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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (April 7, 2018)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018 5 A Clockwise from left: Wilbur Ternyik (left) with Oregon Gov. Tom McCall in the ’70s; Ternyik with past Oregon Senator Mark Hatfield; Ternyik next to his likeness in the form of a bronze statue created in his honor. SIUSLAW NEWS/FILE PHOTO PHOTOS:: O R EG ON C OA S T A L ZO NE M A NA GE ME NT AS S O CI A T IO N ( OC ZM A ) Legacy from 1A OCCDC spent four years developing management guidelines for a wide array of ocean and water related ecosystems, ultimately passing laws addressing difficult issues, due in large part to Ternyik’s gravitas. Ternyik was selected to head the group that eventually con- sisted of public officials, envi- ronmental advocates and rep- resentatives of the business community. He was a forceful presence on the committee, and his extensive knowledge and experiences working in the field were persuasive and often formed the basis for the group’s policies. Many of the protocols sug- gested by the group were adopted, with many still in use, and currently overseen by the OCCDC. In the 1980s, Ternyik was employed by the federal gov- ernment to teach marsh and wetland restoration techniques to individuals working in state and federal agencies, sharing his wisdom and passion. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1962, raised five children and worked together on many of Ternyik’s projects. The couple spent their retire- ment years working with state officials to rehabilitate injured wildlife, fostering and caring for a menagerie at their home. During his work on the OCCDC, Ternyik became a close friend and confidant to U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield and the two maintained a friendship until Hatfield’s passing in 2011. Ternyik shared his observa- tions and techniques for beach restoration with the public in 1979, with the release of his book, “Beach and Dune Implementation Techniques,” which is widely regarded as a primer in the field of beach restoration. Ternyik also served the City of Florence with distinction in a number of important capaci- ties over a 30 year period. He served on the city coun- cil for 16 years and on the Port of Siuslaw Commission for 29 years. He also served twice as mayor, first from 1985 to 1988 and then from 1991 to 1992. Florence Mayor Joe Henry, now in his second term, regrets that he did not get to know his predecessor better. “In reading about this incredible man, it strikes me that too often the accomplish- ments of those in the past go unnoticed until they depart this earth. I for one had no idea of the history and accomplish- ments of this man and I am humbled,” Henry said. “I think that it serves as a reminder to all of us that regardless of how much we are accomplishing today, we need to look to the past and remember people like Wilbur who have helped Florence to become Oregon’s premier coastal community.” In 1971, Ternyik was hon- ored with the distinction of becoming the Florence First Citizen. He also later served on the Lane Council of Governments and with the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association. Roblan said he fondly remembered the manner in which Ternyik conducted him- self on a personal level, appre- ciating the colorful man’s abil- ity to listen to others and still figure out a way to come to a common solution. “Wilbur was a gentleman and a scholar that helped establish our coastal environ- mental practices, which became a model for the rest of the world,” Roblan said. “Additionally, he had a unique ability to bring people togeth- er, to find common ground. “Wilbur was a great man who will be missed by many of us that were fortunate enough to work with him.” Roblan gave a tribute to Ternyik’s work in 2009 in the Oregon House of Representatives, saying, “He has been an integral part of the City of Florence. ... I just want people to recognize his ability to bring people together, espe- cially the coastal communi- ties.” People can view the brief video at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4jBBJ9ooq6s. The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum in Florence has an extensive collection of Wilbur’s correspondence, pho- tographs and a bronze bust that captures Ternyik’s spirit and fire. It was sculpted by Lorenzo E. Ghiglieri with a pedestal by Rainy Arago and dedicated May 27, 2006. The sculpture shows Ternyik from the waist up in his buckskin jacket and hold- ing his combination tomahawk and peace pipe. Public services for Ternyik will be held at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St., on Sunday, April 29, at 1 p.m. According to Rosie Shatkin, Legislative Policy Advisor to Roblan, the senator plans to sponsor a legislative memorial honoring Ternyik’s service, which could be the naming of a highway. th April 8-14 This m essage g bro roug ught g ht t o y you yo u by y t he hese se s p po pons o ns nsor or r s: s : City Lights Cinemas 1930 Hwy 101, Florence 541-305-0014 Craig Draft ing & Design P.O. Box 2018, Florence 541-997-6926 • Cell 541-999-8804 Pacifi c Frameworks 2420 Hwy 101, Florence 541-997-1138 Oregon Coast Magazine 541-997-8401 Kiwanis Club of Florence fl orencekiwanis.org Goodman’s Floor Covering 394 Kingwood Street, Florence 541-997-1080 Coast Insurance 777 Maple Street, Florence 541-997-3455 FRIENDS HELP CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK Boys & Girls Club of Western Lane County 1501 Airport Rd., Florence 541-902-0304 Hunt Family Dentistry 950 9th St., Florence 541-997-7181 Th e Friends will be having a Port Hole Books 179 Laurel Street, Florence 541-902-9091 Library Book Sale Ray Wells Inc 1770 Laurel Place, Florence 541-997-2054 Tuesday, April 10th & Wednesday, April 11th Chad Clement, DDS, P.C. 1256 Bay Street, Florence 541-997-3423 Terrace Homes 2825 Highway 101, Florence 541-997-3144 Siuslaw News 148 Maple Street, Florence thesiuslawnews.com • 541-997-3441
