Gerry Frank, speaks at the dedication for the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater on July 23, 2021 as Gov. Kate Brown and Sen. Betsy Johnson look on. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter)
A public memorial service for Oregon legend Gerry Frank will be held Thursday at the Salem Convention Center.
Frank died March 13 at age 98 after a life dedicated to advancing Oregon in the public and private spheres. He was the longtime chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Mark Hatfield and earned the nickname “Oregon’s Third Senator” for the respect he garnered both at home and in Washington D.C.
He was also a prolific travel writer and chocolate lover, operating a cake shop in Salem and serving as the judge at the Oregon State Fair’s chocolate cake contest.
Frank was the longest-serving member of the Rotary Club of Salem, who dedicated the newly constructed amphitheater in Riverfront Park to him.
The celebration of life Thursday begins at 10 a.m. The Convention Center is located at 200 Commercial St. S.E. Guests are asked to RSVP to [email protected].
Gerry Frank judges chocolate cakes at the Oregon State Fair in 1960. He judged the contest for 60 years. (Oregon Historical Society)
-Rachel Alexander
