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Oregon 4-H Hall of Fame
Inductees Q-Z
Nancy
Rand, Josephine County
Nancy Rand has been a Josephine County 4-H Leader for more than 50 years. She still serves as primary leader of Pooch Paw Raiders, a dog club she started in 1962. This club meets weekly and has been marching in the Yearly Boatnik Parade for more than 30 years promoting 4-H. Nancy began one of the first 4-H Guide Dog Clubs in the state in 1971. She has served as president of the Josephine County 4-H Leaders Association, as 4-H representative on the Josephine County Advisory Committee, and as 4-H Dog Superintendent for 30 years.
Janet Rash and Emilio Cañas, Washington County
In 1997, the Oregonian published an article citing an 86% drop-out rate for Latino youth in Western Washington County. In response, Washington County 4-H faculty convened a series of focus groups and community conversations, resulting in the design of a program model which they took to local business, government agencies, educators and non-profits in search of support. Providing immediate leadership, Janet Rash of Intel Community Affairs introduced 4-H faculty to Emilio Cañas, the President of the Intel Latino Network. Together, Rash and Cañas co-authored the first of many successful grants to Intel Corporation (now approaching ¾ of a million dollars in cash, in-kind, and equipment) to support the Washington County 4-H Tech Wizard program, while at the same time, contributing countless hours of their personal time and resources.
For 10 years, Janet Rash has been a tireless supporter of 4-H by making introductions to other High Tech Companies and professional organizations such as IBM, PGE, and SEMI, resulting in additional volunteers, grants, and equipment. Janet has served on the Washington County 4-H Board of Directors for four years, and as President for two. She has created opportunities, inspired youth through presentations, recruited additional Directors, and spearheaded fundraising efforts, all the while inspiring youth with her very personal, warm, and caring presence, cheering them on and believing that they can achieve.
Truly a visionary leader ahead of his time, over a decade ago Emilio Cañas recognized the critical need to take extraordinary means to reach Latino youth and involve them in
4-H Science, Engineering and Technology education to help prepare them for future careers. As President of the Intel Latino Network, Emilio has championed the 4-H Tech Wizards program by recruiting volunteers, garnering community support and opportunities (such as grants, internships, and partnerships), mentoring youth, and writing curriculum. He has made local, regional and national presentations on behalf of the Tech Wizards at both education and business conferences. Emilio has served on the Washington County 4-H Board of Directors for seven years and is currently their Treasurer.
A. Lois Redman, State 4-H Office
Lois Redman began her career as a 4-H specialist in 1959. She worked for many years in the State 4-H Office in Oregon before moving to Kansas to complete her career. During her years in Oregon she was responsible for international programs and camping. Since her retirement she has established an endowed scholarship for Oregon 4-H members.
Lois
Richards, Morrow County
Lois Richards has been a 4-H leader in Morrow County for 39 years. For over 20 years, Lois has facilitated the north end sheep and swine weigh-in at her farm and acted as a dormitory chaperone during fair. She raises top quality hogs for project pigs and always charges a fair price. She also supplies hogs for field days, judging contests, and last by not least, barbecues! Lois is indeed a very special lady and Morrow County 4-H members have had the benefit of her nurturing for nearly 40 years and hopefully many more.
Dale
and Betty Riddle, Lane County
Dale and Betty Riddle changed the lives of many young people from 1958-1986. They were leaders of the "Empire Builders 4-H Club" in Lane County. This club was a community Service Club. The Empire Builders had a Food booth on the Fairgrounds. Some years they raised $5000. These funds allowed them to support many service projects and to help many people in need. They cleaned yards, painted houses, bought Christmas gifts and trees, provided clothes and toys for needy children and so much more than can be listed here.
Jean Roth, 4-H Foundation
Jean Starker Roth served as a Trustee for the Oregon 4-H Foundation from 1984 through 1992. She also served as Treasurer for several years. The Starker swimming pool at the 4-H Center was funded by the Jean and her family family. Jean continued her faithful support for the 4-H Conference and Education Center when she established an endowment to fund maintenance and improvements of the pool. Jean also served as an Extension Agent in Clatsop County.
Dora Rumsey, OSUEA/4-H
Dora Rumsey served as the fourth president of the 4-H Agents Affiliate in 1981. Along with Roy, Dale and Mary Anne, Dora helped make the national meeting a success. She served as the financial officer of the conference. Dora's energy encouraged fellow agents to get involved in association matters. She walked her talk. She was a excellent role model. Dora's innate ability to keep a "cool" head during some lively discussions helped the organization to succeed. Dora was an agent in Coos County prior to moving to Washington State as an area supervisor.
James
Rutledge
Jim Rutledge was Oregon 4-H Program Leader for ten years, and during
that time, the 4-H program participation more than doubled to 100,000
in Oregon. The development of private monies raised to support the 4-H
program increased from $281, 483 in 1994-1995 to over $1,000,000 in 2003-04.
4-H Youth development became a department in the College of Education.
Jim was a contributor to the development of the College of Education double
degree program, especially the option related to youth development professionals.
The Ag In The Classroom program became an important part of the youth
development program in Oregon.
Excellent communications between the 4-H staff and Foundation help to
focus the Foundation effort in seeking private funds. Under his leadership,
grants from other foundations and individuals resulted in a million dollar
building project at the 4-H Center and program grants to fund outreach
programs and a forestry grant to involve Hispanic youth in the forestry
industry. He encouraged staff to write grant proposals to support program
innovation.
On the national level, Jim was a major contributor to the reestablishment
of the National 4-H Congress program and served on its board for several
years. He also played a major role with the development of the 4-H International
Programs Committee and the evolution of involvement with international
4-H programs. Both of these programs had direct impact on the 4-H program
in Oregon. Jim also served on the board of National 4-H Council, and was
very involved in the national celebration of 100 years of 4-H.
During his tenure as the State 4-H Program Leader Jim helped reestablish
the Oregon 4-H Leaders Forum and developed the initial guidelines for
the Oregon 4-H Hall of Fame.
Fay and Sherman Sallee, Linn County
This amazing couple spends full-time serving 4-H families! Fay and Sherm Sallee, leaders of the Clever Clovers 4-H Club near Lebanon in Linn County, have devoted their lives to Helping youth develop them selves, and helping families grow together through the benefits of 4-H. Fay and Sherm's knowledge and love of nature has spread to thousands of others through their work on state 4-H committees, county and state fair leadership, and tireless local club nurturing. Their welcoming house in the forest is a second home for many in 4-H, and hosts frequent events for over 100 people at a time. Their family ownership of extensive tree farms has resulted in the development of Family Adventure Day and Tree Day, both educational events for the public and 4-H. The Sallees are true practitioners illustrating how caring adults CAN change the world, one youth at a time!
Enid
and Lamoine Savage, Lane County
Enid has been involved in 4-H for 33 years and Lamoine has been volunteering for 24 years. Both have been very active in both county and state leadership roles. Both have been President of the county leaders' council and the State 4-H Leaders' Council. Enid started out as a clothing and foods leader and now helps with resumes and scholarship applications. Lamoine has led woodworking and leathercraft clubs and also does a lot of volunteer construction work at the 4-H Center. Both continue to serve as judges at the Oregon State Fair.
Carolyn Schmidt, Deschutes County
Carolyn Schmidt's character and integrity define the roles of club leader, mentor, executive officer, superintendent, fiscal manager, and financial benefactor. Carolyn has been involved in Oregon 4-H for over 25 years. She has served on the Oregon 4-H Leaders' Council, other statewide committees and boards. Her tenure as an officer of the Deschutes county 4-H Leaders' Association is unsurpassed.
Doris Schoenborn, Marion County
For the past 44 years, Doris Schoenborn has been a horticulture leader in Marion County. Doris helped others see that 4-H was more than animals, cooking and vegetables. She worked with the weed and insect identification and judging in the early years, and served as a clerk in the exhibit hall for many years. Her most important contribution has been taking in many kids that might not be welcome in some groups. Doris and her husband Art have encouraged these kids to come into their 4-H club and their home, and encouraged them to do great work.
