NOR'WESTER NEWSLETTER ISSUE #327                                             

masthead

April 2, 2009
In This Issue:
PNWA mourns the passing of a great friend and mentor: Peter Wilson 1926-2009
Darcy nominated for top civilian post at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
PNWA mourns the passing of a great friend and mentor
Peter Wilson 1926-2009

Peter Wilson

Peter K. Wilson passed away on Monday, March 30, 2009.  As a Port of Lewiston Commissioner, Peter was a great supporter and leader of PNWA.  He started on the PNWA Board of Directors in 1994 and served as President from 2003-2005.  At the time of Peter's death, he was serving in his fourth term on the Port of Lewiston Commission, per the citizens of Nez Perce County, and had been part of the "port family" for over 20 years.
 
In Peter's 83 years, he was a prominent and dedicated advocate for agriculture in the Northwest.  He served as chairman of the Nez Perce County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service committee for 13 years, the Idaho State Brand Board for four years, and the Lewiston Grain Growers Board for nine years.  Peter was also a member of the Idaho Co-op Council Board of Directors, and was inducted into the Council Hall of Fame in 1989.  In 1999, Peter was given the Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in Agriculture.  Peter and his father were also honored as the Nez Perce County Grassmen of the Year in 1972, and in 1982 Peter was named Nez Perce County Outstanding Farm Citizen.      
 
Glenn Vanselow, PNWA's Executive Director, stated that "Peter Wilson was a leader in our association, his community, and indeed for the entire Northwest.  His tireless advocacy for farmers and others who required access to world markets helped to secure Lewiston's position as a point of access for Northwest trade.  He will be missed by PNWA's membership and staff."

A visitation period for Peter will be held from 1pm to 4pm on Friday, April 3rd at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home in Lewiston.  A memorial service will follow on Saturday, April 4th at 11am at the Red Lion in Lewiston.  In lieu of flowers, Peter's wife Pat and his family suggest memorials be sent to the Joe Thometz Memorial Scholarship (University of Idaho Extension, 1239 Idaho Street, Lewiston, ID  83501), the Ronald McDonald House, or the charity of your choice.  Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home in Lewiston is handling the arrangements. 

Darcy nominated for top civilian post at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
 
On Tuesday, President Barack Obama announced the nomination of Jo-Ellen Darcy as Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), Department of Defense.  If confirmed, she will replace Mr. John Paul Woodley, who was appointed to the position by President George W. Bush in May 2005. 
 
Ms. Darcy is currently the Senior Environmental Advisor to the Senate Finance Committee responsible for environment, conservation and energy issues.  Previously, she held Senior Policy Advisor and Deputy Staff Director positions with the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, concentrating on fish and wildlife issues, the Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and a variety of conservation and water issues.  Ms. Darcy also previously served as Executive Director of the Great Lakes and Water Resources Planning Commission in Michigan, Assistant to the Director of Personnel for Gubernatorial Appointments for the Office of the Michigan Governor, and Legislative and Policy Analyst in the U.S. House of Representatives Banking Subcommittee on Economic Stabilization.  Ms. Darcy holds a B.A. in philosophy and sociology from Boston College and a Master of Science in Resource Development from Michigan State University.
 
PNWA would like to congratulate Ms. Darcy on her nomination.  We are looking forward to working with her in her new position, and to continuing our successful relationship with the Corps.  PNWA would also like to thank Secretary Woodley for his service during his tenure with the Corps, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.