Join 4-H
Volunteers
Hall of Fame
Staff

Kids Page
Calendar
Events
4-H Projects
School Programs
Recognition
Scholarships
Collegiate 4-H
Oregon Outreach
School-Aged Care

Newsletter
Printed Materials
Evaluation
Judges
4-H Foundation
4-H Center
Related Links
Staff Use Only

4-H Adventures
Project WILD

Oregon 4-H Hall of Fame

Inductees I - P

Walt and Florence Jaeger, Gilliam County

Walt and Florence Jaeger met as young members in
4-H events in 1926. They married 16 years later, and continued to remain very involved in 4-H, in leadership roles. Once they had both passed away, their wheat ranch was sold and part of the proceeds was used to create an endowment with the Oregon 4-H Foundation. As a result, over the past seven years over $42,000 has been used to support Gilliam County 4-H members to be able to attend OSU Summer Conference and other programs. In addition to the in-county enrichment programs, members have attended regional workshops increasing their knowledge of their projects and their leadership skills. Leaders have been assisted in attending Oregon and Regional Leaders' Forums, enabling them to learn new skills to share with 4-H members. This most generous support of the Walt and Florence Jaeger Endowment has provided numerous opportunities for the youth and volunteer leaders to participate at the local, regional, state and national levels.

Mel Jeffrey

Mel Jeffrey has been involved in the 4-H program in Clackamas County since 1987. She was a club leader for 13 years, and has been a resource leader for the past 7 years. Mel has been a Fair Superintendent for 14 years, the last 8 as the Head Exhibit Hall Superintendent (not a small job!). She served on the Fair Management Committee for 14 years, and has been an active member of the HEARTH Advisory Committee for 18 years. She has coordinated major fundraisers for HEARTH to provide funds to support static exhibits, in addition to gifts and gift certificates. She has been on the Metro Awards and Recognition Committee for 14 years, and has served on the State Awards and Recognition Committee as well. Mel was the County Ambassador Team’s Adult Advisor for 5 years and on the County Leader’s Board for three. While she was on the Board, she implemented the Board’s major fundraisers. She has been committee chairman for Western Regional Leader’s Forum. She has given and given and given to the 4-H program both through time and money.

Duane P. Johnson, State 4-H Office

Duane Johnson spent his entire professional career with the Oregon 4-H program, beginning in Multnomah County in 1959 and retiring in 1999. Duane served as State 4-H Program Leader from 1980 to 1991. Duane was very supportive of the creation of the 4-H Agents' Association and supported faculty involvement in hosting the NAE4-HA Conference in Portland in 1983. During his years on state staff he emphasized the Japanese Exchange Program, and developed new recognition programs for 4-H members and faculty. He served as the Member Recognition Chair for NAE4-HA for three years.

Elizabeth H. Johnson, 4-H Foundation

Becky Johnson became a 4-H Foundation Trustee in 1976 and is still serving as a Trustee. One of her interests is long range planning for the Foundation and she continues to help us look to the future. Mrs. Johnson and the Samuel S. Johnson Foundation have provided financial support for the 4-H programs in Jefferson and Deschutes counties, for Guide Dog and Livestock Judging programs, and the for 4-H Center including the new Education/Administration Building. Her unrestricted gifts have helped to fund the 4-H Innovative Grant program.

Alberta Johnston, 4-H Foundation

Alberta worked in Extension for 40 years in Wyoming, Montana and Oregon, finishing up her first career as Deputy Director of the OSU Extension Service. Shortly after retiring in 1990, Alberta accepted a "temporary" volunteer assignment as Executive Director of the Oregon 4-H Foundation. During the past 13 years she has guided the Foundation into one of the most successful in the nation. Annual income each of the last two years was over one million dollars. Assets have grown to over four million, with half of that in endowments. Alberta was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C. earlier this spring.

Yvonne “Von” Kam, Yamhill County

Von Kam has been a symbol all of that is good about the 4-H program.  She was the strong, silent, “behind the scenes” leader who for 20 years brought life and warmth into every moment.  Her involvement in 4-H began as a co-leader of a sheep club with her husband, Ron.  She provided hundreds of youth with a positive 4-H experience, and instilled a strong sense of pride and self-confidence in them.  Von’s experience as a 4-H leader started an avalanche of other ways in which she shared her time and talents in 4-H and in her community.  She later served as a 4-H sheep superintendent, a workshop instructor, and was popular both as a 4-H and Open Class judge.

