very romantic figure in the early history of
computers; published what is considered to
be the first computer program.
1960–2005
Army Sgt., Nat’l Guard 3rd Bn., 116th
Armored Cavalry Rgt.
1963–2006
Army S. Sgt., 364th Civil Affairs Bde.
Worked at the Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario, OR. He attended Treasure
Valley Community College and UO; did geology work in a silver mine and also assisted in
family retail business.
Outdoorsman; called Oregon “God’s Country.”
Served in Peace Corps. Hoped to transfer the
community-building skills learned in Kenya
to his work in Afghanistan and Iraq. Overseas,
made a point of shopping at local stores and
eating at local restaurants.
136 Clara Macca
140 Linda Lampman McIsaac
1913–2003
Joe Macca
Gifted student, kept from advancing past 5th
grade by provincial Italian culture ; became
expert seamstress, emigrated to U.S.; owned
and operated tailor shop in downtown Portland until her retirement. Wore the pants ;
liked surf fishing, dancing, winning at scopa
(a card game).
1936–2001
John McIsaac
A proud native Oregonian. Came from a long
line of newspapermen and was a reporter for
the Oregonian herself before she had children.
Later, she wrote guidebooks. A bon vivant and
gifted cook who publicized and promoted
Oregon food producers, winning the respect
and friendship of many Portland chefs.
141
145
149
153
157
142
146
150
154
158
143
147
151
155
159
144
148
152
156
160
141 Ronald Paulsen
145 Dale Peterson
149 Fred E. Pokorney
153 Michelle R. Ring
157 Ricky William Rockholt, Jr.
1953–2006
Army S.Sgt., 414th Civil Affairs Bn.
Lived in Vancouver, WA. Worked for 14 years
at Gunderson, making rail cars. Called back
to active duty at age 51; joked he would be the
only member of his unit on blood pressure
medication. Loved to laugh. Survived by wife,
stepson, granddaughter.
142 Kate Meshuskas
1893–1976
James Thompson
My grandmother came to the U.S. after 1900
from Lithuania and married; had one child.
She loved her garden and the small items of
furniture her husband made for her. Spoke
little English but understood more than she
let on.
143 David S. Perry
1967–2003
Army S. Sgt.; 649th M.P. Co.
Found his calling in the military; loved being
an M.P.. Enlisted after high school ; joined
Nat’l Guard. As guard at Wasco State prison in
CA, respected by colleagues and inmates alike:
fair but firm with the inmates, and supportive
with staff. Survived by wife, three children.
144 Freda Micek
1914–2004
Logan Hillerns
At first I didn’t know who to do because I didn’t
know any girls who were dead, so my Mom
suggested my great-grandmother Freda.
1987–2007
Marine Lance Cpl.; 2nd Combat Eng. Bn.,
2nd Marine Div., II Marine Exp Force
1972–2003
Marine 1st Lt. ; HQ Battery, 1st Bn.,
10th Marine Rgt., 2nd Marine Exp. Bde.
Loved hunting, fishing, and hiking Oregon
wilderness with his father; not fond of school,
but had a good work ethic. Enjoyed football,
baseball, and wrestling; had a tender heart
and mischievous streak. Remembered for his
humor, skill, and loyalty.
Lettered in football and basketball at Tonopah
High School in Tonopah, NV. Respected for
work ethic, self-reliance. Joined ROTC at OSU.
Graduated with Anthropology degree. Loved
his family, USMC, and the Oakland Raiders.
Survived by his wife and daughter.
146 Gainer Minott
150 Alice Neel
†2007
Bill Ittmann
A friend and role model for over 25 years. Freethinker, bluestocking, quiet activist honored
family and community with wit, wisdom,
intelligence. Served as WAVE in WWII ; wore
uniform in peace demonstrations. Her family
gave Ecola State Park to Oregon.
147 Adam Jay Plumadore
1982–2005
Army Sgt.; 1st Bn., 24th Inf. Rgt.,
1st Stryker Bde., 25th Inf. Div.
Loved John Wayne movies and country music.
Wore Wranglers, cowboy hat, boots and a
t-shirt. Varsity athlete in football, track, baseball; expert marksman, avid hunter, fisherman. After service, planned to go to college
and become a police officer.
148 Helen Nearing
1904–1996
Harrell Fletcher
Early Back to the Land advocates, she and her
husband built their own house, grew their
own food, and wrote a series of great books
about their experiences, the most famous of
which is called The Good Life. They were big
influences on me.
