The Cascade Locks Historical Museum has lost one of its dearest Friends. Ken Royer, board vice president, passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2022. Ken has been involved with the Friends of the Cascade Locks Historical Museum since 2014.

Ken supported the museum during a crucial point in its existence. He was responsible in part for envisioning the growth trajectory of the museum to include full-time staff and capital projects, and spent years on committees organizing and fundraising to make it happen. He took it upon himself to follow the process to get the museum and Marine Park recognized on the “attractions” signs on I-84 and Highway 30. This greatly increased the visibility of the museum and led countless visitors to find their way into the park. Ken lent his project management skills to the museum by serving on the executive, budget, and by-laws committees.

At the end of every conversation I had with Ken, even if I just ran into him at the post office, he would pause, look me in the eye, and say “thank you for the work you do.” I have never had anyone so consistently and directly acknowledge their appreciation, and it meant so much to me that he made that effort. He was so dependable for any museum-related responsibility, and I could always rely on him for a joke if I was having a bad day. His quiet leadership, consistent gratitude, willingness to lend a hand, and friendly smile will be missed by all of us at the museum.