Von was someone, who before it was ever documented, was helping 4-H members gain the 6 Cs of positive youth development:  Caring, Confidence, Character, Competence, Connection and Contribution.  Many of her club members have gone on to develop successful careers in adulthood.

Kenneth Killingsworth, Wheeler County

Ken was an outstanding 4-H supporter throughout his entire life. He was Wheeler County Extension Staff Chair from 1969-1988. He was a teaching judge - always giving training and tips on showmanship, conformation, judging and carcass evaluation. Ken supported the Japanese and IFYE exchanges and initiated a Canadian/Gilliam and Wheeler County 4-H exchange that 300 youth participated in. In retirement, Ken was an instrumental leader in the formation of the Wheeler County 4-H and Extension Service district.

Glenn Klein, Extension Service

Glenn Klein was Oregon's first IFYE delegate in 1951 and has continued to be a strong supporter of all 4-H programs. From 1953 to 1960 he served as the 4-H Agent in Jackson County and led many innovative programs. He finished his career as the primary professor for Extension Education classes at OSU and as such trained many future Extension and 4-H Agents. For many years since his retirement he has continued to be a strong and avid supporter of 4-H and established college scholarships for 4-H members to attend OSU.

Dorothy Klock, Multnomah County

Dorothy Klock became a leader when she was 18, in 1933, and continued as a leader for more than 50 years. She was an active leader in many projects including sewing, knitting, sheep, and poultry. She served as the state fair dorm superintendent, and loved it! Dorothy helped write 4-H curriculum for sewing and knitting, attended 4-H Summer School, and helped start 4-H programs in Multnomah County schools. One of her favorite activities was judging county fairs, which she did all over Oregon.

Robert Myron Knox, Curry County

Bob Knox started in Extension as an assistant county agent in Lewis County, Washington.  Later, he was a partner in a dairy farm on Coos River and led a 4-H Dairy club.  In 1930, he was the first Extension agent hired in Curry County while also serving in Coos County as an assistant agent.  Half of his assignment was in Curry County 4-H and agriculture responsibilities.  By 1934 his work was so well received that farmers and ranchers in Curry County petitioned the County Court to hire Bob as their full-time county agent.

In 1934 Bob had enrolled 222 4-H Club members in 24 clubs -  a large number considering the population of the county.  He conducted workshops and tours and through the 4-H member demonstrations, improved 4-H families farming practices.  A few of the state and national leaders developed under Bob’s tutelage were A.W. “Bill” Sweet who developed a nationally recognized dairy, had one of the finest Jersey bulls in the United States, and later became President of Western Bank and served on many boards and commissions.  Another was Ralph Cope, who also developed an excellent Jersey herd and had the champion producing Jersey cow in the nation for three years.  These men, and many others, give Bob Knox credit for helping them achieve their goals in life.

Bob’s additional accomplishments as a county agent included working with the Curry Extension Advisory Committee to bring electricity to Curry County, and spearheading the development of a hospital in Gold Beach, among other things.  His accomplishments for the people through Extension are legendary.  Bob retired from Extension in 1950 because of perceived health problems, but continued to serve 4-H, agriculture and Curry County until his death in 1986.

Echo Kuhl, Grant County

Echo Keyes Kuhl was a leader for an all boys 4-H Dairy Club in 1929 in the Prairie City area. She was a leader for more than 25 years. As a former school teacher she shared her knowledge in many ways: camping trips, chaperone to summer school, club meetings, and fair. Her club work with dairy included animal husbandry, care and feeding, sanitation, nutrition, cheese making, marketing and consumer education. She was also instrumental in getting the kids involved in community activities.

Andy Landforce, Wallowa County

Andy Landforce was the first county 4-H Agent in Wallowa County, working there from 1946 to 53. In 1953 he became the Wildlife Specialist at OSU, but he never lost his interest in 4-H. He remained active in the development of 4-H camping and natural resource projects. Many leaders are still using the materials that Andy wrote.

Evelyn Larsen, Umatilla County

Evelyn Larsen has been an active 4-H Leader for the past 37 years in Multnomah and Umatilla counties. Her primary focus is the 4-H Dog and Guide Dog Program. She has served as a Guide Dog Advisor for 27 years. She has served on the County 4-H Advisory Board and on the OSU State Dog Development Committee and helped to revise all of the Oregon 4-H Dog Project material. She currently serves as a superintendent at the Oregon State Fair 4-H Dog Show and as the Umatilla County Fair Dog Show Superintendent.

