Volunteers

Troutdale SummerFest Volunteers, 2019
Meet the Team

Margaret Rice and Bettianne Goetz volunteers at THS booth of the McMenamins Edgefield concerts.
The Troutdale Historical Society runs on volunteer power. We have a tremendous group of volunteers that keep three museums open and maintained; curators who keep track of a large collection of photographs and artifacts; event coordinators who plan our events down to the finest details; and maintenance workers who come running at a moment's notice to make needed repairs. We are very fortunate to have them and appreciate every hour spent on our behalf.
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If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers, give us a call (503)-661-2164 or click on the button below to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
Coordinators
Jamie LaCour: Events Coordinator (2023)
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Education: Sweetbriar Elementary, Reynolds Middle and High schools, MHCC, PSU, Australasian College of Natural Therapies
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Occupation: Case Manager, Event Services Management, Fine Dining Cook
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Committees: THS Programs Committee, THS Special Events Committee, THS Museum Tours/Community Outreach Committee, THS Grants Committee,
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Past Volunteering: Volunteers of America Family Center, Buckman Elementary, Salish Ponds Elementary (past)
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Current Volunteering: Troutdale Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (current)
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Hobbies: Cooking, crafting, road trips (especially exploratory ones), music, and movies
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Born and Raised in East Troutdale and Gresham. Current Resident of Fairview since 2011
Desiree Smith: Volunteer Coordinator (2023)​
Museum Docents
Ann Chatterton (2023)
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Education: Master of Science in Medical Cannabis, Science & Therapeutics, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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Occupation: Lead Instructor for a private school; Registered Nurse in level 1 trauma centers for 29 years
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Employment: Instructor at a private school
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Interests: Science, music, languages
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Hobbies: gardening, cooking, crafts
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Resident of Oregon since 1998

Joyce Belcher (2016); THS Member Since 2012
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Parkrose Grade School, Reynolds High School, MHCC
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Show manager; Mobile Commissary for US Forest Service (owner); Powell Valley Nursery, Office Manager (retired)
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Past Volunteer for Guide Dogs for the Blind & Reynolds High School Reunion
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Interest include swim aerobic classes, "lunching" with girl friends, movies, reading, yard work, photo albums, and a passion for classic cars - a passion she shared with her father.

Joy Beldin (2015)
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Treasurer (2021) Board Member (2018); THS Member Since 2016
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Wilkes/Glenfair Elementary; Reynolds High School; HR Management Certification, PCC
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30 years as HR Manager; PDX Made In Oregon & California Closets Showroom Manager (Retired)
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Volunteering for HOA as a Board Member, retail volunteer for Cycle Oregon Tours, THS Volunteer since 2015
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Resident of Portland, Troutdale, Seaside, Oregon since 1944

Kelly Broomall (2016)
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Board Member (2017); THS Member Since 2015
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Veteran USMC: Journeyman Machinist: Boeing Industrial Engineer; Boeing - 35 years, retired
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Community: Red Cross, School House Supplies Volunteer
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Hobbies: Wood Worker
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Resident of Troutdale since October 1978

Jason Cawood (2017)
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​Secretary (2021 - present); Board Member (2018); THS Member Since 2017
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Computer Programmer; Business Analyst
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Marketing, Clio, and Barnyard Concert Committees
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Hobbies: Jeweler, Leather Craftsman, Outdoorsman, Runner, Cyclist
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Resident of Troutdale, Oregon since 2014
Jodi Cox (2022)
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, from Eastern WA University (1987)
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Work Background: OHSU since 1992 – various positions over the 31 years; currently Dio Sumagaysay, Associate Chief Nurse Officer since 2003
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Current committees: Church volunteer (kids ministry and all manner of annual events) since 1993. Mannahouse Christian Church at Rocky Butte, Portland.
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Interests/Hobbies: Hiking, baking, reading, and most all outdoor activities i.e. walking, biking, camping, urban adventures AND visiting coffee shops
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Resident: Born and raised Spokane WA. Moved to Portland, OR 1992 and to Troutdale, OR in 1996.

