Van Doren ceremony honored Archie’s many contributions
The family and friends of Dr. Archie Van Doren gathered at Scout-a-Vista Saturday morning to dedicate a beautiful stone marker in front of the ancient lodge. It’s a wonderful family.
Archie was the father of controlled atmosphere storage that revolutionized the fruit industry and also served as a Chelan County PUD commissioner. But his tremendous public accomplishments were perhaps surpassed by his behind-the-scenes contributions. He poured his heart and soul into mentoring young leaders individually and through his service to the Boy Scouts in a multitude of ways.
One interesting piece of family lore I learned was that Archie Van Doren had a long-time practice of serving dessert before dinner at family gatherings. At the end of the ceremony, the spotlight was turned on Archie’s 3-year-old great grandson and namesake, Henry Archibald Van Doren.
“Let’s eat cake,” he sang out with gusto. Those of us who attended the ceremony followed Henry into the ancient lodge at Scout-a-Vista and did just that.
It’s great to know that Van Doren’s contributions will be forever remembered at that special place.
Archie Van Doren