1900–1984
Daniel Duford
1981–2007
Army Cpl., 92nd M.P. Bn.
1977–2005
Army Spc., 2nd Sq., 3rd AC Rgt.
Single mother of two sons; born and raised in
Portland, moved to Alaska. Tomboy, loved
outdoors, 4-wheeling, hunting and camping.
Goal was to become career M.P. Re-enlisted
two weeks prior to death. Not afraid to get her
hands dirty and get the work done.
From Roseburg by way of Coos Bay and Diamond Lake. Earned a GED from Umpqua CC;
worked for a while at local mills. Loved snowmobiling and fishing. Newlywed. Enlisted to
earn money to go back to school. A quiet and
reliable friend who easily fit into his new unit.
154 Luverne Nelson
158 Barbara Payton
1916–1994
Jim Harlan
1927 – 1967
Nick Zagone
An artist who worked on portraiture when
large abstraction was the norm. Neither a
conservative portrait painter nor a fashionseeker, she kept doing the work she believed
was important. History caught up with her.
She had model-like looks, she was stylish and
she was self-educated. An earthy Norwegian
farm girl who made cowboy coffee, doughnuts
and baked bread every Sunday. Calm, stoic,
raised chickens, sewed clothes and made the
world’s best banana cream pie.
1940s Hollywood abused starstruck women
more than any other time. Ms. Payton turned
the tables on a male-run industry, but fell
hard. She personifies the other side of Hollywood. Strong early feminist or alcoholic starlet – either way, we shouldn’t forget.
151 William Ramirez
155 Bob W. Roberts
159 Dominic Rodriguez
1985–2004
Army PFC; Troop E, 2nd Sq., 2nd AC Rgt.
From Portland; quiet exterior, but was also a
practical joker and had a wild side. Liked
skateboarding, video games and action films.
Dropped out of high school, but got his GED
prior to service. He thought he might become
an engineer. Friends called him “Crash.”
152 Anna C. Nelson
1895–2001
Matt Franklin
She was cool. She drank a Manhattan every
evening, and, occasionally, a Coors out of the
can with a straw. When she emigrated from
Sweden in 1912, her father tried to arrange passage on the Titanic, but tickets were sold out.
She witnessed an amazing amount of history,
she made fantastic Swedish meatballs and
everyone loved her. She was the life of the party.
1974–2004
Marine Lance Cpl; 1st Combat Eng. Bn.,
1st Marine Div., I Marine Exp. Force
2nd youngest of five children; graduate of
Madison High School, Portland. After high
school, worked as a plumber in Newport.
Joined the Marines after the 9/11 attacks ; had
two years more to serve, but was already
considering re-enlisting.
156 Mary E. Norris
1902–1988
T.J. Norris
Born on Newfoundland potato farm; worked
for the MA Bay Transportation Authority for
45 years. Changed window treatments once a
season. Loved playing cards, Hawaiian music,
Avon products, Lawrence Welk, soap operas,
cooking for big parties. Mom to three, grandmom to two, lived to see the generation after.
1983–2007
Army Spc., 4th Sq., 9th Cavalry Rgt.,
2nd Bde. Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Div.
Graduate of Klamath Union HS; captain of
the football team. Played ball at the College of
the Siskiyous. Felt the Army was where he
belonged and he wanted to serve his country.
Married and had two step-children. His stepson Austin said that his father put family first.
“He was a loving man who did all that he could
to help a person in need.”
161 Irene Pijoan
1953–2004
Hanno Ahrens
Because we weren’t always friends. Because
she wanted me there when she died (of cancer).
Because I’m very close to her husband Craig
and daughter Emiko.
161
165
169
173
177
162
166
170
174
178
163
167
171
175
179
164
168
172
176
180
161 Phillip G. Rogers
165 David Roustum
169 Juan M. Garcia-Schill
173 Jacob M. Simpson
177 John “Scott” Stephens
1991–2004
Army Spc., 3rd Bn., 2nd Inf. Div.
According to his family, “Rogers lived to draw,
not fight.” He enlisted in the hope of getting
a college education. He re-enlisted to pay off
his car. He thought he might like to become
an artist or a cook.
162 Frieda Borgs
1918-1970
Heinz Popiela
My grandmother, the only woman in my life
who unconditionally loved me, certainly
more than my mother ever did. I remember
the trauma when my mother came to take me
away from this dear woman when I was about
eight; I cried for many days. My grandmother
was equally distraught, but to no avail.
