Clackamas SWCD Board Chair and friend, Jeff Becker
With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Jeff Becker, Chair of the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District Board. He leaves a legacy of leadership, progress, and compassion for everyone who knew him.
Farmer, Land Manager, Farmers Market Aficionado
Jeff served on the District’s budget committee in 2012, was appointed Associate Board Member in 2013, and was finally appointed to fill the vacant District Zone 3 position in 2014. He was a local farmer in Carus and a property manager of the President’s residence at Lewis & Clark College. Jeff was a graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in business, as well as an accomplished guitarist and songwriter.
Jeff‘s interest in local food security led him to becoming the President of the Oregon City Farmers Market Board where he served for five years. He shared with us that he was the volunteer “set-up guy” every Saturday for 8 years. He learned about the District from former market manager, Jackie Hammond-Williams, with whom the District had had a long partnership. After meeting with the District manager, Jeff was invited to attend a District board meeting. He stated, “I’ve been here ever since.”
Jeff Becker brought first hand experience as a farmer and land manager to the District.
Leading the District Since 2016
A short two years after joining the Clackamas SWCD Board of Directors, Jeff was asked to take on the board chair role in 2016. He worked hard to understand the District’s programs and partnerships and took a deep interest in the needs and expertise of the staff. He said, “My experience at Lewis & Clark developed my understanding that there is always something new to learn and the word “done” never enters my vocabulary. I bring that same perspective to the District. We’re always learning the latest science and techniques to refine our conservation skills and our ability to deliver our resources to the community.”
As a farmer and landscape professional, Chair Becker had firsthand experience with soil, water, mud, and manure issues. He raised chickens, goats, and pigs, and said that every year his garden grew in size. He employed District recommendations on his property and experienced the value of the practices.
Board chair Jeff Becker and board treasurer Roger Fantz are two of our seven board members.
A Long-Lasting Legacy
Jeff was instrumental in co-leading the development of the District’s Strategic Plan. He felt that it was central to the District’s success that staff and Board work in unison to align the District’s work to be successful and impactful in the coming years. He brought a commitment to equity, accountability, and adaptability in his role as Chair. A recent statement from him reflected that “During my time with the District, I’ve gotten to see how dedicated our staff is to their work. Their commitment and expertise make me feel proud of our organization. Our staff and board take every opportunity to learn and grow in our understanding of conservation issues. We haven’t been stagnant, that’s for sure.”
The final words we received from Jeff were to “Carry On.”
In honor of our beloved leader, we will carry on.
Our sincerest sympathy to Jeff’s family and all who knew and loved him.
The staff and Board of Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District
