IN LOVING MEMORY OF SCOTT McARTHUR
Nov. 9, 1932 – Aug. 2, 2021
A founding member of our Foundation

Monmouth and Independence recently lost a truly great community supporter, an erudite author, a dedicated historian, and a good friend, Scott McArthur.

He was a long-time resident of Monmouth, retiring after many years of practice as an attorney from his office on Atwater Street. His legal acumen as a lawyer made McArthur a formidable opponent in the courtroom.

One of the many treasures Scott gifted our community was the establishment of the Monmouth-Independence Community Foundation. Scott had started the Education Charitable Trust scholarship program in 1995. Then in May of 2000, along with Don Duncan and James Epple, he created the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation. Initially, there was only enough money in the Foundation to provide one or two small scholarships per year. But from those humble beginnings, Scott and his compatriots established an organization that now manages over $2M in investments through collaboration with many community partners. The Community Foundation has also awarded thousands of dollars in local grants through its school-based programs and scholarships. Scott’s vision and leadership of the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation are his most significant and meaningful legacies.

Scott was a traveler. He enjoyed visiting county fairs around the country and sampling a variety of cuisines. Cruising was also a favorite.
An early grounding in journalism helped him become a fine author, and Scott wrote several excellent books to tell the history and stories of his hometown and county. He was a regular guest speaker at the Polk County Museum and a regular contributor to the Itemizer-Observer, sharing his charming tales of “the old days.”

Scott was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Independence and held the group in high regard. Scott was also involved in the Masons’ long-standing scholarship program and their ardent support of reading activities in several area schools.

Scott McArthur’s loss will be felt long and hard by this community. We who knew him will always be proud of our friendship with him and awed by what he accomplished.’

If you share Scott’s vision of a strong and active Community Foundation, please donate to the Foundation in his memory. Your gifts are tax-deductible and will be used to help fulfill Scott’s vision of providing scholarships to Central High School seniors.

Sincerely,
Vernon Wells
President, Monmouth Independence Community Foundation

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DONALD DUNCAN
Jun. 3, 1927 – Apr. 4, 2022

A founding member of our Foundation

The Monmouth Independence Community Foundation is sad to share that one of our incredible founders, Don Duncan, passed away on April 4, 2022. Along with Scott McArthur, Don was a driving force in the conception and realization of MICF, which has continued to provide support and guidance to many programs in our community for over 20 years.

Don, a former professor of education at Western Oregon University, with his wife, Verna, a teacher at Henry Hill Elementary School, started a unique enrichment program to help teachers with those “extras” that are so important. The program covers items from transportation costs for field trips to specialized art supplies. This program is still funded through MICF today and provides countless opportunities for teachers to provide quality education to their students.

Thanks to Duncan’s support and direction, MICF is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the same way it has every year since its inception – by awarding scholarship funds this spring to Central high school graduates on their way to more education.

We thank Don and Verna Duncan for their indomitable spirit and compassion for our communities. Their gifts will continue to live on at MICF as we continue their work to create Two Cities, One Legacy!

https://www.statesmanjournal.com/obituaries/ssj061907

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