About Gresham Historical Society

 Lon Shiiki is a lifelong Gresham resident who grew up on a 250-acre family berry,  vegetable, and greenhouse culinary herb farm. In 1990 Lon’s family sold  the farm, and he continued to work on the same land to build the housing  development and golf course known as Persimmon Country Club. In 1998 he  moved on to Yorke & Curtis as a project manager in commercial  construction and worked there for 17 years before retiring to pursue his  hobbies of fishing, golfing, and gardening. Lon joined the Gresham  Historical Society board in 2020 and became vice president in 2023. 

 Leslie Radke has spent 10 years on GHS board, working as treasurer for the last four  years. Before that, she had a 36-year banking career in Gresham. Her  other local volunteer work includes: 1989 charter member of the Gresham  Lions Supper Club, Eastco Diversified Services board member since 1996,  Art Walk/Gresham Outdoor Public Art treasurer for 17 years, and  treasurer for the Historic Downtown Business Association for 16 years.  She enjoys giving back to the community that supported her career and  allowed her to prosper. 

  Karen Johnston was born and raised in Rockwood, Gresham, and Damascus and raised her family in the city she loves, Gresham, Oregon.

Karen is an entrepreneur and has owned and founded three successful Gresham businesses since 1989. Karen and her husband Steve operate All About Automotive, Inc., an independent automotive repair facility that opened in 2000. 

Karen enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering to organize and operate fundraising events. She assists with the activities that her 10 grandchildren are involved in.

A native of Gresham, Cassie Rafalski is dedicated to uniting people to celebrate the vibrant history of her hometown. Fueled by a passion for community  engagement, she strives to make history and culture more accessible to every community member. With a background in event coordination, marketing, and design, Cassie brings a unique skill set to Gresham Historical Society’s mission.  Particularly devoted to engaging youth and students, she seeks to inspire the next generation by instilling a sense of pride in their local heritage.  

Vicki Moen has lived in Gresham for over 45 years and has watched the city grow and change. She married into a Gresham family with deep roots in the area. Her father-in-law regales her with stories on what used to be in every building in downtown Gresham.

Vicki values the intentionality of preserving the past while embracing the future; the remodel of Gresham High School is a great example. 

Vicki believes that preserving the history of our hometown strengthens our ties to our community and allows us to celebrate our shared experience. 

Debby Brown joined the Board of Directors in 2024. She is honored to serve our community and preserve Gresham’s history. Debby has proudly called Gresham her hometown since 1967. She (as well as her two grown  daughters) graduated from Gresham High School, attended Mount Hood Community College, and earned a bachelor's degree from Portland State University. Now that Debby is retired from a 34-year federal career, she enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with family and friends, making paper crafts, and building family trees on Ancestry.