Man of the Year

Readers have selected Cliff Richardson as this year’s Man of the Year. A lifelong resident of the valley, Richardson’s involvement spans decades and touches nearly every corner of local life. From disaster response and cleanup efforts during winter storms to the planning and execution of major community events, he is often the person others call when something needs to get done.

Richardson has played key roles in organizing large-scale events such as track meets at the McKenzie Community Track, Locals Helping Locals community celebrations, and popular art and Solstice events. He is also a familiar presence during cleanup days around Blue River, disaster preparedness planning, and shelter support efforts following emergencies.

His service includes being a founding board member of McKenzie Valley Locals Helping Locals and serving on its Long-Term Recovery Group. He is also a founding member and executive committee member of the McKenzie Community Land Trust, where he has focused on addressing the growing need for affordable, quality housing in the valley. Richardson has spoken often about the importance of retaining families in the community, noting that many who grew up along the McKenzie can no longer afford to buy homes and raise their children there.

In addition, Richardson serves as an officer on the McKenzie Community Track and Field Board and remains deeply involved with Three Sisters Meadows and other local initiatives like the 60-Mile Main Street proposal.

His professional life has included years working throughout the watersheds of Lane County and western Oregon in the timber industry, followed by a second career teaching science at McKenzie High School.

As an educator and coach, Richardson mentored countless young people, coaching baseball and basketball and working with Youth Conservation Corps summer crews. Many former students and athletes credit him with instilling a sense of responsibility, teamwork and commitment to community. He continues to support athletics as author of the McKenzie Sports Report in River Reflections.

Those who nominated Richardson emphasized that his formal titles tell only part of the story. More often, they say, he is simply the person neighbors reach out to when help is needed – whether that means organizing volunteers, solving logistical challenges or quietly pitching in wherever the work is hardest.

“Listing everything Cliff does would probably take a team effort,” one nominator wrote.

Also in the running for Man of the Year was Walter Wilson and Steve Mealey.