January 24, 2022 10:50 a.m.

One of the most well-known people in the Umpqua Valley has died.

Frank Moore quietly passed away at home Sunday evening with his wife of nearly 80 years, Jeanne, and other family members by his side, according to daughter Colleen Bechtel.

Moore was a World War II hero, who stormed the beaches of Normandy as the war began in 1944. In recent years, he returned to that area and was awarded the Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor for his bravery. After the war, Moore came to the Umpqua Valley, eventually constructing the Steamboat Inn, starting in 1957. Moore built their log home on 80 acres of property in the Idleyld Park area in 1974.

An avid fly fisherman, Moore was known for his promotion of fishing on the North Umpqua River and for his concern about the environment.  Moore has been called the father of the Oregon Forest Practices Act. The legislation, adopted in the 1970s, set standards for all commercial activities involving the establishment, management and harvesting of trees on Oregon’s forestlands.

In 2019, Congress passed legislation which designated a 100,000 acre stretch along the North Umpqua River as the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Special Management Area.

The Moore’s lost their home and possessions in the September 2020 Archie Creek Fire, which burned over 131,000 acres and destroyed around 160 homes. Four weeks later, during his final radio interview on News Radio 1240 KQEN, Frank Moore still had a positive perspective about their situation:

Moore was known for his vise-like handshakes, and firm bear hugs. Much more about Frank Moore’s life and ideas could be said. His final words on the radio summed it up well.

Bechtel asked that people respect their privacy during this time. She said a private family burial will be held with a memorial to be scheduled at a later date.

Frank Moore was 98. He would have turned 99 next week.