163 Edwin W. Roodhouse
1968–2004
Army Spc., 1st Bn., 506th Inf. Rgt., 2nd
Inf. Div.
Spent ten years as a computer systems engineer in Silicon Valley. Enlisted out of a desire
for change and also in response to the 9/11
attacks. He was proud and even energized by
his new career. He liked to write stories and
enjoyed literature.
164 Beatrix Potter
1866–1943
Peter Nichols
Thoughtful, generous, forward- thinking ;
pursued her dreams in a time when women
were discouraged to do so. She gave to the
world with her stories and artwork, as well as
gifts of land to the National Trust and the
conservation of flora and fauna.
1992–2004
Army Sgt.; Nat’l Guard 1st Bn., 108th
Inf. Rgt.
1987–2007
Marine Lance Cpl., 2nd Bn., 7th Rgt.,
1st Marine Div., I Marine Exp. Force
1980–2005
Army Sgt.; 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored
Cavalry Rgt.
1964–2007
Army SFC; 1st Bn., 16th Inf. Rgt., 1st
Bde., 1st Inf. Div.
Assigned to Oregon Nat’l Guard battalion in
Iraq. Graduate of Orchard Park HS, Orchard
Park, NY, where he was varsity quarterback
and captained a club hockey team. Months
away from completing accounting degree at
University of Buffalo when killed.
At Grant Pass HS, civic-minded student who
stood out for his engaging personality. Volunteered in after-school program to help kids
learn Spanish and how to play soccer. Proud
of Mexican heritage and proud to be an
American; wanted to teach elementary school.
Moved to Ashland in high school. Played baseball, football, and swam. Quick student,
voracious reader and avid chess player. Loved
his grandmother’s cooking. Loving, protective, mischievous, had a dry sense of humor
and a great smile (but never for the camera).
Father, teacher, tutor, friend. Trained medic.
Was training Iraqi soldier-medics at his time
of death. Graduate of LaGrande HS. Known
for his academic prowess. Planned to retire
after this tour and pursue a career in teaching,
coaching or perhaps even work for the CIA.
166 Angelina Esparza Quintana
170 Peggy Pohoxicut Reid
174 Clara Rockmore
178 Sophie Scholl
1920–1995
Cecil Quintana
Born in Douglas, AZ. In the coal-mining town
of Gamerco, NM, she raised six boys and five
girls; I am the oldest. My mom instilled in each
of us a proud work ethic and drive to create a
better life. When the last of us left home, she
became a nurse’s aide to continue working
with families and, most importantly, children.
167 Jason Schaffer
1979–2007
Army Spc., 1st Bn., 12th Cavalry Rgt.,
3rd Bde., 1st Cavalry Div.
Aspired to become a police officer; graduated
from a Municipal Police Officers Education
Program in 2000 and was working toward
degree in Criminal Justice. Parents believed
military put his life on the right track. Newlywed; was weeks away from visiting his wife
and step-son in Hood River, OR when killed.
168 Jeanette Rankin
1881 – 1973
Stephen Gluekert
Jeanette Rankin was the first woman elected
to Congress, a suffragist, peace activist
and reformer. Elected from my hometown,
she represented us courageously.
1912–1999
John Hitchcock
1911–1998
Brian Yazzie
1921–1943
Kyle Von Hoetzennorff
My kaku (grandmother). Mother of six. Tribal
singer, artist. She would ask me, as a child,
to design flower patterns for her beadwork
designs. This is how I learned how to draw.
Lithuanian-American musician and accepted
as the greatest interpreter of the Theremin,
an electronic instrument. Classically-trained
maker of eerie, elegant and cool music.
As a part of the nonviolent resistance group
The White Rose, Sophie was executed for
treason by the Nazis. She helped to fight Nazi
idealism before being killed for her ideals.
171 Eliot Wesley Doerge Scott
175 Steven A. Stacy
179 Robert “Tony” Stever
1983–2007
Army Sgt., 25th Inf. Div.,
Inf. Fire Team Leader
1984–2007
Marine Lance Cpl., 3rd Bn., 1st Marine
Rgt., 1st Marine Div., I Marine Exp. Force
1967–2003
Army S. Sgt.; HQ Co., 3rd Bn., 15th Inf.
Rgt., 3rd Inf. Div.
Graduate of Grant HS. Joined Explorer Post
631 Search and Rescue Unit in response to 9/11
attacks; enlisted the following spring. At 24,
he was accepted to the University of Boston.
