MCKENZIE BRIDGE, Oregon (STPNS) -- VIDA: The public is invited to the annual lighting of the Goodpasture Bridge near Vida on Sunday, December 6th. The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with caroling led by the McKenzie Bible Fellowship choir and refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend; the event is free. Park on the south side of the bridge and bring a flashlight.

Lighting the bridge this year will be Roy Richardson, this year’s honoree. Roy has lived in the McKenzie Valley most of his life. He attended school in both Springfield and Blue River. After graduation, Mr. Richardson worked in the logging industry, driving log trucks, transporting peeler cores, and veneer. He also repaired the heavy equipment. Later, he built roads. Interestingly, he bought the Walterville Feed Store and ran it for several years. In 1962, Roy “retired” but still keeps working in logging, both overseeing and caretaking of activities around Vida. He also keeps his gravel business active.



Roy can trace his lineage to 1637 when his mother’s relatives arrived in America. He lives with his wife of 59 years, Doris Richardson. The families of their son and two daughters surround them. Four grandsons and two great grandsons attend or attended McKenzie School.

Roy’s passions are helping improve the McKenzie School, helping community neighbors, hunting, fishing and driving his boat on Blue River Reservoir. We are proud of Mr. Richardson and thank him for his contribution to the community and wish him health and happiness for years to come.

The Late Bloomers Garden Club, with the assistance of EWEB and Neighborhood Watch, sponsor the event, which began in 1987.

The garden club works throughout the year to raise money for various civic projects.