Del Loder, a lifelong Magnolia resident and graduate of Queen Anne High School, was recognized by AKCHO (Association of King County Historical Organizations) on April 23 at its annual awards ceremony with the Willard Jue Memorial Award. The Queen Anne Historical Society (QAHS) nominated Loder for his long service with the society.
Originally, Dr. Kay F. Reinartz recruited him when the society took on a big book project, culminating in the book “Queen Anne-Community on the Hill.” Loder researched and edited the chapter on cemeteries on the hill. From then on, he has been an integral member of the Queen Anne Historical Society, serving in almost every leadership position on the board of trustees and on various committees.
Loder was so interested in the history of Mount Pleasant Cemetery and the various stories about the residents that he started an annual walking tour of the cemetery for the QAHS with Kim Turner and was assisted by various tour guides through the years.
It wasn’t all researching and lecturing: Loder was the driver for the judges for the QAHS’ annual tree-lighting contest, which takes courage on the icy streets of Queen Anne on a December night.
Loder is probably best known in the community for his work with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). He was awarded the Order of the Arrow, and in 2009, he was only the fourth person ever recognized by the BSA with its Lifetime Achievement award at its Order of the Arrow conference.
Loder also a Vigil Honor Member of the T’Kope Kwiskwis lodge in Seattle for more than 60 years.[[In-content Ad]]
