Margaret was 18 when I first met her and her family at St. Bart's. I was 12, just started playing guitar. She had a twelve-string and taught me some finger picking techniques. Together we became part of the folk mass service in the early 70's. Later I too became a WSI, and lifeguard, worked with her at THPRD and eventually became a science instructor. She was a role model in many ways. I am sad at her passing, and I will keep her sisters and family in my prayers. She will be missed, but through faith in the precious gift of Jesus, I hope to see Margaret again. Shalom!
Susan Weidkamp
I am so saddened to hear of Margret's passing. She was a true hero and inspiration to me and so many others. She was a true force of nature. She was so adept at with the most difficult students. I worked with Margaret and knew her as Lorax at Trestle Glen in the early 90's for a few sessions on her staff as a Senior Counselor. She was a mentor and friend and I will miss her and remember her ever after.
Christopher Baker (Chaos)
Lorax was one of the greats of Outdoor School. She inspired so many of us and gave so much to the program. Her legacy will live on and on. I am grateful to have known her.
Vicki "ivy" Coats
Margaret is a magnificent spirit that will always be with us.
Rex "Tyee" Ettlin
Out of sight, but never out of mind and heart.
Tom "Weeble" Davis
I worked and played with Lorax, I would very much appreciate being part of her tree ceremony.
Will Roth
I was so sad to hear this news. Taken from us way too soon. Margaret had a widespread and lasting influence on thousands of people. I always loved getting her to smile - she really radiated joy. An amazing leader, teacher, mentor, storyteller. I could go on and on, but I'm just preaching to the choir!
(Jubilee / Kokua)
Lorax helps to make me the person I am. First as my outdoo school director when I was in high school, to YMCA summer camp director, she led by example, and sang and played wonderfully. Love you, Margaret.
Bob “Zonker” Loewen
Working for Margaret is a very special memory for me.
Martin "Mah-ee" Letourneau
Margaret was my educational and life mentor from the time I was 15 years old at Arrah Wanna Outdoor School. I was fortunate to be a Junior Counselor there five times, then go on to work with Lorax as a staff member for four sessions at Trestle Glen after graduating from college, then the beginning of a session at Sandy RIver after earning my MAT. Margaret understood when I received a classroom job after the first week of that session: "You have to take it -- this is the big leagues!" Nearly 30 years later, I am still unsure whether I'm in the big leagues, but am very sure that my educational style and wisdom bears Margaret's indelible imprint (that square, supremely legible imprint). I am grateful to Margaret for all she gave, and am happy to have told her this in life. My own camp name was "Ripple," and Margaret's influence will forever ripple through my life and those of so many others. Sincere wishes for healing to Margaret's family and friends.
Audrey Petterson
I would love to attend the tree planting ceremony. It seems a delighteay to honor Lorax.
Lisia Farley
I was introduced to Margaret when I was about 10 yrs old at Camp Collins. I worked for her at Trestal Glen for four sessions from 1988-89. She trusted me with responsibility, gifted me with the faith in myself that led to over 10 yrs as a public school educator & told me the story of what my life could be. I owe her a debt that can’t easily be paid. My world became a little smaller for her passing.
Quentin “ COHO” Welch
Will miss forever, but never forgotten...
Tom "Weeble" Davis
Margaret is a great spirit that will always be with us and the thousands of children who's lives she touched.
Rex "Tyee" Ettlin
My prayers of love and loss of Margaret go out to the Eng family. The Eng family is full of amazing talents. It is a great loss to not have Margaret with us any longer. Those she has touch in her life are blessed. I know I feel blessed to know the Eng's.
Julie Vaught
As a teacher of 6th grade taking my classes to Outdoor School, It was my privilege to work with Margaret numerous sessions. She was truly an inspiration to hundreds of students and their teacher as she carried out her role in the Outdoor School program. There was no one in my years in the Outdoor School program that gave me more inspiration nor taught me more leadership skills than "Lorax". I cherish my memory of working with her.
Phil Carrier
I was lucky to work with and learn from Lorax in many capacities at Outdoor School. She was an enthusiastic and creative educator, organized and much-respected supervisor, wonderful story-teller and an overall joy to spend time with. I will always remember her smile and her laugh.