Walt
Schroeder, Curry County
Walt Schroeder is a Friend of 4-H. He retired from the OSU Extension Service in 1983 after 34 years of service in Coos, Lane, Washington and Curry counties. For a time he also served as a forestry specialist and 4-H caming specialist. Today, he still serves in a variety of roles as he volunteers his time to the 4-H program in Curry County. As a 4-H leader Walt has led many hikes and camps for his 4-H Club. We are very proud to say that Walt has also served in the Oregon State Legislature for four terms as a State Representative.
Bea
Scott, Hood River County
Bea Scott was a 4-H leader in the community of Cascade Locks for 52 years from 1939 - 1991. Her project areas were clothing and forestry. Many 4-H'ers remember the wonderful hikes they would go on to collect specimens for their exhibits. Bea has always been a strong supporter of 4-H and the Extension program. Of young people and 4-H she says, "4-H develops ordinary ones into outstanding ones." She continues to encourage young people and adults to participate in 4-H, and she serves as a role model for anyone who works with youth.
Everett and Marjorie Seagoe, Josephine County
The Seagoes have both been active Josephine County 4-H Leaders for more than 30 years. Marjorie tells how a 4-H club was simply turned over to them just before fair. She said they were so green that they didn't know to bring a pitch fork to fair. Then they started the North Valley Livestock club and are still leaders. Marjorie has been the Sheep Superintendent for more than 25 years. They have both been active in the 4-H Leaders' Association. Marjorie has served as president and vice president.
Harry
Case (H. C.) Seymour, State 4-H Office
Harry (H. C.) Seymour was State 4-H Program Leader from 1916 to 1947. He laid the foundation for many of the successful 4-H programs that exist in Oregon today. Seymour's insight led Oregon to become the first state to offer 4-H in a major metropolitan area, beginning with WWI victory gardens in 1918 and 1919. Seymour created one of the first campus educational programs for 4-H when "4-H Summer School" was held at Oregon Agricultural College in the summer of 1916.
Ed
Shannon, City of Portland
Ed Shannon was in a unique position as the 4-H Agent for the City of Portland. Oregon was one of the only states in the nation to have agents that were assigned to cities and schools in addition to counties. Ed was "Mr. 4-H" in Portland and all of Extension called on him when they needed contacts in Portland. He served in Portland from 1945 through the 60s. Ed was also in charge of all the horticulture exhibits at the 4-H division of the Oregon State Fair for many years.
Myrtle
Slanger, Clatsop County
Myrtle Slanger has given unselfishly to the 4-H program for over 50 years. She started a clothing club in the Jewell area in 1949, and since those early years the club has expanded to forestry, outdoor cookery, flowers, vegetables, home improvement, and food preservation. The club taught forestry and outdoor cookery continuously until 2002. Myrtle has also been active in recruiting other leaders, as a chaperone for 4-H summer school, record book coach, and fair superintendent. Her family tradition of bringing flowers to school every fall continues today.
Emma Jean Smith, Sherman County
Emma Jean Smith has been a volunteer 4-H club leader for 50 years in Sherman County. A 4-H alumni herself, Emma Jean learned her cooking and sewing skills in 4-H, honed them under the tutelage of a Swiss-trained tailor. When her club sewing machines became too old, Emma Jean personally spearheaded a drive to raise several thousand dollars to equip her club members with the newest sewing equipment. She has judged at many fairs and contests over the years. She has been a faithful friend to club co-leader Margie Stark.
Margaret "Margie" Stark, Sherman County
Margie Stark has given generously of her time for 50 years. She has served the youth of Sherman County as a volunteer 4-H club leader in sewing and knitting and expressive arts. With co-leader Emma Jean Smith, their club conducts an annual raffle of a quilt of blocks made by the sewing members. Margie and Emma Jean finish the quilt and the proceeds go to purchase supplies and books for members to use.
