Norman Yeon’s Bequest Transforms Friends of the Columbia Gorge

For Norman Yeon, the Columbia Gorge was imbedded deep into his DNA. His father, John Baptiste Yeon, was successful business man (our main office is located in the Yeon Building) who served as roadmaster for the construction of the Columbia River Highway. Norman’s brother, the younger John Yeon, fought to protect the Gorge for over three decades and recruited Nancy Russell to start Friends of the Columbia Gorge. Norman’s unrestricted bequest of $4.5 million led to the creation of the Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust, help secure the land for the Cape Horn and Lookout, and has been the most transformational gift in the organization’s history. We have named the Norman Yeon Legacy Circle in honor of Norman’s generous gift.