october2007
free
V E R N O N I A’ S
reflecting the spirit of our community
volume1issue3
vernonia
visitors
guide
Pages 12 & 13
In Loving Memory of Rod McLean
This past month we honored the passing of a
great and humble man, Judge Rod McLean. In of-
fice since 1995,
he had recently
started his third
term in Colum-
bia County as
Justice of the
Peace.
The following is proudly submitted by his beloved
family…some insight to Rod McLean…AKA:
“Honey, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, and Blos-
som Logging.”
Rod was the
judge in Ver-
nonia,
Clats-
kanie, and was
instrumental in
starting a new
location open-
ing in St.Helens.
He was certified
in mediation for
domestic violence, child abuse, mental health,
alcohol and drug abuse, civil and workplace vio-
lence and divorce.
He loved family camping and fishing trips or any
excuse for large family gatherings. The kids and
grandkids loved to spend the night when in town,
they’d wake up to his famous biscuits and gravy;
although not necessarily loving his 5 a.m. “break-
fast is ready” call.
Judge McLean passed away on September 12.
He was just 72.
He expressed strong opinions on certain issues
such as, “the spotted owl, and paper not plastic,”
(just ask some of the local grocery clerks).
His passing has been a great loss to our com-
munity and others – but even greater still to his
family.
Rod would deliver bouquets for Sandy, from their
flower shop on Bridge Street, on his way home
from logging in his crummy (work truck); hence
the nickname “Blossom Logging.”
He was well known for his gift for gab and swap-
ping jokes. Rod loved the small town atmosphere
of Vernonia where everybody knows everybody.
Where a trip to the store for “honey I need these
eggs right away,” turns into a phone call from wife
Sandy, “I needed those eggs an hour ago!”
He had an unlimited range of knowledge on al-
most any subject, hence, many would look to him
Schaumburg Benefits a Success
for advice. This knowledge also led him to the ju-
dicial system. One day he came home from his
logging job and was looking at the want ads in
the Vernonia paper. He saw “Justice of the Peace
wanted,” and said, “I can do that,” and what a
great job he did.
Some of the words used to describe Rod: loving,
caring, compassionate, wise, sense of humor, re-
spected, and devoted to family and career.
His warm personality and sense of humor left a
lasting impression on all who knew and loved
him. Even though he is no longer with us, he will
always be a part of us.
From the McLean Family...
So many people helped us get through one of the
most difficult times of our lives.
We appreciate all of the thoughtfulness of the
many cards, delicious meals, beautiful flowers, and
the very generous donation and delivery of
firewood.
Additionally, we would like to thank everyone who
spoke on Rod’s behalf at the Celebration of Life
service it was very meaningful to our family.
Sincerely,
The McLean family
By Scott Laird
On Saturday, September 15th, the Lion’s Club held
a BBQ in the Sentry parking lot, taking advantage of
the Community Garage Sale that was taking place
that day. Sentry Market donated the hot dogs and
buns, while the Lions donated chips and pop. The
Lions raised over $2600 for the cause, and wanted
to send out a big thank you to Sentry Market for all
their help.
Vernonians stepped up to the plate, literally, to help
one of their own during three recent fundraisers for
local citizen Dean Schaumburg who was critically in-
jured in a logging accident in August.
The first fundraiser was a spaghetti dinner held at the
Buckhorn Restaurant on Sunday September 9. The
inside
homecoming
9
challenge
garden
pumpkin patch
14
23
look who’s
here
The latest fundraiser, a concert benefit featuring
country music singer Jesse Cain, was held Friday,
September 21 at Hawkins Park. With attendance
estimated at 500, this effort raised over $5,000 with
all proceeds going to Dean’s family.
response was overwhelming, according to Buckhorn
owners George and Donna Tice, who donated the
use of their restaurant and kitchen facilities. “It was a
phenomenal success,’’ said George. “We had over
forty volunteers, many who just showed up and said
‘I’m here to help; what can I do?’ So many people
came together to make this a success!”
As many as twenty groups and organizations were
involved in the benefit that served over 550 people
and raised over $5,000. Everything was donated,
from food and music, to alley space, picnic tables
and raffle prizes; all the money raised will benefit
Dean’s family with their medical expenses.
Donna Tice expressed her thanks to everyone who
helped out, noting that the volunteers helped clean
up everything afterwards. She also thanked Ser-
geant Mike Kay as the catalyst for making this event
happen.
Accounts in the name of Dean Schaumburg have
been started at both Wauna Federal Credit Union
and the US Bank branches in Vernonia.
A Thank you from the Schaumburg
and DeWitt Families
The Family of Dean Schaumburg would like
to express our most sincere thanks and
gratitude to everyone who has contributed
to the many recent benefits. The commu-
nity has been so supportive of Dean and all
us in this great time of need. Thank you to
everyone who has volunteered, organized,
participated, and donated- you are way
too numerous to name, but are deeply
appreciated. Our hearts are overwhelmed.