Suffered seizure while out with friends in
Portland and died shortly thereafter.
Found focus in the Marines. A resident of Coos
Bay by way of Yuma, AZ and Sweet Home, OR.
He was known for his sense of adventure.
Loved fishing and hunting. A deep interest in
scuba diving earned him the nickname “Scuba
Steve” and fueled his desire to see the world.
Like his father, he was a volunteer firefighter
with the Pendleton Fire Department. Served
13 years. Always had a smile, always willing to
help the other person. He and his wife
celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary
with a phone call near the time of his passing.
172 Lydia Spencer Moncure Robinson
176 Mildred Estelle Russon
180 Barbara Kay Schuck
1890–1985
Spencer Beebe
“Cousin Mona” was my grandfather’s cousin.
She never married and lived surrounded by
Irish maids, English gardeners, a Jamaican
chauffeur and overstuffed relatives. She
always spoke her mind and spoiled her Western cousins: she took us to the Pink Beach
Club for dinner and sent us praying mantis
eggs from her garden for Christmas.
1902–1945
Arthur DeBow
I wish I could have known my grandmother,
but I feel as if I do because of my mom. My
Mom is one of the strongest, kindest, greatest
people I know, even after illness, sorrow and
loss she thinks of everyone else first. I know
these are things her mother instilled into her.
1962–2002
Tom Schuck
Young, vibrant woman who never stopped.
Accepted life and all that it brought as “this is
my life, all of it.” Even fighting breast cancer,
she found strength to live every day to its fullest. Never complaining, rarely tearful, always
confident that tomorrow will be a better day.
181
185
189
193
197
182
186
190
194
198
183
187
191
195
199
184
188
192
196
200
181 Greg Stone
185 Steven W. Thornton
189 Tyler J. Toryer
193 Gary F. VanLeuven
197 Ryan D. Walker
1962–2003
Maj., Oregon Air Nat’l Guard, 101
Airborne Div., 1st Bde.
Graduate of Benson HS in Portland. Worked
at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor. Enlisted in the
Air Force in 1983; graduated from the ROTC
program at OSU and commissioned in 1988.
In 2000, he joined the Air Nat’l Guard. The
father of two sons and engaged to be married.
182 Adria Shaw
1976–1997
Joe Conrad
A classmate of mine in middle school and then
college. She died of a heroin/coke (speedball)
fuck-up when we were 21. Coke brought her
up, and heroin stopped her heart on a lounge
chair in the summer of 1997 in Nashua, NH.
183 Adrian Stump
1983–2005
Army WO, Nat’l Guard, 113th Aviation
Rgt.
1959–2005
Army Maj., Army CommunicationsElectronic Command.
A native of Eugene. Served as a chaplain for
over 20 years. Held a bachelor’s and master’s
degree in theology. A devoted husband,
father of three, and grandfather of five. He
was proud of his kids.
186 Anna Colis Silber
1887–1967
Michael Zirinsky
My maternal grandmother emigrated from
Warsaw as an illiterate, 18 year-old corsetmaker. She married in New York, bore seven
children – two of whom died during the
1918-19 influenza pandemic – and made sure
that the family always had a roof over its head,
clothes on their backs, and food on the table.
187 Brandon Scott Tobler
1983–2003
Army Spc., 671st Engineer Bde.
Mature, responsible, adventurous. Joined the
Guard at 17; on graduating from Pendleton
HS, fulfilled his life’s passion of becoming a
pilot. Enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing,
skiing and riding anything on wheels. Practical jokester, comedian, kind, compassionate.
Graduate of Franklin High School; aspired to
become a Portland Police Officer. Enlisted to
help with tuition for college but motivated to
help in Iraq.Enjoyed bicycling, hiking, and
drinking beer. He liked computers; he loved
to draw, and considered becoming an artist.
184 Sharon Silard
188 Nina Simone
1936–1978
Steve Micek
My wife’s mother. She died of lung cancer at
the young age of 42. Her legacy lives on in
the lives and spirit of her three daughters, six
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
I am thankful for her life, the lives she brought
into this world and all that she did to make
this world a better place.
1933–2003
Steveland Swatkins
The High Priestess of Soul had bipolar disorder,
which was kept a secret her whole life. Her
music, though, reflected both the ecstasy and
the bitter melancholy associated with the
disease. Such a voice! Such a talent!