Freda Sherburne
Margaret had a heart of gold and a spirit that was compassionate, caring, and fun loving. Those that had the honor to know Margaret have been Blessed. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not.” Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
Christy Fawcett
Thanks for everything Margaret. Thanks for hiring me over 20 years ago and changing my life. Your work to create an outdoor school that was totally inclusive is still being felt today. Blessings to you and your family.
Benno Lyon
Lorax~ Thank you for your Native American stories, your calligraphy, your fiddle, and your commitment to a better world.
Leah Bouchard
"Love is something if you give it away". Thanks for all the magic pennies. Love you! Weeble
Tom "Weeble" Davis
Such a wonderful woman, teacher and leader, her impact will be felt by so many. Such a huge loss. I am grateful to have known her and shared her home one season selling Christmas Trees for my brother Skipper
Ginny Carlson
Margaret was a dedicated educator, engaging storyteller, and kind friend. She is deeply missed.
Kim Silva
I am saddened to hear of Margaret’s passing. She was a great person and so talented in working with all of the kids. She will be missed by all.
Barbara Jorgensen
For years...you were my only family. You lived a life of service and compassion. Few understood your dedication..There is only one Lorax. Miss you ever single day. I hope you can hear me. Rob
Rob Mcqueen-jensen
Lorax.. you were the first adult in my life I looked up to and wanted to do well for. You shaped much of my outlook on the world, and that has profoundly affected my own impact with education. You are a part of my heart, and my soul. You will be missed by so many.
Tracey Fisher
Margaret you were so talented and knowledgeable. I loved being on the committee with you and learned a lot. I was In awe of how you worked with the children.My heart hurts that you left us to soon. You will be truly missed and hopefully you are with our children up in heaven and singing around the campfire I hope.!! 💔😥😥🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💜 Rena
Rena Curtis
May you rest in heaven, thank you for the wonderful memories
Claudia terriquez
Margaret brought humor, life and energy to stories and storytellers. She was much loved and will be missed.
Walt Schaefer
Margaret was an amazing person who had a profound impact on my life and the lives of many who worked with her, as well as the many students who attended the Outdoor School programs run through the Multnomah ESD. A gifted educator, she understood the power of using stories and music to connect with students in powerful ways. She loved to work with challenging kids who hadn't always had much success and it appeared to be magic to those of us who observed her in action. I am sorry to not only have lost a true friend, but for the community to have lost a great person. Godspeed Lorax!
Doug Wendle
My condolences to Margaret's family. Margaret was one of our teachers here at Doernbecher Children's Hospital. I enjoyed Margaret's story reading to our young patients. Any patient she was reading to was captivated by her story telling talent and I could see that she enjoyed reading to the children as much as they enjoyed her being with them. I will keep that kind memory in mind as you all strive to find peace in this loss within your family.
Sandra Westfall
Thank-you Margaret for your welcoming and inclusive spirit and your countless gifts of song and story and presence to our storytelling community in Portland and beyond. Travel well and may you find peace, beauty and friendship on the other side.
Will Hornyak
So sorry to hear of Margaret passing. She was such a good friend to the Portland Storytellers' Guild for so many years. I loved her gentle stories and quiet presence. Go in peace.
Barbara A Fankhauser
I enjoyed meeting you through storytelling Margaret. You were an inspiration to me as a beginning storyteller and always so supportive when I was starting out as a professional teller. Thank-you for your friendship. AnneP
Anne Penfound
My condolences go out to all of Margaret's loved ones. She was a dear woman, a friend with a wonderful laugh, a sweet singing voice, and she was a wonderful storyteller and a devoted advocate for the Outdoor School and children's storytelling in many settings. She also had been a member of The Portland Storyteller's Guild for many years and served on it's board repeatedly and helped to create children's storytelling programs. She also shared the joy of storytelling as a teller in support of The Portland Revel's Summer Faire in Portland's Park Blocks. She will be missed and she will be remembered.
Ken Iverson
I enjoyed the few and rare times Margaret graced the Guild's stage after I joined the Portland Storytellers' Guild. And we counted on her for years -- beginning long before I was involved -- as the Editor of the Guild's monthly newsletter. A stalwart carrier of stories, both from her mouth, but also in her heart. We will miss Margaret.
Eric Foxman