Wes and Nancy Lematta Honored for Philanthropic Leadership

Civic, business and community leaders from a broad range of industries across the region will join United Way of the Columbia-Willamette in honoring Wes and Nancy Lematta, recipients of the 2009 Robert G. Miller Achievement Award at the annual Major Gifts Reception on September 16th at The Governor Hotel.

Wes and Nancy have been giving to United Way for more than 25 years. Through various philanthropic activities and The Lematta Foundation, Wes and Nancy provide support to a number of Washington and Oregon organizations committed to health care and cancer research. Wes is a five-time cancer survivor, and their daughter Jill died from cancer in 2005. In her memory, Wes and Nancy named the Jill Lematta Learning Center at Providence Portland Cancer Center.

The Lemattas are major stock holders in Columbia Helicopters Inc., based in Aurora, Oregon, one of the world’s largest heavy-lift helicopter companies. After serving in World War II, Wes used the GI Bill to complete flight training. With the help of his brother Eddie, Wes founded Columbia Helicopters Inc. in 1957. The business, which started with one helicopter, now has a worldwide fleet of 30 aircraft and 800 employees.

In receiving the Robert G. Miller Achievement award, the Lemattas join other leaders of philanthropy in our region. Last year, United Way honored Ken and Marta Thrasher, well-known for their commitment to supporting education and the arts. Previous award recipients also include John D. Gray, developer of John’s Landing and Sun River; Marcia Randall, head of The Robert D. and Marcia H. Randall Charitable Trust; and the award’s namesake, Bob Miller, CEO of Albertsons LLC.