The Metro Council unanimously agreed on Aug. 9 to confirm the appointment of a Cemetery Advisory Committee, to advise Metro on strategies to protect, preserve, and promote Metro’s Pioneer Cemeteries.
This added component to the cemetery program will give Metro increased input from the public about the future of these historic treasures through alliances that will create a comprehensive network of support.
The very things that make pioneer cemeteries so fascinating – a long history, hand-written records, thousands of graves – also make them challenging to manage. In 2011 Metro worked with a cemetery planning consultant to help stabilize its operations and create a plan for the future. One of the recommendations the consultant offered was to consider the creation of the advisory committee.
Comittee members include:
- Chair Verne Duncan, Former Oregon Superintendent of Education
- Hannah Allan, Oregon Historical Society
- Merlene Drapela, Portland Funeral Service
- Michelle Gregory, Mt. Hood Community College
- Terry McCall, Former Gresham CFO
- Meg McCauley, Oregon Hospice
- Bo Nevue, Nevue-Ngan Landscape Architects
- David Noble, River View Cemetery
- Larry Potter, Oregon City Parks, and,
- Laurel Smith, Genealogical Forum of Oregon.
Metro manages 14 historic pioneer cemeteries in Multnomah County. Managed as active facilities, they offer scenic tranquility and a unique glimpse into the history of the region. Public inquiries concerning gravesite selection and other services are welcome. Metro maintains burial records for use by family historians and genealogical researchers. To locate a gravesite, you can search the records online or contact pioneer cemetery staff.