Jack and Nancy Otterson Are Parade Marshals

WAITSBURG – A visit from their neighbors, Mayor Walt Gobel and his wife Gwen, threw a happy kink into Jack and Nancy Otterson's Waitsburg Celebration Days plans this year. When the Ottersons told the Gobels that Eastern Star would be riding in their convertible and that Jack would be driving his red truck for the Alumni Association float, the Gobels informed them that they would need to reconsider that plan because they had been selected as 2015 Waitsburg Celebration Days parade marshals. (Karen Huwe Mohney is being honored as co-marshal.)

"Both of us were completely flabbergasted. It literally never dawned on us, but we were so pleased," said Nancy.

The selection is more than fitting for the high school sweethearts who grew up in Waitsburg, married and raised their family here, volunteering and actively participating in the community all along the way.

"There's nothing unusual there," said Nancy. "The old-timers all belong to everything and they participate in everything so we don't feel like we're anything unusual, other than the fact that we chose to stay in Waitsburg and really love Waitsburg and have never regretted that. Being a part of Waitsburg seems like a normal thing to do. It's like being part of a family.

Both Jack and Nancy moved to Waitsburg in the third grade and went through school here. Jack graduated with the class of '56 and Nancy with the class of '57. "Being in a small school is really special. We, still today, have teachers – even grade school teachers - and coaches that are good friends of ours," Nancy said.

"We're high school sweethearts – there's no getting around it. We fell in love and it seemed like the right thing to do," Nancy said. The couple began dating when Nancy was a freshman and celebrated their 56th anniversary on May 9. "Jack wouldn't say this, but he was a star – he was a fabulous athlete in baseball, football, basketball . . . he was just really one of those exceptional athletes."

Jack attended college at Eastern Washington University where he played basketball and majored in physical education. Nancy graduated as valedictorian from WHS before attending college at Whitworth University, where she was an education major. Both returned to Waitsburg before completing their degrees.

Nancy worked in the office at the Grain Growers, which was located in the former Wait's Mill. Jack drove truck for Wayne and Don Hinchliffe, hauling for Green Giant. They married in 1959 and had three children: Tammy ('60), Laurie ('62) and Jack Jr ('69). Laurie, who loved horses and had been a Days of Real Sport princess, was killed in a car accident in 1987. Tammy lives in the Tri-Cities and Jack Jr. lives in Seattle.

In 1966, the Ottersons purchased a drive-in theater that was located between Waitsburg and Dayton. "Some relatives of ours owned it and told us we should buy it from them so we did. Just like that! We knew nothing about it. We owned and operated it for 20 years," Nancy said.

During that time, Jack, who had always wanted to work for the county, was hired on by the Public Works Department where he advanced to supervisor. Nancy needed some extra money one Christmas and went to work at Dingles, where she ended up becoming manager. "I went to work as part-time help for Christmas and was there for 29 years. I loved going to work every day," she said. But working full-time jobs, running a drive-in theater, and raising a family didn't interfere with the Ottersons being active in the community.

Nancy joined Rainbow at age 13 and has remained a part of the organization to this day. She is currently Board Chairman and was Mother Advisor for 27 years. "It's such a fabulous organization and they learn and gain so much from it. There's never been a time, since I joined at 13, that Rainbow hasn't been a part of my life in some way," she said. Both Jack and Nancy became members of Eastern Star and Jack became a Mason where is a Past Master.

Jack represented the Lion's Club when the Waitsburg Ambulance Service – a community endeavor between several organizations – was formed. He was on the service's first Board of Directors, formed 45 years ago, and has been Chairman for the past 30 years. "That's been a huge part of our lives," said Nancy, who is also on the board and has served as secretary for 18 years.

Jack volunteered with the fire department in 1959 where he stayed for nearly 30 years and was fire chief for part of that time. A Lion for many years, Jack also served on city council and on the planning commission. After retiring, Jack was appointed to the Columbia County Health System Board of Directors, and has been elected twice since. "That's a full-time job, just about. Especially now with the remodel job coming up. I just wanted to represent Waitsburg," Jack said.

The couple has always been active helping out with the Days of Real Sport. Jack sold tickets at the gate and Nancy ran the Rainbow booth. Daughter Laurie was on court one year with Queen Kelly McConnell. "Boy those girls could sure ride!" Jack said.

In addition to Rainbow, Nancy has held state offices in Eastern Star and is active in PEO. "I don't remember when I joined PEO but the first time I was president was in '78. I love that organization as well," Nancy said. "And, of course, I helped with Sunday School, Camp Fire . . . all the things moms do."

The couple is also active in the Presbyterian Church and with the WHS Alumni Association. "When you do all the volunteering like we do during the years, you don't even think about people recognizing it. You just do; then when something else comes up, you do it again. You don't expect a pat on the back or anything. I remember watching my folks volunteer and looking forward to being able to do the same thing," Jack said.

"I really do think of Waitsburg as being like a family," said Nancy.

"That's why we stayed here. How could it get any better?" added Jack.