MAYOR'S MESSAGE Remember Judith Ann Mogan This week, our community mourns the passing of Judith Ann Mogan, whose family name and generosity have been woven into the history of Coos Bay and the South Coast for generations. Judith was the daughter of Al and Hilda Peirce, whose family business, Al Peirce Lumber Company, was once a major employer in our community. As the timber industry changed, the family business changed with it, but one thing remained constant: a commitment to the community they called home. Judith and her mother, Hilda, were longtime supporters of youth and education in our area. Their generosity benefited organizations and programs including the Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon, scholarships for local high school graduates, 4-H, FFA, SMART Reading, and many other community efforts. That tradition of giving continued through Al Peirce Co., supporting important local institutions and projects throughout our region. In 2020, following the sale of the Al Peirce Co. timberlands, a portion of the proceeds was dedicated to establishing the Judith Ann Mogan Foundation. The Foundation was created to continue the charitable tradition begun by Al and Hilda Peirce and carried forward by Judith. Today, the impact of that commitment can be seen throughout the South Coast and here at home in Coos Bay. The Foundation has supported organizations and projects serving children and families, education, health care, the arts, recreation, natural resources, and those in need. Its support can be seen in our parks and public spaces and, perhaps most importantly, in the work of local organizations that serve our residents every day. Judith’s contributions to this community will extend well beyond her lifetime. What began with a family committed to the place they called home continues today through organizations, programs, projects, and opportunities that make a difference in the lives of people throughout our region. On behalf of the Coos Bay City Council and the entire City of Coos Bay, I extend our sincere condolences to Judith’s family, friends, and all those who knew her. We are grateful for her commitment to our community and for the enduring legacy she leaves behind. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay