Moving to Corbett in 1947 from Haiti, Roger Mackaness had an English father who was in management at a rubber plantation. His mother suffered with health issues and the temperate climate of Corbett seemed to be a good fit for her. Born in 1943, Roger attended grades 1-8 in Corbett (there was no kindergarten). His father wanted Roger to have a "Classical" education, so he attended Jesuit High School in Portland. After serving in the Navy for four years, Roger used the GI Bill to attend and graduate from PSU, where he met Sue, his wife. Raising their family in Corbett, both of their adult children are currently living in Corbett as well. Roger was the Chairman of the Vista House Project for three years when Portland "heavyweights" were trying to have the US Forest Service take over the operation of the Vista House from the State Parks Dept. back in the 1980's. Roger and many others felt strongly that the locals should be the overseers of the place, and worked hard to do just that. There was victory in the effort, and the Vista House was cleaned and remodeled. Locals sold crafts in the basement of the building. Currently his energy is being used to provide college scholarships for Corbett kids through the Corbett Education Foundation. Beginning in 1997, approximately three dozen $500 scholarships are awarded each year. Each student has an opportunity to earn as many scholarships as they qualify for, and each are renewable for up to a total of six times! Roger is a firm believer that it truly takes the efforts of a community to educate a child, and it is now more critical than ever we help each student we can. Bless you!