T. J. Starker, 4-H Foundation
T.J. Starker was a Trustee for the OSU Foundation and for the Oregon 4-H Foundation from 1970 to 1982. His committee developed a plan for utilization and conservation of the forest resources at the 4-H Center and began harvesting timber for income. Mr. Starker provided $25,000 to help make the down payment on the Center property and later the Starker family provided funds for the swimming pool. He was also involved in the decision for the 4-H Foundation to become an official affiliate of the OSU Foundation in 1976.
Robert Stevely, Columbia County
Bob served as the Columbia County 4-H Agent from 1954 through 1976. Because of Bob's leadership, the county had very strong programs in Livestock, Rabbit, Horse, Horticulture and Summer Camp. Bob was a talented horseman, and his skills were evident in the county 4-H Horse program. He was a strong part of maintaining a resident camp program that still exists today, in the same facility. Bob was involved in the NW Forestry Camp and taught a variety of classes. Parents of currently enrolled youth comment on the impact that Bob had on their lives.
Ivan Stewart, 4-H Foundation
The Oregon 4-H Conference and Education Center is Ivan Stewart's legacy to the youth of Oregon. James Ivan Stewart, an Oregon Pioneer, was born in 1895 at Fossil and grew up on a horse and cattle ranch. He attended Oregon Agriculture College, and became a feed and seed dealer. His great love for nature motivated his purchase of a 720 acre ranch ten miles from Salem, on which he planted some 200,000 trees. To preserve its beauty for the enjoyment of future generations he sold the ranch to Oregon 4-H in 1968 for a fraction of its value.
Cornelia Tellefson, Umatilla County
Connie Tellefson was a dedicated 4-H Volunteer in the Oregon 4-H Program for over 37 years. Her 4-H career began much earlier as a 4-H Home Economics project member in Umatilla County. She went on to serve as a Club Leader for Home Economics, Horticulture and Leadership, and also served as a Judge at many county fairs. Connie shared her leadership expertise as an officer for the Umatilla County Leaders' Association and the State 4-H Leaders' Association. She was recognized at both the local and national level for her dedication to the 4-H program.
William "Bill" Thomas, Wasco County
Bill Thomas was a sheep leader in Wasco County for over 20 years. For many of those years, he served as sheep barn superintendent and as president of the Wasco County 4-H Leaders Association. Bill was extremely popular with 4-H members and adults alike. He had a kind word or a hug for anyone who needed it, and always displayed a positive attitude and kid-centered approach to 4-H leadership. Adults often joked that they had to keep Bill from giving ribbons to every kid who walked by, as it was so important to him to reward kids for their efforts.
J.
Gray Thompson
Gray Thompson was a 4-H member for seven years in Jackson
County. A trip to 4-H Summer School at 14 inspired him to attend Oregon
State College (now known as Oregon State University). He served as an
Extension agent for 4 years in Lincoln County where he had 2/3rds responsibility
for agriculture and 1/3rd for 4-H. He liked 4-H and opted for the 4-H
agent position in Umatilla County where he served for 13 years. He saw
his main goal as a “developer” of children and youth and devoted
his time to helping children grow into positive citizens. In Lincoln County
he started a
4-H livestock sale and conducted livestock clinics. When Gray arrived
in Umatilla County in 1952 the total enrollment was 400 boys and girls.
When he left, the enrollment was 1400. Gray developed a very successful
4-H Camp, trained camp counselors, organized a 4-H Jr. Leader Program,
started a market based beef sales program and took the participating members
to see their animals sold at the Portland stockyards. He was well loved
in Umatilla County and the 4-H and FFA Building at the Fairgrounds in
Hermiston was named “Thompson Hall” in his honor. Gray transferred
to the City of Portland where he developed projects and programs used
in Portland schools. He and Multnomah Agent Duane Johnson worked for three
years and accomplished a joint county fair as well as a combined 4-H Leaders
Association. He was a member of the committee that selected the site for
the Oregon 4-H Center. In 1976 Gray was asked by Extension Administration
to start a Master Gardener program in the metro area and served in that
position until retirement. He is still active in that group. During WW
II Gray served as a Signalman in the US Navy.