1984–2005
Marine Lance Cpl., 2nd Bn., 2nd Marine
Rgt., 2nd Marine Div., II Exp. Force
Known for his blazing fastball, sense of humor,
and devotion to family. Considered the glue
that connected a family split by divorce. A star
pitcher, helped take West Albany HS to state
playoffs for the first time in 41 years. Happy,
energetic, never wanted to sit around. Loved
playing soccer with Iraqi children.
190 Susan Sontag
1933–2004
Bill Anthes
An example of a writer and a critic whose work
is motivated by a deep ethical commitment.
191 Thomas Lowell Tucker
1981–2006
Army Pfc; 1st Bn., 502nd Inf. Rgt., 2nd
Bde., 101 Airborne Div.
1984–2004
Marine Lance Cpl., 3rd Bn., 1st Marine
Rgt., 1st Marine Div., I Marine Exp. Force
Star athlete at Mazama HS, Klamath Falls, OR.
Lettered in football as a freshman; baseball,
wrestling, and track. Wanted to teach. “He was
always looking for the next challenge,” his
mother said, “I think that is why he joined
the Marines.”
Philisophical, reassuring, considerate of
others. Graduated from Pendleton HS. Came
from a long line servicemen. Held Associate’s
degree in firefighting from Chemeketa CC.
Lover of animals, including his pet chicken,
“Sad Sack.”
194 Viola Ruth Gustafson Tillstrom
198 Takiko Tsuchiya
1913–1993
Keith Tillstrom
Besides being rather strict and authoritarian,
reflecting the family’s religion, my mother
played Gershwin (hiding sheets of music
from parishoners), introducing me to secular
music; and made certain I had a library card.
195 Michael L. Vaughan
1986–2007
Army Sgt.; 5th Sq., 73 Cavalry Rgt., 3rd
Bde. Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Div.
Born in Prineville; grew up in the Madras area.
Outgoing, kind, understanding, thoughtful.
Natural musician: played trombone, guitar,
piano, sang. Enjoyed dirt biking, 4-wheeling.
Graduate of Madras HS; worked as a framer.
Enlisted in the Army to do something positive.
Held hostage and brutally murdered in Iraq.
Came from a family of veterans. Attended Taft
HS in Lincoln City, OR; excelled in wrestling,
went to State three times. Liked writing,
hiking, camping, and 4-wheeling. Faithful,
confident. His family was important to him.
192 Harriet Sossner
196 Toots (Mary Lueddemann Schedler)
1904–1987
Cole Haver
My grandmother was the glue that kept the
family together. Ran a business on Main St. of
Stockbridge, MA.When family and/or friends
came to visit, she’d set the table with China,
silver and crystal from the store and wouldn’t
flinch if twelve people showed up. From her,
I learned to be ready for adventure and to live
each day for the fun it could bring.
1975–2006
Army Spc., 1st Bn. 76th Field Artillery
Rgt., 4th Bde. Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div.
1913 – 2003
T. S. Whalen
She got the nickname “Toots” from when my
dad was in the army, calling home and he was
embarrassed for his buddies in line behind
him to know he was calling his mom – when
she answered the phone, he greeted her with
“What’s up, Toots?” and it stuck.
1906–1977
Robert Dozono
In a time in Japan when society and males
decided everyone’s path, she made her own
choices. She eloped to be married against
others’ wishes. My wife was born when Takiko
was 42, the same year her eldest daughter
married and left for the United States at 19.
199 Donald R. Walters
1970–2003
Army Sgt., 507th Maintenance Co.
Graduated from North Salem HS. Aspiring
writer of children’s books; worked as a corrections officer, re-entered the Army to give his
family a better quality of life. Cook; posthumously awarded Silver Star for fighting off
an ambush. Loved life, people, his children.
200 Jean Vollum
1926–2007
Terry Toedtemeier
I valued her because of the fundamental way
she appreciated nature; making images was
something she did for no other reason than
the joy and beauty of looking. She measured
the worth of things on their own merit and
came to the world and to life with openness
and appreciation.
201
205
209
213
217
202
206
210
214
218
203
207
211
215
204
208
212
216
201 Brett Andre Walton
205 David J. Weisenburg
209 Kevin S.K. Wessel
213 Vernon R. Widner
1970–2007
Army PFC, 2nd Bn., 17th Field Artillery
Rgt., 2nd Bde. Combat Team, 2nd Inf. Div.
Humanitarian who cared deeply for the wellbeing of children, especially those in Iraq.
Raised in Portland; graduate of Grant HS.
