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Washington State University Extension

Hall of Fame 2012

Induction of the 2012 members took place during the State 4-H Forum in SeaTac on October 19, 2012.
 

King

Dr. O.L. Montgomery started his 4-H career as a Colorado member.  After graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Colorado, he practiced briefly in Utah.  His practice failed during the Great Depression, and he took a job as a government meat inspector.  He started work in Oregon before being transferred to Fort Lewis, inspecting the meat sold to the fort. In 1941, Dr. Montgomery joined the Army, spending most of his time in Washington, with a brief deployment in Saipan.  He started a veterinary practice in Kent after his discharge as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1946.

Shortly thereafter, he started the Lucky Shamrocks 4-H Club with 7 members.  When it grew to 37 members, a feed store owner let them use part of his feed storage warehouse as a meeting room.  Doc became a member of the King County Fair Board in 1947, and later served as Chairman for many years.  He also served on the Kent School for years.  He was a very active member of his church.  After selling his practice in Kent, he went to work as an Asst. State Veterinarian, & was later appointed State Veterinarian by Gov. Albert Rosellini.

A 1973 Seattle Times article quotes Doc:  “…the greatest satisfaction I ever got out of all these youth projects is to watch them learn to work together & get along.   That was my payment, & it beats the highest salary you could offer me.”  The impact Doc had on his 4-Hers can still be seen today as several youth went on to become 4-H leaders themselves, carrying on his legacy.

It is time we honor Doc Montgomery for his time & commitment to the youth of Washington.

 

Floy Ziegler started 4-H in Kitsap County at the age of ten, & continued through high school. She became a Club Leader in King County 13 years ago.  During her
4-H career, Floy has been instrumental in educating hundreds of youth, keeping the 4-H Youth Development Program alive in King County, & has played key roles at the club, county, & state levels.

Floy has maintained three active clubs simultaneously.  Her clubs have always been actively engaged in community service & leadership.  Floy has served in numerous
middle-management roles in King County, including Fair Superintendent, Super Saturday presenter, Strategic Planning Committee member, Association Officer—including President—& is a tireless supporter of 4-H in King County.

Floy has served on the State 4-H Advisory Board, Volunteer Development Action Team, as State Fair Superintendent, State 4-H Forum Chair (2012), Committee Chair for the 2011 Western Regional Leaders’ Forum,& numerous roles & responsibilities to strengthen 4-H statewide.

She continues to inspire and nurture the aspirations of 4-H youth!  Congratulations, Floy!

Snohomish

Bob Brusewitz has been a 4-H leader for 17 years, starting in the Greensleeves 4-H Club with his children & wife, Molly.  Bob has given leadership in Technology,
Robotics, Rabbit , & Vet Science projects.  He was involved in the early development of the Byte-by-Byte Computer Club where kids started writing computer programs & building computers.  Old computers were collected & torn apart & the youth learned to build a computers for themselves & for community members who could not afford one. The 4-H Computer Lab at the Snohomish County Extension Office was developed in partnership with Mill Creek Senior Center, with Bob spending many hours setting up computers & keeping them all working.

Bob has also served as Computer Supt. at the Evergreen State Fair, keeping computers operating for use by exhibitors, fair personnel, & the fair-going public.

When robotics become popular Bob led the way & was instrumental in making the FIRST Robotics Contest a success, as he mentored the team in the fields of electronics, programming, & mechanics – to build & program a basketball-playing robot.

Bob has used his knowledge and energy to apply for grants & donations, computers, & products worth thousands of dollars that were made available to 4-H, senior citizens, & other community members.

Many young adults now have computer-related careers, due to their 4-H experience under Bob’s leadership. He not only provided activities, but also introduced youth
to technology professionals in the community. Bob has mentored 4-H Computer Clubs in other counties, along with community-based computer projects.

Thank you, Bob!

 

Linda Conway has served 4-H for thirty years in several positions. Linda’s leadership on the 4-H Council has included working on State 4-H Forum, serving as an officer, participating in numerous committees, teaching volunteer education classes, & actively supporting the annual State 4-H Forum Auction. She has served as an example for many & assisted other volunteers by teaching classes focused on our 4-H judging program.

As a Horse Program volunteer, Linda began her involvement as a Club Leader for the Boots n’ Bridles 4- H Club. Soon, her skill & expertise became known, & she was recruited as the Evergreen State Fair Equine Superintendent, a position she ably held for 10 years.

Linda went on to assume the role of Horse Bowl Coach, & led many teams to State & National Horse Bowl competitions.  She served as the State Horse Bowl Senior Moderator for 7 years & Oral Reasons Judge for the State 4-H Horse Judging Contest for 10 years.  She also served as the Equine Communications Chair & Scholarship Coordinator.  Linda serves as the Assistant Horse Program Leader, & routinely assists with the leadership of program activities involving over 800 youth, as well organizing record book scoring for the Equine Program.  She supervises the security case at the
annual tack sale & helps out wherever needed.

Linda has been a tremendous asset to both the county & state 4-H program; her integrity & responsibility have been appreciated by all.

Congratulations, Linda!

 

Stan & Nancy Depner have been involved with Snohomish County 4-H for over 29 yrs., with the Turkey Trotters 4-H Clubs, & later the Sky Valley 4-H Club.  They have been essential to the running of the 4- H Poultry Barn for 29 yrs., & a great help with the 4-H
Rabbits.  Stan has been the 4-H Waterfowl Superintendent for as long as most people can remember, & took the lead for obtaining the waterfowl cages that have been used at the Fair for years.  He spends countless hours & dollars maintaining the waterfowl display area.  The County’s annual “Duck Day” 4-H waterfowl event has been hosted by the Depners for many years.

Nancy wears many “hats” during fair, managing the Poultry Educational Poster & Showmanship Contests.  Both are essential to the successful running of the 4-H
Small Animal Round Robin each year at Fair.  Stan & Nancy have also been active Snohomish County 4-H Council members, serving on the Grant and 4-H Forum
Committees.

Stan & Nancy have been beloved coaches of Special Olympics for over 25 yrs. & have been named the Special Olympics Coaches of the Year more than once.  They were also honored as the 2009 Evergreen State Fair Honorees, given to those who contribute significant amount of time & energy to Fair improvement.

Much of what Stan & Nancy do is ‘behind the scenes,’ but they are always there to support & assist with any 4-H fundraising project, or transport & assist youth to
attend various 4-H & Special Olympics events.

Thanks for all you do!