Those who have helped shape the Project’s past – and inspire its future.
 

HONORARY LIFE MEMBER RECOGNITION

The Honorary Life Member tradition began in 1964 – the very year the Columbia Basin Development League was established. From the start, this distinction has been awarded to individuals with a longstanding commitment to the Columbia Basin Project, whether or not they were directly involved with the League. That tradition continues today. The League’s mission is to support the Columbia Basin Project and its future development. In much the same way, Honorary Life Members have exemplified this mission through steadfast dedication, enduring advocacy, and meaningful contributions that advance the Project and ensure its future.

2025
Thomas Tebb

2024
WA Representative Mary Dye
U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodger

2023
Lad Irrigation

2022
Vicky Scharlau

2021
No award given

2020
Congressman Dan Newhouse

2019
Steve Shinn

2018
Washington State Potato Commission

2017
Arlie Updegrave

2016
Richard Lemargie

2015
Honorable Christine Gregoire
Congressman Doc Hastings

2014
Richard Erickson
Shannon McDaniel
Bill Gray

2013
Senator Mark Schoesler
Senator Judy Warnick

2012
Alice Parker

1992-2011
No award given

1991
Chan Baily

1990
No award given

1989
Joe Jantz

1988
Reid Phillips
Frank Shinn

1987
Honorable Glynn Chandler
Honorable Frank “Tub” Hansen
Honorable Curt Smith

1984-1986
No award given

1983
Wistar Burgess
Robert Kissler
Max Webb
E. Roy Mundy

1979-1982
No award given

1978
Hu Blonk

1977
William G. “Bill” Wolford
Roger Thieme
Honorable Henry M. Jackson

1975-1976
No award given

1974
David Gallant

1973
Sarge Hubbard

1972
No award given

1971
Paul Hamilton

1970
William E. Rawlings

1969
James H. Dodson
C.J. Edwards

1968
E.C. “Ned” Thomas

1967
Honorable Warren Magnuson

1966
Loen L. Bailie

1965
Judge B.B. Horrigan
J.A. “Jake” Weber
Don Damon

Established 1964
Frank T. Bell
Billy Clap

CHAIRMAN'S AWARD

Established 2025
Sara Higgins

PERSEVERANCE AWARD

Perseverance is the resolve to keep going and finish the work – no matter how difficult the path.

Recipients of CBDL’s Perseverance Award embody this spirit, continuing forward despite obstacles and challenges, and refusing to give up when the odds are against them.

2025
ECBID Board Past and Present

2024
Orman Johnson
Mike Schwisow

2023
Harold Crose

2022
John Moody

2020-2021
No award given

2019
Senator Mark Schoesler

2018
Derek Sandison

2017
Doc Hastings

2016
The Woods Family

2015
Art Prior

2013-2014
No award given

Established 2012
Alice Parker

LIFETIME TRUSTEE AWARD

2025
JJ Danz

2024
No awards given

2023
John Moody, Ephrata

2022
Alice Parker, Royal Slope

2021
No awards given

2020
Jake Wollman Jr., Warden

2019
Jeff Schibel, Odessa

2018
Milt Johnston, Ellensburg

2017
Steve Connors, Warden

Previous Recipients 
Russ Wentworth, Ephrata
Roger Thieme, Othello
Roger Bailie, Connell
Rex Lyle, Ritsville
Jim O'Conner, Pasco
Jim Klindworth, Connell
Edward Willborn, Richland
Art Prior, Othello
Alber Gross, Marlin