Eva Marie Lindsey, Lake County

Eva Marie Lindsey served for many years as a sewing project leader in Lake County. and was a very adamant supporter of the 4-H program. She owned a fabric store in Lakeview for many years, and when she sold her store, she donated an enormous amount of fabric and supplies to the 4-H program. While she owned the store, called EM's Calico Country, she established monetary awards for the 4-H Fashion Revue and county fair clothing projects. The award is the EM Calico Award and it continues to be funded by her family today.

Jay Macy, Jefferson County

Jay was involved with 4-H from 1947 to 2000 as a leader, resource person, fair board member, and overall great supporter of 4-H. Jay served for 20 years as a 4-H Foundation Trustee and helped start the Jefferson County 4-H Endowment in 1987 which has given over $30,000 in scholarships. He also hosted youth from other countries as part of the 4-H exchange program, influenced the 4-H livestock judging at the fair and served on the Jefferson County 4-H Executive Council for over 20 years.

Sam Mallicoat, 4-H Foundation

Tana Mankinen, Klamath County

Tana Mankinen loved living, and filled her short life full of joy and giving to everyone around her. Tana was the 4-H program secretary for Klamath County from 1987 - 1994. At times she also filled the role of 4-H Program Assistant when the agent postion was vacant. Tana tried to ensure that 4-H members would learn life-long lessons from each 4-H experience. As a former nine year 4-H member, Tana knew the value of the program for the whole family. May her love of live and humor be carried on by all who met and respected her!

Gladys Mann, Curry County

Gladys Mann was a Curry County 4-H horse and nature leader for more than 40 years. She would take kids on 8 day trail rides into the wilderness area, and if a member didn't have a horse or the right gear, she would come up with it. She was active in the County 4-H Council, 4-H Summer School, and the State 4-H Horse Development Committee. Local leaders still take members and adults on Gladys Mann Memorial Hikes and the conference room at the County Extension office is named in honor.

Bonnie Marks, Wallowa County

The year that Bonnie became pregnant with her daughter, she became a 4-H leader. (She was planning ahead!!) She has appointed herself the community activities coordinator, and as such she is also the community coordinator for 4-H. She has been a club leader for 27 years, and in that time has personally led clubs in the areas of: beef, ceramics, sewing, cooking, leathercraft, crafts, fiber arts. As the local postmistress she keeps tabs on all kids in the community and makes sure there is a project available to fit the kids' interests.

Z. F. Martin, Marion County

Z. F. Martin was a 4-H volunteer leader in Marion County. He was the President of the Oregon 4-H Leaders Association and was a member of the 4-H Center Selection Committee that chose the current site of the Oregon 4-H Conference and Education Center near Salem. As a volunteer leader he worked with OSU Extension specialists on the development of many 4-H forestry and gun safety programs and publications.

Ralph and Dee McNulty

Seldom do residents of this Central Oregon community see this couple far from one another’s gaze. A commitment from one is surely the calling of the other. Ralph and Dee McNulty’s lives resonate a warmth and humanity that defines their collective commitment to the health and well being of young people. They share a combined eighty year history of contributing to the mission of 4-H and youth development. As club leaders, they devoted their evenings and weekends to leather tooling, horse, ceramics, knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching. 2005 marked the 27th year Ralph has served the Deschutes Co. Fair Association Board. Their most recent achievements include the 4-H and FFA Scholarship program that enables youth to raise quality production animals. They also recently initiated a transportation system for the infirm who visit Deschutes County Fair every year. Their dedication to 4-H and youth development truly is inspiring.

O. E. "Mike" Mikesell, Umatilla County

O.E. Mikesell began his 4-H career as a livestock member in Umatilla County in the 1920s. In 1925 he received a Union Pacific Scholarship to Oregon Agricultural College based on his 4-H livestock judging skills. He went on to become the first 4-H Agent in Linn County. From this position he advanced to Staff Chair for Linn County - a position he held until 1974 when he retired after 40 years of service to OSU. Mike never lost his interest in the 4-H Program and was known as a Statewide Champion for the advancement of the 4-H Program.

