Posted on August 22, 2022 at 11:36 AM by Cade Cameron
Richard and Kortney live in the Packwood area and have been married for 43 years. They have three children, Cynthia Post, Jeremy Heald, and Bethany Fishel, and six grandchildren. They understood the importance that 4-H brought to their kids’ lives and encouraged them to participate and get involved. They would often tell them “You never know until you try” which resulted in their children exhibiting animals and static projects. This love of 4-H has also trickled down to their grandchildren.
Their support and dedication extended beyond their own family. Richard started his volunteer work at a young age when he helped build grandstand bleachers at the fairgrounds. Later he went on to join the fair board himself and has served in multiple roles over the last 25 years. Most 4-H youth that exhibited livestock would tell you that you could find Richard in the show arena, pitchfork in hand, assisting in the ring. He was able to ease the tension of a first-year 4-H member’s parent as their child walked into the ring for the first time with a 1400lb steer.
In addition to overseeing the show arena, he was also in charge of camping and storage. Richard was known as a silent helper and spent countless hours over the years at the fairgrounds working on construction projects and getting things fixed up.
Kortney co-led the Future Forgers 4-H club for five years. Her club participated in multiple community service projects such as Angels of the Tree, Operation Christmas Child, creating decorations for nursing homes, and helping with the Backpack Project. Kortney got joy out of watching her club members show and interact with the judges and others. Kortney also volunteered her time and oversaw the fair queen contest for 20 years. Through her 4-H volunteer activities, she was able to make a difference, encourage and motivate youth, teach life skills and be a positive example.
Together they formed the Herdsmanship Program, started Young at Heart at the livestock shows, and headed up the Dutch Oven Gathering and a cornhole tournament. They enjoy watching the fair grow and giving all an opportunity to participate.
Memories their family has made over the years have been a highlight for this 4-H couple. The positive impact 4-H has had on others is evident around the fair. They have played a vital role in the lives of 4-H members as they have helped teach responsibility, respect, and leadership skills, and build confidence in the youth of the county.
