Orenco advocate Bonnie Kooken leaves behind legacy of preservation
Bonnie Kooken, Orenco resident for 50 years and fierce advocate for preserving the historic Orenco townsite, passed away on February 2. She was 81.
Mayor Steve Calaway spoke of her passing during this week’s city council; you can read his entire statement here. A quote:
Our community lost one of its champions this month with the unexpected passing of Bonnie Kooken. A resident of Hillsboro’s Old Orenco neighborhood for more than 50 years, Bonnie was a charter member and current chair of the City of Hillsboro’s Historic Landmarks Advisory Committee.
He continues:
Every Hillsboro resident benefits from Bonnie’s influence and community-building efforts. Driven by her commitment to preserving the land that is home to Orenco Woods Nature Park, Bonnie and her neighbors helped save the historic property for the entire Hillsboro community to enjoy. Anytime we walk through the park, we will experience Bonnie saying hello to us.
Read more
- Orenco advocate Bonnie Kooken remembered for lifetime of work Geoff Pursinger/Hillsboro Tribune
- Saying Goodbye To A Hillsboro and Orenco Giant, Bonnie Kooken Remembered Dirk Knudsen/Tualatin Valley Tales
- A Bench for Bonnie Go Fund Me campaign for a bench in Orenco Park