Ken Minnick, Benton County

Ken Minnick was the 4-H Extension Agent in Benton County from 1947-1974. He built a solid 4-H program that still influences the program today. Ken was an excellent organizer of volunteer leaders and built a strong 4-H Leaders' Association. He was instrumental in getting the property for the Benton County Fairgrounds. Ken took Benton 4-H members on tours to see other parts of the state, started the roadside clean-up program in Oregon, and was the Sheep Superintendent at the State Fair. He also worked in Douglas County from 1944 to 47.

Cal Monroe, State 4-H Office

Cal Monroe started his Extension career as 4-H Agent in Union County from 1942 to 1944. After two more years in Gilliam County he moved on to become a member of the State 4-H Staff. He served as Acting State 4-H Program Leader from 1960 to 61. Well liked by everyone, Cal was a mainstay of the State 4-H Office for many years. His family established the Cal and Beth Monroe Memorial which is helping fund the new Education Building at the Oregon 4-H Conference and Education Center near Salem.

Edna Moon, Polk County

Edna Moon was a Polk County 4-H Leader for 42 years, and according to the county office she would probably sign up again if a kid in Ballston needed a leader. She became the leader for whatever project would keep the kids in Ballston involved. Over the years they took a lot of different projects, but community service, presentations and leadership were always an important part of the club. 4-H'ers from Ballston easily moved into leadership roles because of the Moon's expert guidance and caring.

H. Joe Myers, State 4-H Office

H. Joe spent 32 years as a 4-H professional. After starting his career as the 4-H agent in Linn County in 1948 he moved to Marion County and the State 4-H Office. He was State 4-H Program Leader from 1971 to 1980. During Joe's years as program leader, Oregon developed a strong international 4-H program, and to this day Oregon has hosted more Japanese students than any other state. As the Marion County 4-H Agent he was on the selection committee for the State 4-H Center. After his retirement he was the number one volunteer at the Center near Salem up until he passed away in 2006..

John and Nancy Nyberg, Yamhill County

John and Nancy Nyberg have been strong role models, advocates, and leaders in the Oregon 4-H program for many years. Their involvement in 4-H started as 4-H members in Washington County, competing against each other in Master Showmanship Contests. They became 4-H leaders and raised their two children as active members in the Yamhill County program. Now as grandparents, they continue to serve as the main leaders of the largest club in the county, in 2005 serving the needs of 44 youth. Over the years, they have given their time, talents and financial resources to numerous endeavors.

They are known in the county as individuals who brought the Adec Building to the fairgrounds through their work with Ken Austin, established a strong operational 4-H/FFA Market Animal Auction, are the key to the success of the Bacon Bits and Friends 4-H club, and donate their time and resources to make great things happen for young people. When people think of 4-H and 4-H leadership in Yamhill County, they think of John and Nancy Nyberg.

Ida Oerding, Coos County

Ida Oerding became a 4-H leader in 1930, when she started her first woodworking club in Coos County. She continued to be a leader for more than 50 years, eventually including health and many other projects in her community club. For many years her clubs were 100% clubs because she believed the kids should finish what they started. When asked about her leadership style she said: "I don't lead them, I guide them." Over the years she guided about 1000 youth through the local 4-H program.

Bob Ohling, 4-H Foundation

After being a 4-H member in Linn County, Bob Ohling started his professional career in 1947 as the Polk County Extension Agent. After leaving Extension, he continued his interest in 4-H by serving on the Oregon 4-H Center Advisory Committee, and served as the chairman of their finance committee. He joined the 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees in 1995, and continues as a member. He served as the Treasurer of the Foundation for six years. In addition, Bob and his family have been continuous sponsors of State Fair 4-H awards for the past 56 years.

Ritz Oikawa, State 4-H Office

Ritz Oikawa served as 4-H Japanese Exchange coordinator for 25 years, beginning the second year of the exchange. Prior to 1989 she held the Coordinator Training in her home. You entered the real atmosphere of a Japanese home, removed your shoes at the entry and settled in for an evening of learning, eating Japanese food and absorbing the enthusiasm from Ritz and the rest of the group. Ritz gave authenticity to the program because she has lived in and knew the cultures on both sides of the Pacific.

Don Owen, Lane County

Don Owen was a 4-H Club Leader in Lane County for 20 years from 1962 to 1982. His club was the "Lucky H" Beef club. At one point while he was the leader there were 34 members in the club. Since Don was a rancher he could teach and show these 4-H'ers the skills they needed to produce a great finished market animal. Don was an active member of the Lane County 4-H Auction Committee. He helped to acquire buyers for the auction and also raise funds. Many 4-H'ers have benefited from Don's knowledge and hands on experience.

