She is an iconic fixture forever in Oregon history. Tough, smart, driven, and brave. She came from an era of no excuses and no quarter given to the enemy. The greatest generation. The world today is a lesser place without her and that entire generation. Excellent piece John!
Thanks for this John. I was just thinking good thoughts of Gert as I laced up my Sorel Boots (still in great shape since I got em’ in 1995!) to shovel snow last week. I also can’t help but think of Gert when I enjoy really good apple pie, at her wake in Memorial Coliseum you might recall we all received small slices of pie as we left, from her favorite recipe. Columbia Sportswear is a client of mine, and can confirm Gert still is very much a part of all they are and all they do. She was and is an incredibly awesome force.
My Dad owned a clothing store on the Oregon Coast and I remember him laughing about having conversations with her on the phone back in the 70’s. A great story!
I remember Columbia giving out thousands of winter jackets every year at Christmas time when I volunteered to help in the children's drive. Every child got a jacket and one each for their siblings at home. It was heartwarming.
Great take! But the sentences for the jerks who pulled a gun on an elderly lady, assaulted her, and tied her up? No wonder crime is growing more and more rampant.
Some or all of these s-bags are probably back of the street. Should have at least gotten 30 years each.
My wife and I met with Gert every month for breakfast in downtown Portland. A great source.. a better friend. Funny, too.
Tim Boyle's not alone: I miss Gert, too, and your fine remembrance neatly reframed a tough woman much smarter than the obstacles she overcame.
She is an iconic fixture forever in Oregon history. Tough, smart, driven, and brave. She came from an era of no excuses and no quarter given to the enemy. The greatest generation. The world today is a lesser place without her and that entire generation. Excellent piece John!
Great article on Gert Boyle! An excellent reminder of what class really is all about.
I loved her book! She was a remarkable woman and I wish I could have known her. She was a firecracker!
Thanks for devoting a column to her , John.
Thanks for that. I used to love to read stories about her, and loved just as much the clever ad campaign commercials they did.
Loved this. Fun read and a reminder that good stories come in all shapes and sizes.
Thanks for this John. I was just thinking good thoughts of Gert as I laced up my Sorel Boots (still in great shape since I got em’ in 1995!) to shovel snow last week. I also can’t help but think of Gert when I enjoy really good apple pie, at her wake in Memorial Coliseum you might recall we all received small slices of pie as we left, from her favorite recipe. Columbia Sportswear is a client of mine, and can confirm Gert still is very much a part of all they are and all they do. She was and is an incredibly awesome force.
My Dad owned a clothing store on the Oregon Coast and I remember him laughing about having conversations with her on the phone back in the 70’s. A great story!
I love this! And I love the pic of her at her desk. It reminds me of office jobs I had in Washington Co.
Central Texas looks alot different!
But why aren't we talking about the demise of our favorite conference? I hear Colorado is trying like heck to get back into the Big!@
Is that why GK is talking to CSU?
I remember Columbia giving out thousands of winter jackets every year at Christmas time when I volunteered to help in the children's drive. Every child got a jacket and one each for their siblings at home. It was heartwarming.
Another great story John!
Thank you.
Yet another absolute journalistic gem by John. Thank you!
Great take! But the sentences for the jerks who pulled a gun on an elderly lady, assaulted her, and tied her up? No wonder crime is growing more and more rampant.
Some or all of these s-bags are probably back of the street. Should have at least gotten 30 years each.
Great story about a wonderful lady.I grew up with Buck Knight.I was happy to see his involvement in her success.Boy you do great article s
Tim is a good guy.
Thanks for the article John. Always love reading these…very personable. She was one tough cookie for sure.