Pioneers

Honored Pioneers are a tribute to those who came early and stayed late. Honored Pioneers must be a descendent who has/had a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent that lived within the current boundaries of the Sequim School District prior to 1950.  These Honored Pioneers are selected by the Sequim Pioneer Association Committee. The Honored Pioneers are…

Hazel’s lineage traces back to her great-grandparents, who homesteaded near Chicken Coop Road in Blynn. Born to Chauncey Messenger and Dorothy Delaney, she was the fourth of five children: Mayme, Phyllis, Pete, Hazel, and George. Tragically, Chauncey passed away when the children were young. In 1954, Dorothy remarried Don Hendrickson, and they had a son,…

This year, as Sequim celebrates the 130th Irrigation Festival, it is with great pride that we recognize Tim Wheeler as one of the festival’s esteemed Honored Pioneers. Tim’s deep roots in the Sequim community, coupled with his remarkable career and unwavering commitment to service, make him a fitting honoree for this milestone celebration. Born and…

The small city of Sequim is honoring Janet Ellis Duncan with the title of Honored Pioneer at the Sequim Irrigation Festival, a recognition she holds dear with gratitude and pride. Janet, a 1956 graduate of Sequim High School, has fond memories of her childhood in the Dungeness area, where she grew up surrounded by the…

For Betty, Sequim has always been home. A 1953 graduate of Sequim High School, Betty’s fond memories of growing up in the valley are as cherished as the moments she spent giving back to the community. During her senior year, Betty served as one of the princesses, a role that introduced her to the importance…