Pat Gest

On November 9th, the OSEA and ROSE families lost an iconic leader. A member of Mount Hood Chapter 9, Pat Gest was elected as the first woman president of OSEA in 1974 and served two years leading OSEA.  During those two years, OSEA added 13 new chapters and enjoyed a 25 percent increase in overall membership. Her tenure also saw unions gain the right to bargain with employers for the 6% PERS pickup as part of employee contracts.  Afterwards, Pat remained with OSEA on staff as a field representative and also in management. Pat was loved by many and it will be hard to imagine not being able to experience her smile and humor. Pat Gest leaves behind a void that will be hard to fill.  A Celebration of Life service will be held December 14th at 1PM at the First Christian Church, 685 Marion St NE, Salem.