Camas Days Royal Couple contributes to the community

A former school teacher and registered nurse have been selected as Camas Days Senior Royalty.

Walt and Pauline Eby were nominated by Verla Jonason, Virginia Warren and Eunice Abrahamsen.

“It is an honor to be selected for this special event,” Walt said.

“Smaller communities function best when citizens get involved,” he added. “That’s what makes Camas a very nice community to be involved in.”

The Ebys were selected to serve as royalty by the GFWC Camas-Washougal Women’s Club.

Walt taught for 20 years in California before moving to Washington, and Pauline worked at the Vancouver Clinic for 23 years. After she retired in 2008, she volunteered in the Southwest Washington Medical Center library for two years.

Walt taught at Portland Christian Elementary School for several years before he changed careers and became a general contractor, building custom homes in Clark County.

Walt started volunteering when they moved to Washougal in 1982. He was a den leader when their son was in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Walt was involved in the Sky River Development homeowners association, and he volunteered with the reading program at Helen Baller Elementary School in Camas.

After the Ebys moved to Camas in 1998, Walt served on the Camas Parks and Recreation Commission for 11 years. He held a leadership position in the Evergreen Terrace Neighborhood Association.

The Ebys have volunteered for 10 years at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum, in Washougal. Walt has served as the facilities manager, and he is a board member. He recently coordinated a four-month closure and refurbishing project at the museum, which involved updating of displays.

The Ebys volunteer at the museum’s plant sales.

Pauline tends to the gardens there.

She enjoys connecting with people and sharing common interests.

“You get back more than what you give,” Pauline said.

She is a weaver and spinner of yarn. She also crafts baskets using pine needles and gourds. She donates them to be sold in the museum’s gift shop.

The Ebys donate their time as members of the Friends of the Camas Cemetery, Lost and Found Cafe and the FISH food sorting program.

They have served as board members of the square dance club, The Happy Hoppers, in Vancouver.

“They are very humble and hard workers and have been involved in many things,” Abrahamsen said.

“They don’t sit back and let others do the work,” she added. “They are contributing with their skills and their talents.”

The Ebys have been married for 48 years. They have a daughter and son and four grandchildren.