Married with a 5-year old daughter. Enjoyed
playing video games and reading.
202 Margaret Weber
1920–1954
Noel Weber
1978–2004
Army S. Sgt., B Co., 39th Inf. Bde., 2nd
Bn., 162nd Inf., OR Army Nat’l Guard
Served as a chaplain’s assistant in Kuwait and
Korea. Before being called to Iraq, took classes
at PSU and worked as an assistant operations
manager at Star Park. A gentle spirit with a
likable demeanor, and a distinctive and contagious laugh.
206 Mary Lou Williams
1910–1981
Dan May
I was only 5 when you left me. I wish we could
have had more time together. You would love
your grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Family is the dearest gift in life. Your memory
is in my heart forever and your love, kindness
and playfulness in the short time that we had
together has guided me in my life.
Stride pianist and composer who wrote and
arranged for Ellington, Goodman ; mentor
to Parker, Monk, Gillespie, others. Performer
of astonishing power and versatility:
arguably the most influential woman in the
history of jazz.
203 Mark C. Warren
207 Christopher J. Rivera Wesley
1960–2005
Army Sgt. 1st Class.; 3rd Bn., 116th Arm.
Cavalry, Rgt., 116 Bde. Combat Team
Graduate of LaGrande HS. Enlisted and served
four years in active duty; worked as a conductor with the Union Pacific RR. Marksman,
hunter, woodworker, Associate Professor of
Military Science at Eastern Oregon University.
Took pride in training younger soldiers.
204 Malee A. Wilkins-Galpin
1961–2006
Kent Baer
Though I was given up for adoption as a newborn, it was fourteen years later upon our
reunion that I learned of her loving role as
mother. Malee was a mother and best friend
to all four of her children; she was a counselor
figure to many neighborhood children.
1977–2003
Army Spc., 1st Bn., 23rd Inf. Rgt., 3rd
Bde. Combat Team, 2nd Inf. Div.
1985–2005
Army PFC, 3rd Bn., 7th Inf. Rgt., 3rd Inf.
Div.
Grew up in Oahu, HI; moved to Oregon to
become a member of the USCG Auxiliary;
dreamed of becoming a surfman. Joined the
Army in 2004. He was known by his peers for
being intelligent, dedicated, and passionate
about service. In uniform, had a professional
spit-and-polish demeanor.
210 Zona Morsan
1905–2003
David Bertman
1971–2005
Army Spc. 3rd Special Troops Bn., 3rd
Bde. Combat Team, 101st Airborne Div.
Worked as cook at diner in Reedsport before
enlisting to follow in career Army father’s path.
Loved fishing, quick with a joke. Devoted
father of two sons. Survived by sons and wife.
214 Kory D. Wiens
1987–2007
Army Cpl., 94th Mine Dog Detachment,
5th Engineer Bn., 1st Engineer Bde.
My great aunt and a stand-in mom for my
father. The last elder to pass from my family;
even in her 90s she was the hippest, kindest
woman I know.
Canine handler, as was his grandfather and
namesake, during the Korean War; interred
with his canine partner, Cooper. Graduate of
West Albany HS; lived in Dallas, OR. Hardworking, personable. Always eating, owing
to a high metabolism.
211 Chase Whitham
215 Christopher R. Willoughby
1983–2004
Army Spc., 2nd Bn., 3rd Inf. Rgt., 3rd
Bde., 2nd Inf. Div.
1974–2003
Army Sgt. 1st Class, Nat’l Guard, HQ,
HQ Co., 221st Military Intelligence Bn.
Graduate of Beaverton HS; enlisted to see the
world. Close to his grandmother; after completing active duty, he moved to Guam to live
with her when she became ill. He re-enlisted
and she died while he was stationed in Iraq.
Graduate of Marist HS. Known as athlete and
friend, with great wit and a mischievous personality. Played varsity basketball and golf.
Always up for a dare: his friend Mark Ray said
in 5th grade, his friends dared him to eat a
worm. “He put it in his sandwich and did it!”
Served as Ranger for almost a decade. Left the
Army for the Georgia Nat’l Guard in 2000, as
he enrolled at Auburn University where he
earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and
was just beginning to pursue his new career
when called up. Humble, quiet, professional.
