Every year, Washington County Museum awards an outstanding supporter of the Museum for his or her efforts on behalf of the Museum and the community. The award is given annually at A Taste of Washington County, which showcases local foods and wines that have been prepared by some of the region’s best culinary talent.
2012 Award: Tom Brian
Longtime Tigard resident and public servant Tom Brian is the 2012 recipient of the Heart of Washington County Award, which
will be presented at A Taste of Washington County on Friday, June 22.
Tom has represented the people of Washington County in city, county and state government for more than 30 years — most recently as chairman of the Washington County Commission, where he served for 12 years. He retired from public service in 2010 to spend more time with his family and to travel.
Tom served 10 years on the Tigard City Council and as Tigard’s mayor before he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1989, where he served 10 years. He took office as county commission chair in 1999.
Known as a consensus builder, Tom was instrumental in a number of projects and policies that have benefited Washington County communities — from roads to rail transportation, public safety and economic development, to name a few. It was his vision that helped establish the L.L. Stub Stewart State Park in northwest Washington County, and he was a pivotal player in bringing commuter rail to the county.
“We are honoring Tom Brian with the Heart of Washington County Award for his many years of leadership,” said Betty Atteberry, chairwoman of the Taste Committee.
“Tom’s collaborative style and dedicated effort has resulted in creating and maintaining a strong, healthy Washington County community for all of us. It is our privilege to present him with this award.”
2011 Award: Pat Reser
Born in Canada in 1938, Pat Reser moved to Portland during her high school years and then attended Portland State University where she met her husband, Al.
They married in 1958, transferred to Oregon State University, and both graduated in 1960 – Pat with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She later returned to Portland State to earn a master’s in special education. She taught in Forest Grove and Hillsboro before retiring from the Beaverton School District office in 1995. Serving as the corporate secretary for 13 years, Pat currently serves as board chair of Reser’s Fine Foods.
Curiosity and a desire to make a difference have been hallmarks of Pat’s life. Having been married to Al for 52 years, raising five creative and successful children, and enjoying 14 grandchildren continue to provide many opportunities for both. Whether walking the ancient roadways in Petra, viewing the majestic Terra Cotta Warriors, visiting with penguins on Antarctica or walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, Pat and Al’s passports reflect that curiosity.
One of her special joys is experiencing the interaction of her family as they work and play together and seeing their commitment to supporting one another’s interests. A long-held goal of establishing a Reser Family Foundation was realized this spring with the full participation of the family.
Through their philanthropy and volunteer service, the Reser family has made a profound impact on Oregon State University through their support of the university’s football stadium, the Linus Pauling Science Center and the new College of Business building.
Pat is co-chair of the OSU Foundation Campaign Steering Committee, helping guide university efforts to raise $850 million to support students, strengthen Oregon and address pressing world needs. She has been a member of the OSU Foundation Board of Trustees since 2003.
Serving on several boards, commissions and task forces, 20 years in education and a recent trip to Guatemala with Medical Teams International have nurtured her desire to make a difference. She is active in supporting the arts, the Beaverton Education Foundation, St. Matthew Lutheran Church and the Washington County Museum, where she serves as a Steward. Her Labyrinth is listed on the worldwide labyrinth locator and is available to any who wish to walk.