Caroline Tohet, Warm Springs Reservation
Caroline Tohet was a leader at Warm Springs from the early 1960s until her death in 1998. Each year she would teach 8 to 10 4-H members to do beadwork. Beadwork to Caroline was learning the skill but far more important was teaching responsibility, commitment and native culture. Once the club started their beading, Caroline would tell stories that shared history and culture, which is a form of teaching that goes back generations. A number of individuals currently use their beadwork to supplement their family income.
Regenia
"Genie" Townsend, Multnomah County
Regenia was involved with 4-H for over 60 years. First as a 10 year member then for 50 years as a leader in Multnomah County. She was President of the Multnomah County Leaders' Association and the State Leaders' Association and judged at Oregon and Washington at county and state fairs. Along with husband Robert, she developed the Hunter Safety Program, and worked with over 500 youth in this program. She was a member of Chat-Co. Recreation Lab for 20 years, ran the State Fair dormitory for 20 years, and chaperoned Summer School for ten years.
Bert and Betty Udell, Linn County
Bert and Betty Udell have been cornerstones of the Linn County 4-H Program for over 50 years. They have served as club and community leaders for youth and forestry. Their 4-H club is recognized as the strongest forestry and natural resource program in the state of Oregon. Their Happy Valley Tree Farm is known throughout the U.S. as an innovative example of commercial forestry management and sound environmental stewardship. Besides that, they are wonderful folks!
Norbert "Van" Vandehey, OSUEA/ 4-H
Norbert Vandehey, Jerry Brog and Frank Von Borstel were the original committee members that helped establish the OSUEA 4-H Affiliate in 1974. The group spent a year developing rules of operation and bylaws with a set of proposed goals and objectives. Their goal was to create new organization within the Oregon Extension Association without offending the leadership of the NACCA and NAEHE affiliates. Van served as the first president of the association in 1975. Norbert Vandehey started his 4-H career in Linn County in 1959.
Frank Von Borstel, OSUEA/4-H
Frank Von Borstel, Norbert Vandehey, and Jerry Brog were the original committee members that helped establish the OSUEA 4-H Affiliate in 1974. The group wanted to develop a committee structure reflecting and serving the professional improvement needs of the 4-H Agent. They presented the proposal at the 4-H agents training meeting in 1975. In the fall of 1975 the 4-H association became a reality at the Extension Staff Conference, and at the spring conference in 1976 the association became official. Von Borstel started in Douglas County in 1948.
Marion Weatherford, 4-H Foundation
Marion Weatherford was one of the founders of the Oregon 4-H Foundation in 1957. He was elected as the first Vice President, and became the second President in 1960. One of his interests was finding a location for a 4-H center. In 1967 and 1968, he was President when the 4-H Foundation purchased the present 4-H Conference and Education Center from Ivan Stewart and began planning fund raising to develop and operate the 4-H Center. Mr. Weatherford was very involved in the evolution of the Foundation's business practices and ability to accept gifts for 4-H.
Holly Weimar, Oregon 4-H Foundation, Gilliam County
Holly’s 4-H career began in Linn county as a 10 year member of one of the oldest 4-H livestock clubs in the county. The Greenback livestock club also happened to be founded by her grandparents almost 50 years ago. After moving to Gilliam County, Holly served as a 4-H leader, and for over 15 years was involved with livestock, sewing, and cooking clubs as well as the 4-H Leaders Association.
Holly served as a Trustee of the Oregon 4-H Foundation for eight years. Her leadership roles included Vice President for four years and President for four years. Some of the changes made in the Foundation under her leadership included increasing financial support for the Foundation; development of a non-profit 4-H Center Board of Directors, a restatement of the 4-H Foundation Articles of Incorporation, a major revision of the bylaws, and a written agreement with the OSU Foundation for services provided to the Oregon 4-H Foundation. She recently retired from the Wheeler County Commission on Families and Youth.