208 Tarika Wilson
212 Gide Prestbo
216 Nathanial D. Windsor
1982–2008
Eric Hillerns
SWAT raided her home, killing her and injuring her infant son. Lima, OH police, targeting
her drug-dealing boyfriend, knew that she
and her five other young children, were in the
house. She was not considered a threat and
was to begin college the following Monday. Jim Riswold
My grandmother’s older sister, with whom my
grandfather kept an extensive correspondence while serving in France during WWI in
an effort to get in her good graces, so that he
could marry the woman he loved when he got
home. It worked. Gide was their bridesmaid.
1987–2007
Marine Lance Cpl., 2nd Bn., 7th Marine
Rgt., 1st Marine Div., I Marine Exp. Force
Graduate of Newport HS, where he wrestled
and was involved in the video production program. He aspired to a career in the film industry. Determined, hard-working, protective of
others. Enjoyed snowboarding and all-terrain
motorcycling, video games, especially Halo.
217 Joshua A.R. Young
1987–2008
Army PFC, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Rgt., 3rd Bde.
Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.
Graduate of Churchill Alternative HS. Loved
art, animals, computers, and paintball.
Always wanted to join the military; enlisted
out of sense of duty, care for others. Found
faith during service.
218 Michael S. Zyla
1973–2005
Army S. Sgt., 2nd Bn., 70th Armored
Rgt., 3rd Bde. Combat Team
A Marine veteran who served with the Oregon
Nat’l Guard before joining the regular Army.
Loved the military, his family, hunting, fishing
and camping. Worked at Boise-Cascade
and Fleetwood Manufacturing prior to service.
Survived by his wife and two children.
Acknowledgements
Selected curriculum vitæ
I don’t seem to be able to do small projects. Consequently, I have
come to depend on the hard work and good will of others to
help me make them. The upside to this is that I am always meeting amazing new friends. I am particularly grateful to:
The Portland Art Museum, especially those with whom I
worked directly, including: Jennifer Gately, Shelley Chamberlain,
Rachel Faust, Matthew Juniper, Ingrid Berger, Amanda Kohn,
Ann Eichelberg, and Alison Miller;
PDX Contemporary Art: Jane Beebe, Caitlin Moore, Jill Guild,
Adam Sorensen;
My studio assistants: Cassandra Adams-Harford, Emily
Henderson, Anna Weber, Emily Ryan Stark, Theresa Minor, Lucy
Rockwell, Delores Till, and Kathleen Conahan;
My patient and supportive family: Adam McIsaac, Maxine
McIsaac, Hal the Manx; and my folks, Romayne and Dave Watt;
Pinch. A Design Office, for their patience, care, and whip hand
in developing this publication;
Tom Nutt of Third Mile Studio, for his superb photography,
and for dropping everything to come down and document my
work fifteen minutes after I called him;
David Bertman Designs, for building the frame upon which
everything hangs;
Inara Verzemnieks, cultural beat reporter and expert storyteller for The Oregonian;
The Anonymous Was a Woman Foundation, Joan Mitchell
Foundation, and the Regional Arts and Culture Council;
My faithful sewing circle volunteers: Shelly Ambuehl, Bryon
Adams-Harford, Katy Asher, Jane Beebe, Amber Bell, Carol
Benson, Shir Ly Camin, Shelley Chamberlain, Bruce Conkle,
Jonnel Covault, Michelle Daly, Eliza Davenport, Karen Embler,
Jill Guild, Stephen Hayes, Midori Hirose, Cathy Hood, Linda
Hutchins, Hyde, Junko Iijima, Lila Isbell, Missy Ladygo, Dot
Lukins, Kristen Miller, Greg Misarti, “Missplace”, Caitlin
Moore, Susan Murrell, Cynthia Nawalski, Cassie Neth, Shelby
Nick, Kazu Ohashi, Mel Paca, Trude Parkinson, Sue Doyle, Rita
Robillard, Lucy Rockwell, Kjerstin Rossi, Blair Saxon-Hill,
Crystal Schenk, Naomi Shigeta, Katherine Simmons, Cyrus
Smith, Adam Sorensen, Ben Stagl, Elizabeth Stanek, Katherine
Stark, Deborah Stewart, Wendy Swartz, Jenevive Tatiana
Nykolak, Barb Tetenbaum, Shu-ju Wang, Nell Warren, Heather
Watkins, Dave Watt, Lisa Watt (Seneca, but no relation), and
Romayne Watt;
Those from the Portland Art Museum and community at
large who made “blossoms” for Forget-me-not: Blossom;
To everyone who has participated in the project who I’ve
failed to mention here. It’s late, and I’ve got to get this thing to
press. Holler at me, and I’ll make it up to you.