Bettianne Goetz (2016)
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​Vice President (2021 - 2022); Secretary (2019 - 2021); President Emeritus (2017-2018); THS Member Since 2014
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BA, San Diego State; MA, University of Guam; Post graduate work at Portland State
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Elementary Classroom Teacher, Learning Disabilities Specialist, School Administrator-Reynolds School District (Retired)
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Volunteers at Chase Me Again Thrift Store Board Member and Interlachen HOA Board Member
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Interests include Dragon Boat Paddling team, yoga, and travel
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​Resident of Fairview, Oregon since 1970

John Grubb (2022)
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Salisbury University - Accounting, B. S.
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Douglas School District, Accountant & Provenance Hotels, Accountant
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Hobbies: traveling, hiking, playing tennis, watching football
Katherine Haslip (2017); THS Member Since 2017
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Biology, B.S.; M.M.S. Marine Studies
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Papé Machinery, Administrative Role
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Interests/Hobbies: Reading, Anything outside, Traveling
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Resident of Troutdale since 2006
Melba Klinker (2016); THS Member Since 2018

Jeanette Kloos (2011); THS Member Since 2014
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Oregon Department of Transportation, Scenic Area Coordinator (Retired)
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Co-Author of A Study of the Historic Columbia River Highway.1987 & Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway Corridor, 1997
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Author of Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan
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​Volunteer for Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway, Founder & President
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Women’s Transportation Seminar, Portland Chapter, Member of the Year, 1988; Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Medal
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Interests include genealogy, travel and family, particularly my young granddaughter, Adelyn​
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Resident of Portland, OR since 1986
Bev Knight (2018); THS Member Since 2017
Marge McDevitt​ (2018); THS Member Since 2018

Amber Milmore (2016); THS Member since 2015
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THS Board Secretary (2015)
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Education: Degree in Dressmaking specializing in Historic Reproductions and Women's Wear
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Work/Business Background: Seamstress, Event Coordinator, Merchandiser, Office Specialist, US Navy Yeoman
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Interests/Hobbies: Genealogy, history, singing, music
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Resident of Boring since 2021; Troutdale from 1999-2021

Herb Mohn (2016); THS Member prior to 2004
Sharon Munyan (2016); THS Member since 2021
Dwain Munyan (2018); THS Member Prior to 2003
Jeff Neiger​ (2022); THS Member Since 2020
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Education: Penn State University - Astronomy, BS
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Work/Business Background: Air Force, Retired; Delta Air Line Pilot, Retired
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Interests/Hobbies: Fishing, Flying, Motorcycles
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Resident of Troutdale since 2019
Trish Neiger (2022); THS Member Since 2020

Sharon Nesbit (1968)
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President Emeritus (2016-2017); Vice President (1994-1995; 2015-2016); Secretary (1968-1970); Executive Director (1990-1991); Historian (1968 to present); THS Charter Member (1968)
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Historian; Co-Author: McMenamins Vintage Edgefield, (2002); Author: It Could Have Been Carpdale (2007) and Sunny with Occasional Tirades (2011); Columnist-Gresham Outlook Newspaper; Public Speaker
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​Volunteers for the City of Troutdale Historic Landmarks Commissioner, Position #3; Member of the Oregon Geographic Names Board
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Charter Member of the Troutdale Historical Society (1968); Founding member of Zimmerman Farm Heritage Park, The Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway, East County Historical Organization, and the Troutdale Historical Society.
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Awarded: March of Dimes Woman of Achievement, 1998; National Federation of Press Women Sweepstakes Writing Award (twice); Troutdale Citizen of the Year (2000); and Troutdale Historical Society Preservationist Award.
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Resident of Troutdale, Oregon since 1968
Johnathon Peterson (2021)

Gloria Quipotla (2022); THS Member since 2022
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Evolve Interiorscapes-design & sales of interior tropical design and exterior, Retired
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Committees: Corbet Grange
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Hobbies: Dancing, swimming, sailing, horseback rigding, gem cuttings, and dog Harry.
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Resident of Springdale, Oregon since 1987

Margaret Rice, (2016); THS Member prior to 1984
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President (2018); Vice President (2017); Secretary (2016)
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​Assoc. Degree, Mt. Hood Community College-Liberal Arts; Kaiser Permanente Administrative Assistant (Retired)
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Volunteer and fundraiser for YMCA Camp Collins; THS volunteer and fundraiser
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Interests include travel, gardening, golf, cooking, and reading. And of course! Exploring and enjoying the beautiful state of Oregon.
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Resident of East Multnomah County since 1974
Sharon Strickland (2022); THS Member Since 2022
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University of Duluth, graduate
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Portland Public Schools, teacher
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Boston Antiques, retired
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Hobbies: reading, playing cards
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Resident of Gresham since 2018; Troutdale (1978-1989); Corbett (1989-2018)
Charlene Thomas (2015); THS Member Since 2015

