Portland and I lose a passionate friend

I heard yesterday that Sandra Diedrich, former Northwest District Association (NWDA) President and longtime champion of the No Ivy League, died on Wednesday. See her Guest Post here in May. Sandy and her work were profiled in a Portland Tribune article before the annual No Ivy Day this Spring. But in typical humble style, she told reporter Joseph Gallivan little of her accomplishments before the No Ivy League started. “Diedrich is dismissive of her past, saying she “horsed around” until 1994”, he wrote.

Perhaps the best way of sharing the essence of Sandy’s commitment to Portland, her values, and some of her achievements, is to republish her candidate statement when running for NWDA President in 2004 (emphasis mine):

“I am seeking the position of NWDA Board of Directors President because I value the traditions of our neighborhood association, its history of service, and its commitment to our neighborhood community. We have a special opportunity to take stock as we approach the 30th anniversary of neighborhood associations in Portland. This can be a time to be inspired by fresh perspectives and motivated by creative ideas while we respect our shared values and traditions. This can be a time to reach out to new neighbors, revitalize partnerships, and reassess our role while we ensure that our legacy of neighborhood activism remains a vital force in building community and enhancing livability.

I will endeavor to be inclusive, participatory, and collaborative in this leadership role. I will seek to strengthen our committees as avenues for action and as opportunities for leadership development. I will seek creative ways to increase the participation in our organization from a greater diversity of demographic groups while continuing to benefit from the wise counsel of recognized neighborhood leaders.

My husband and I have lived in the neighborhood since 1990. My husband manages Trinity Place Apartments and I coordinate programs that Portland Parks and Recreation operates from Forest Park. I have served on the Board for two different cycles, taking a break in service after six years as required by the by-laws. I was a member of the Policy Plan Committee then chaired it during the plan’s completion and adoption by the NWDA. As Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee for the past several years, I’ve led our effort to revive and continue the free summer concerts in Couch and Wallace Parks. Additionally, I have been on the Public Safety Committee. Among the special projects I worked on for the neighborhood are tree planting, clean up, Summer Solstice, housing issues, community policing, shutting down drug houses, crime prevention workshops, and parks planning. I am currently serving a second two-year tour as board secretary and previously served as second vice president for three years. I will be honored, if elected, to follow in the footsteps of the many extraordinary individuals who have served as President of our neighborhood association.”

Look at that list of projects and service to the community. Sandy suffered from significant physical disabilities. Respiratory problems and complications of treatment left her reliant on a motorized wheelchair. I didn’t know her before her confinement to the chair – if that’s even an apt description, since she was out and about more than many able-bodied people. I’m sure I’m missing much more of this amazing woman’s history. Please post more in the comments, or email me and I’ll add to this short list. And perhaps even more than her accomplishments and service, I’ll remember her sweet spirit and the fact that she was always looking to see the good in people.

I’ll miss you, Sandy. Portland will miss you. And trees in Forest Park, in the Northwest District, and all over the world, will live longer because of you and the projects you championed. That’s quite a legacy, as well as your memory in many hearts.