Reflections

My Dearest Sister -

Happy 60th birthday, Beck! You are a true inspiration in my life. I admire you in so many ways, because you have so many talents and attributes I can only imagine. You have compassion for others like no one else, helping others in need, caring for everyone and everything on this earth, and giving more than you take. You paved the way for me in high school and college, giving me a sense of security knowing that you were there for me (and helping me through some very awkward moments with loving advice and no judgment). I cannot imagine what I would have done without you propping me up and pointing me in the right direction.

One of my favorite memories is when the two of us drove all the way across the country from Philadelphia to Portland (and didn’t kill each other). We were destination focused, racing to return to Portland ahead of schedule to surprise the family, but the road trip memories (i.e., sweet-talking us out of traffic tickets, visiting relatives, repeating tunes, “The Roach” breaking down) are etched in my mind forever. What a memorable time we had together!

I look forward to many years of inspiration and love ahead. Your life is full of meaning - keep enjoying it to the fullest.

I love you,

Stu

From Johnathan:

I have many wonderful memories of time spent with Rebecca, a kindred spirit and teacher of nature and independence. Most often this involved dirt, bare feet, wild animals, and vegetables. And some form of hard work masquerading as fun. Planting in the yard, working on the farm, swimming in the Sandy River, snowshoeing at Trillium Lake, and carving pumpkins, where secrets to peaceful living hid in plain sight. Sunday with Rebecca would make a good title for a book, the sequel to Sunday with Mom, another wonderful read. But as impactful as these times have always been, lessons from Rebecca are less about doing and more about being. Rebecca is the greatest teacher of peace, generosity, support, and kindness, always helping others learn what they can become.

Dear Rebecca,

You have always been so good to me. Man, we were just kids when we met. There have been so many adventures, trips, holidays, fun times, sad times, frustrating times, and downright ridiculously silly times. You are a presence of love in my life that I know I can count on, and you can count on me. Sounds simple, but the simple things in life are the most precious and can be taken for granted. I want you to know that I appreciate you as my sister and friend.

I admire the incredible woman you are and have been privileged to witness your journey of growth and self-awareness. You found your passion and you live your passion. Your marriage, family, teaching, gardening, cooking, learning … you give your all to it all and it shows. I am aware that these things did not come easily. Life had some rough patches, but you have emerged a confident, articulate, approachable woman. You meet people where they are in their journey, not where you want or expect them to be, and when you are with them you are truly present. That is a gift Rebecca, and it draws people to you and makes them feel safe, seen, heard, and important. You have impacted my whole family positively, but Laura especially has always found a safe space in your presence and for that I am grateful. It is wonderful that you have developed independent relationships with Emily, Laura, and Ryan. It is not a given in families and it warms my heart.

I wish only the best for you on this birthday and beyond. I can hardly wait to see what adventures and plans you have in store for the future.

Love,

Rachel

Dear Auntie Becky,

Happy Birthday! 60 years old is baffling to me, as your youthful spirit and gentle soul do not match the years associated with this milestone. You don't look a day over 30 ;)

Throughout the many years that I've had the honor of calling you my Godmother, the one theme that remains constant throughout all of my memories of you is your unwavering peace. You bring peace to each conversation through your attentive listening and thoughtful responses; you bring peace to each gathering through your genuine light and joy spread to those around you. My strongest, most recent memory of the peace you've shared and brought into my family's life is when you delivered gourmet meals, WEEKLY, to us when Madison was first born. Nevermind the 45 minute drive or the threat of the upcoming pandemic, you still prioritized sharing a little bit of your peace with us in a sleep deprived, less-than-peaceful chapter of our lives.

The world is a better place because of the 60 years of peace you've blessed upon it. We love you!

Cheers,

Ali

Rebecca,

One of my favorite memories that we've shared was putting the roof on your potting shed. You had built the structure out of several unique pieces of wood that you had found, none of the pieces were the same, but all perfect in its imperfection! I love seeing your creative vision on display in your yard. I really enjoy talking to you about what projects you're going to tackle next. In fact, I hope to participate in putting it together.

Love, John

The living embodiment of Mother Earth walks, laughs, cries, contemplates, and breathes on our good planet today and her name is Rebecca Ellen Vogt.

I first met Rebecca in the fall of 1982 in Monmouth, Oregon, on the campus of Western Oregon State College, now called Western Oregon University. In those days, the campus student union had a publicly viewed bulletin board in which people posted items for sale, roommates needed, and rides need to other places. I don’t remember if she pinned a note needing a riding to Corvallis on the bulletin board in the student union or if I put up a note that I commuted daily from Corvallis if anyone needed a ride. At any rate, somehow, we connected for she needed a ride to Corvallis. Accordingly, we got to know each other through these rides between Monmouth and Corvallis.

Through our conversations, we found that we had a great deal in common, including a love of wildlife and the outdoors, and physical activity. Rebecca and I made several trips to nearby Basket Slough National Wildlife Refuge for short hikes and exploring and to nearby Salem for dinner. Becky and I were so relaxed around each other on those jaunts that no subject matter serious or humorous was avoided. We shared details of our lives with each other that we had

never shared prior with another person.

One day after a short hike up Basket Butte and through the trees to view the geese landing on a pond, and then back to our vehicle, Becky and I were just exploring the perimeter around in the graveled parking lot, stalling, trying to delay our inevitable trip back to Monmouth. Becky came striding to me on her long legs holding something in her gloved hand. “Look at this!” It was a pellet of deer scat. I squinted at this woman who had become one of my closest friends, wearing an old brown plaid wool jacket that formerly belonged to one of her brothers. An epiphany came to me in that moment that transcended every thought or experience I had every had with my close friend Becky: I am standing in front of Mother Earth.

Rebecca graduated from college one year before I did. Relationships, marriages, time, jobs, graduate school, and distance (I moved away from Oregon back to my roots in South Dakota), in those years prior to email, cell phones, and social media made it difficult to maintain the level of friendship we enjoyed during our couple of years together in Monmouth, Oregon. An