Vern Palmblad, Clackamas County

Vern Palmblad has been involved in 4-H as a member, leader, and judge. As a ten year 4-H member, he became interested in rabbits and other small animals. He became a leader in 1949 and continues to be a resource leader in Clackamas County. Vern has been a 4-H small animal judge for about 30 years. He has judged in every county and at many State Fairs. He is loved and respected by everyone who meets him.

Margaret "Peggy" Parker, Tillamook County

Pegy Parker was a 4-H leader in Tillamook County for 43 years and led projects in foods, food preservation, clothing, knitting, forestry and flowers. In addition to her service as a 4-H leader, she was the camp director and taught camp cookery for the Tillamook County 4-H Camp. She served on the Tillamook County Fair Board for 20 years and on the State Fair Board for about 15 years. She also served as a counselor for 4-H summer School and on the Oregon State 4-H Leaders' Association Board

Orrin Potampa

Orrin had more than 13 ‘official’ years to his name for service in the Jefferson County 4-H program but, in truth, he was a lifelong supporter. Included in his long list of supporting roles were those of parent, resource leader, Executive Council Officer, Executive Council member and Fair Board member.
Among his many contributions, Orrin was instrumental in establishing an endowment fund out of which scholarships are given each year to graduating high school seniors. As a member of the Fair Board he helped cement good relationships between the Fair Board and the 4-H program, allowing for open communication and expressions of concerns to be brought to the table from both sides. At one point he was also very involved with the IFYE program, traveling across Oregon to share experiences he had in the program.
Orrin was an upstanding member of the 4-H program and of the community. Through his efforts, the Jefferson County 4-H Leaders Association successfully implemented new 4-H programs, such as “Summer Fun”, a county-wide summer education program targeting youth who were not previously engaged in 4-H club work. This program resulted in a significant increase in 4-H enrollment of youth members and adult volunteers. This program was instrumental in shifting internal program directions to support underserved audiences such as Hispanic and low-income youth. As a result of these efforts, city officials identified a stronger sense of community, fewer incidents of vandalism and increased participation by youth and their families in community activities such as park development, street tree plantings, and volunteering to support community celebrations.
The Jefferson County 4-H Leaders Association is grateful for all Orrin Potampa has done for the 4-H program during many years of selfless service.

E.L. “Dad” Potter, OSU

E.L. “Dad” Potter was an early pioneer in Oregon agricultural education.  In 1908, he became an instructor in Animal Husbandry at OSU; from 1913 to 1932 he was the director of the Animal Science Department.  He became the first director of Agricultural economics in 1932 and retired in 1950, but continued his work at OSU on a part time basis until 1961.

Dad Potter was deeply involved in the initial development of the Oregon 4-H Horse program.  Believing in the development of horsemanship skills, knowledge and communication between horse and rider, he established the E.L. “Dad” Potter Award for horsemanship in 1956.  This award involves the completion of three steps of the Horse Advancement Program, focusing on a broad base of knowledge and skills he deemed to be desirable in furthering the mind, understanding, and work with horses.  The highest horsemanship honor for an Oregon 4-H’er is to receive the Dad Potter Pin.  312 members have earned the Dad Potter award since 1956, and another 163 riders have completed one or more of the three steps required for this award.

Frances Price, Douglas County

Frances has been a 4-H Leader in Oregon for 50 years. She has served as a teacher and mentor to hundreds of boys and girls in Douglas County. Frances has led numerous 4-H projects in her club, the Douglas Foresters, including cooking, sewing, forestry, photography, archery, rabbits, and woodworking. Her expertise has benefited both county and state 4-H programs. She has coordinated the Natural Resource Tour, served on committees including 4-H Camp, 4-H Foundation Board, State 4-H Natural Resources and Japanese Exchange program.

view Hall of Fame A - H

View Hall of Fame Q - Z

Home | Site Map | Contact Us | All About Oregon 4-H
People Join 4-H | Volunteers | Alumni | Staff
Programs Kids Page | Calendar | Events | 4-H Projects | School Programs | Recognition
Resources Printed Materials | Judges | 4-H Foundation | 4-H Center | Related Links
Extension | Disclaimer | OSU Home Page | OSU College of Education

Extension 4-H Program
105 Ballard Extension, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331