11 ombaid L owery ’ s B ower Memories of a beloved civil rights activist will bloom in a fitting Rose City memorial by Amanda Burden “In that room, he turned to Lon, flew his arms hen Keeston Lowery flew around him and kissed him on the cheek. The into a room, friends say it look on Lon’s face was priceless.” was as though a wheelbarrow Others who worked with Lowery remember of fragrant flowers whisked the Mississippi-born activist’s unparalleled grin. in with him. “I loved him,” says Madelyn Wessel, Lowery was adored by many who came in Portlands chief deputy city attorney. “I mourn contact with him—as evidenced by the appear­ him every day. He was this effective, zany, bril­ ance five years ago of 700 people at his liant tactician and strategist who got things Washington Park memorial service, attended by done. ” then-Gov. Barbara Roberts, former Gov. Neil She adds, “He was an incredible warm blast Goldschmidt and Portland Mayor Vera Katz. Though Lowery died from AIDS complica­ of goodness.” tions half a decade ago, fond memories of the Wessel notes the city’s anti-discrimination man continue to flourish within many who law would not be in effect without Lowery’s efforts. She says he also helped write the city’s knew him. employee benefits policy for domestic partners, Mary Volm, who worked with Lowery at Portland City Hall and gardened with him out­ which was approved last year. side the office, says, “He had a profound influ­ Lowery, who was 45 when he died, was a key ence on people; so many loved him. I think of player in securing money to build the Friendly him every day.” Before Lowery died, Volm told the avid gardener she planned to establish a topiary at Portland’s City Hall in his honor. Lowery just laughed. “You had to know him, he was an amazing person and he had a wonder­ ful laugh,” she remembers. Volm never forgot her promise and worked to establish the garden after Lowery died. On May 1, a handful of city officials and friends gathered to kick off the project by planting several shrubs and flowers in the proposed spot. The Meditation Garden will encompass a 50-by-40-foot area in the City Hall courtyard at Southwest Fourth Avenue and Jefferson Street. The plot will brim with perennials— Lowery’s favorite—and pathways, a bench and a watering system. Volm hopes to raise $3,000 to $4,000 for the effort, which isn’t slated to be finished until September. Some of Lowery’s own plants will grow in the public garden. “He told me you want to create mystery in the garden. You want to have paths that wind around,” Volm says. “When you reach the end you can look back and see the whole garden.” Vera Katz and Mike Lindberg lend a hand House Community Center in Northwest Lowery was employed by the city for 10 Portland. He managed to pull together a coali­ years, after coming from a physical therapy background. Primarily, he worked as an aide to tion to nab transportation funds for the project. Among other features, the center offers after­ Mike Lindberg, then a city commissioner. school programs and services for the elderly and “[Lowery] was the most remarkable political the financially disadvantaged. person; he could raise money, he was sincere, “This was a classic Keeston thing to do,” says honest and accepted,” Volm recalls. Lowery is perhaps best known for being the Wessel. In addition, he served as Lindberg’s liaison to force behind a city ordinance that bars discrim­ the city water bureau, working on environmen­ ination based on sexual orientation. Six years ago when Lowery began campaign­ tal and water policies. Water bureau director Mike Rosenberger ing for the initiative, with Lindberg and says, “[Lowery] was willing to take on controver­ Commissioner Gretchen Kafoury as sponsors, sial issues—big or little—and he looked at them the political climate was much different than it in a perspective of fairness and equity and doing is today. Supporters of the Oregon Citizens the right thing. He was willing to try to get prob­ Alliance’s anti-gay measures 9 and 13 were lems resolved and had an incredible way with drumming up support. Lowery was considered by many to be a trailblazer who took a great deal people." He adds, “You felt good just being around of heat for helping to craft the ordinance and rallying votes to shepherd the law through. him.” “I remember the day [the ordinance passed]. ■ Contributions to the MEDITATION GARDEN can It was during the Lon Mabon era, and we knew be sent to Mary Volm, c/o Office of Transportation, [the vote] would be unanimous," says Volm. 1120 S.E. Fifth Ave., Room 702, Portland, OR (Mabon is the longtime head of the OCA.) 97204. “When [Lowery] flew into the hearing room he was full of hugs and kisses,” continues Volm. «•