Norman Thomas (2015)
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President (2021); Vice President (2019 - 2021); Secretary (2017-2019); Board Member (2016); THS Member Since 2015
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A.A.S Computer Application Programming; US Army Staff Sergeant (1972-1981); ADP Computer Application Programmer (Retired)
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​Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission Finance Committee Chair (2000-present)
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Troutdale City Council (2003-2015)
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Troutdale Citizen of the Year (2015)

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Board Member (2023 - present); THS member and Barn Museum volunteer since 2021.
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Lieutenant Colonel United States Air Force - retired.
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Delta Air Lines pilot - 33 years, retired.
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B.S. Astronomy Penn State University.
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Hobbies include fishing, small airplane flying, and riding his Harley.
Jeff Neiger (2021)
Hazel Webb (2016); THS Member Since 2016
Claire Watts (2019-2023) ​
Diane Wingerd (2017); THS Member Since 2018
Melissa Bevency (2023)
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AS in Psychology with Art History minor; currently pursuing a BA in history; intends to continue on to a Masters in library sciences.
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Work background in Vintage clothing and antiques sales, retail, merchandising, and events.
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Interests include cooking, vintage fashion and antiques, history, and genealogical research.
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​Resident of Portland, Oregon since 2014.
Molly Peichel (2023)
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University of St. Thomas in St. Paul MN; Doctorate in Physical Therapy fram the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.
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Physical Therapist, Peacehealth
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Interests and hobbies include rock climbing, skiing, and exploring.
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Troutdale Historic Highway resident since 2022.
Curators

Julie Stewart - Photo Curator (2011); THS Member Since 2005
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Bachelor of Science, Education
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Masters, Library Science
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Gresham High School, Teacher, retired
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Hobbies: History, reading, travel, working with fabric, painting
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Resident of Gresham since 1986

Dee Dee Hansen​ - Objects Curator (2017); THS Member Since 2018

Carla Robertson​ - Scanning/Digitization (2018); THS Member Since 2016
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Cal State, San Bernardino
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Kaiser Permanente 1977 - 2010, retired
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Hobbies: golf, reading, sports
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Resident of Troutdale since 1992

Julia Warner - Special Projects, Objects (2018); THS Member Since 2018
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Nursing, retired
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Hobbies: golf, gardening, curating
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Resident of Fairview, Oregon since 1992
Twila Mysinger - Special Projects & Collection Inventory (2021); THS Member Since (prior to) 2003
Special Events
Helen Wand (1999)

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THS President (2022 - present); ​Board Member (2004-2014; 2021-present); THS Member Since 2003
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Local Author; Where the Eagles Nest & Echoes of Forgotten Places
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Medical Technology, B.S.
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Clinical Lab Science & Microbiology Specialist, 40 years
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Clackamas Community College-Instructor/Program Director/Clinical Lab Assistant Program, 16 years - retired
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East Multnomah Pioneer Association, Secretary
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Hobbies: History, gardening, writing
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Resident of Gresham since 1971
Virgina Symonds​ (2018); ​THS Member Since 2018
Executive Board of Directors

Helen Wand
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THS President (2022 - present); ​Board Member (2021); THS Member Since 2003
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Local Author; Where the Eagles Nest & Echoes of Forgotten Places
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Marylhurst University, Medical Technology, B.S. and Trained at St. Vincent hospital post grad
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Clinical Lab Science & Microbiology Specialist, 40 years
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Clackamas Community College-Instructor/Program Director/Clinical Lab Assistant Program, 16 years - retired
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East Multnomah Pioneer Association, Secretary
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Hobbies: History, gardening, writing
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Resident of Gresham since 1971

Dave Ripma
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THS Vice President (2022 - present)
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President Emeritus (1993-2003; 2011-2014); Board Member (1991-1992; 2003-2008; 2021); THS Member since 1991
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Patent Lawyer; Electrical Engineer
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​Juris Doctor, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
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B.S. Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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​Volunteers for the City of Troutdale City Council, Position #1; Council President