Columbia Gorge Community College will hold a memorial celebration of the life of Dr. Ernie Keller on June 11 at its campus in The Dalles.  Keller passed away in July of 2020 from complications of COVID-19, but services were deferred through the pandemic.  Keller became regional coordinator for career and vocational education with the Wasco County Educational Service District in 1977, earned his Doctorate of Education in 1989, and served as chair of the Wasco County Planning Commission during the Rajneesh era.  He retired in 2001, a year later winning election to the Columbia Gorge Community College board of trustees, where he served for the next 17 years.  Keller was instrumental in the college’s subsequent growth, both on The Dalles Campus and establishment of the Hood River – Indian Creek Campus in 2008.  The June 11 memorial is open to the public, hosted in the Columbia Gorge Regional Skills Center by the CGCC Foundation and the Keller Family.  Family members wish to raise $25,000 to fully endow the Dr. Ernest and Gloria Keller Scholarship Fund so this can continue to support students enrolled at CGCC.  If you would like to support the family’s efforts, please make your donation to the CGCC Foundation through its secure website at www.cgccfoundation.org.