Barbara Wendt, Baker County
Barbara Wendt has been a 4-H Home Economics club and project leader for 35 years. Her children were in her 4-H club and now Barbara's grandchildren are actively involved in her club. Barbara has provided leadership, guidance and support to over 700 youth in her 4-H career. Barbara is the Home Economics Fair Superintendent. She has served on the Baker County 4-H Leaders' Association Executive Board and volunteers for numerous behind-the-scenes jobs that make the Baker County 4-H program run smoothly.
Elsie Werth, Polk County
Elsie Werth was a 4-H leader in the Grand Ronde community for 37 years. She was an original member of the 4-H Center Advisory Committee after serving on the committee that selected the site for the State 4-H Center near Salem. She was also the chair of the Polk County 4-H Leaders' Council, a representative on the State 4-H Clothing Advisory Committee, and Chair of the County Extension Advisory Committee. Elsie and her husband Elmer continue to sponsor county fair awards for 4-H members.
Mildred Whipple, 4-H Foundation
Mrs. Whipple is a friend and donor to the 4-H Foundation. Some of her first gifts provided funds for an endowed scholarship for 4-H faculty who are working on an advanced degree. Her gifts to the 4-H Center have provided money to update the water system, roads and dining hall equipment. She provided funds to construct the Whipple Cottage and helped match the Ford Family Foundation's grant to construct the new Education Building. The 4-H Foundation was named a 20% beneficiary of the Jim and Mildred W. Whipple Fund of the Oregon community Foundation.
William
Woodard
Bill has served as a Trustee of the Oregon 4-H Foundation for 16 years,
as President, and as a member of the Executive Committee. Under his leadership,
the Foundation began a strategic planning process looking at the Mission
and Vision of the Foundation and the governance as a non-profit organization.
The Foundation continues to be involved in long range planning. The Foundation
was also involved in developing plans for the Oregon 4-H Conference and
Education Center. They employed a consultant to develop a 20 year plan
which served as a basis for developing facilities at the Center. He chaired
a committee which developed a business plan for the Center.
The 4-H Foundation was linked to the OSU Foundation and OSU for many years;
with Bill’s leadership the organization began to define these relationships
and OSU recognized the Oregon 4-H Foundation as an Associate of the OSU
Foundation.
Fund development was, and continues to be, the primary focus of the 4-H
Foundation. The Foundation began the process of hiring a fund development
director, in cooperation with the OSU Foundation. Today, the OSU Foundation
provides the 4-H Foundation with a fund development director. This has
greatly improved the ability of the Foundation to raise monies to support
4-H.
Bill retired as Regional Division Vice President of Meier and Frank Company.
Marvin Young, Deschutes County
Marvin worked in several counties starting in Josephine County in 1958. He also worked in Coos and Deschutes counties, and eventually became the county chair in Deschutes County. Besides being a great supporter of the 4-H Program he was often called on to be the song leader. He served many times as the song leader for the 4-H Summer School at Oregon Agriculture College, or when a group of agents got together. Marvin Young could get everyone in the group to sing along!
Ed Zollner
Ed Zollner has provided leadership to the 4-H Foundation
for 16 years, as a Trustee, President, Past President and serving on both
standing committees and ad-hoc committees.
During his tenure as President and Trustee, the Foundation became an active
fund development organization both to support 4-H program activities and
to improve and maintain the Oregon 4-H Conference and Education Center.
The Foundation began a million-dollar campaign to build new facilities
at the Center including an educational facility and new cottages for clients.
The infrastructure of the Center was improved, a new well and water tank
provide water for increased usage at the Center.
Ed lead the Foundation in making long range planning a viable process,
one that guided the activities of the Foundation. He served on the nominations
committee as the Foundation added new trustees to guide the organization.
Ed also served as the liaison with the OSU Foundation, serving as an OSU
Foundation Trustee to define and strengthen relationships with the OSU
Foundation. He also served on two OSU Foundation committees.
Ed did not have a 4-H background when he started as a Trustee, but he
is now a strong supporter of the 4-H program in Oregon. He is retired
as Senior Vice President, US Bank, Western Oregon Region.