—MKW
Marie Watt is a multidisciplinary artist who lives and works in
Portland, Oregon. Born in 1967 to the son of Wyoming ranchers
and a daughter of the Turtle Clan of the Seneca Nation ( Iroquois /
Haudenosaunee) Watt identifies herself as “half Cowboy and half
Indian.” Formally, her work draws from indigenous design
principles, oral tradition, personal experience, and Western art
history. Her approach is shaped by the proto-feminism of Iroquois matrilineal custom, political work by Native artists in the
1960s, a discourse on multiculturalism, as well as Abstract
Expressionism and Pop Art. Like Jasper Johns, she interested in
“things that the mind already knows.” Unlike the Pop artists,
she uses a vocabulary of natural materials (stone, wool, cedar,
cornhusks,) and forms (blankets, pillows, bridges) that are
universal to human experience (though not uniquely American)
and noncommercial in character.
Education
MFA, painting and printmaking, 1996, Yale University ; AFA, museum Studies, 1992,
Institute of American Indian Arts ; BS, speech communications and art , Willamette
University, 1990.
Selected solo exhibitions
2008
Heirloom Missoula Museum of Art, Missoula, MT; curated by Stephen Glueckert
Blanket Stories: Long Haul Center for the Arts, Jackson Hole Art Association, Jackson, WY
2007
Blanket Stories: Compass Wright Museum of Art, Beloit College, Beloit, WI
Custodian (Installation) Think Tank Education Space, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, WA
Tread Lightly PDX Contemporary Art, Portland, OR
2006
Blanket Stories: Almanac Nicolaysen Museum of Art, Casper, WY; curated by Ben Mitchell ;
Boise Art Museum, Boise, ID; curated by Sandy Harthorn
Blanket Stories: Album Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Ketchum, ID ; curated by Jennifer Gately
2005
Blanket Stories: Ladder IAIA Museum, Santa Fe, NM ; curated by Margaret Archuleta
Blanket Stories: Receiving Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR ; curated by Linda Brady Tesner
2004
Continuum: Blanket Stories Smithsonian NMAI, New York, NY ; curated by Truman Lowe
Blanket Stories PDX Contemporary Art, Portland, OR
Selected group exhibitions
2008
Contemporary Northwest Art Awards Portland Art Museum; curated by Jennifer Gately
Distaff Tool Kit Traveling exhibition curated by Rickie Solinger
2007
Oh So Iroquois Ottawa National Gallery, Ottawa, Ontario ; curated by Ryan Rice
Northwest Biennial Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, WA
2006
No Reservations Aldrich Museum of Art, Ridgefield, CT ; Curated by Richard Klein
Migrations University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM ; organized by Marge Devon
Neo-Sincerity ApexArt, New York, NY ; curated by Amei Wallach
2003
Building Tradition Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, WA
1997
The Oregon Biennial Portland Art Museum, Portland, OR ; curated by Katherine Kanjo
Selected awards and fellowships
Anonymous Was a Woman New York, NY
Fabric Workshop + Museum Philadelphia, PA
Tamarind Institute Albuquerque, NM
Joan Mitchell Foundation Fellowship New York, NY
Betty Bowen Memorial Award Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, WA
Eiteljorg Museum Artist Fellowship Indianapolis, IN
Vermont Studio Center Fellowship Johnson, VT
Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture Fellowship Skowhegan, MN
Selected collections
Seattle City Light Seattle, WA
Microsoft Collection Redmond, WA
Montclair Art Museum Montclair, NJ
Tacoma Art Museum Tacoma, WA
Seattle Art Museum Seattle, WA
Museum of Fine Arts Santa Fe, NM
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Washington DC
Portland Art Museum Portland, OR
Eiteljorg Museum of Art Indianapolis, IN
Wright Museum of Art Beloit, WI
Hallie Ford Art Museum Salem, OR
Published by Marie Watt Studio
in conjunction with the exhibition
2008 Contemporary Northwest Art
Awards, curated by Jennifer Gately,
at the Portland Art Museum.
Edited, designed and produced by
Pinch ; Portland, Oregon (pinch.nu).
Cover photography by Tom Nutt.
Marie Watt is represented by PDX
Contemporary Art (Portland)
and Greg Kucera Gallery (Seattle).
©2008 Marie Watt. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced in any manner
without permission in writing from
the publisher.
Printed on recycled paper containing 30% post-consumer content.
Set in Akkurat and teff Lexicon A.