Dick & Ruth Wilson named Grand Marshals of 2026

The Azalea Festival has named Dick and Ruth Wilson as the 2026 Azalea Festival Grand Marshals, recognizing their longtime contributions to the Brookings-Harbor community.

“Dick and Ruth Wilson represent the very best of Brookings-Harbor,” said Lauri Ziemer, of the Azalea Festival Committee. “Their decades of service through education, faith, business, and community involvement have touched countless lives, and we are proud to honor them as our 2026 Grand Marshals.”

For Dick and Ruth Wilson, the recognition was humbling.  “We both were pleasantly surprised to receive such a high honor,” they shared.

Since making Brookings their home in 1970, the Wilsons have helped shape the community through education, coaching, youth mentorship, business leadership, faith, and service. What began as a difficult move became one of the most meaningful decisions of their lives.

“Even though I cried when we came to Brookings in 1970 because I didn’t want to leave my family in Southern California, this has been one of the most important decisions we have made,” Ruth said. “We love it here.”

Over the years, Brookings became home in every sense of the word.  “We have raised our children and now grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Brookings,” the Wilsons said.

Both Dick and Ruth served as teachers in the Brookings-Harbor School District, where they became a familiar and trusted part of the lives of many local families. Dick also spent years coaching and serving as Athletic Director, while Ruth dedicated herself to teaching children and sharing her love of music and faith through church ministry and Child Evangelism Fellowship.

“We both became acquainted with lots of families and we have enjoyed watching lives develop over the years,” they said.

Their service extended beyond education. Dick worked hard across several professions, including at South Coast Lumber and later in real estate after acquiring his license and purchasing Century 21 Agate Realty. Ruth’s life of service continued through teaching, ministry, and music. Together, they built a life centered on hard work, generosity, and community. Even now, their work continues. “We are both 85 years and still working, which keeps us young,” they shared.

When asked what message they would leave with the Brookings-Harbor community, the Wilsons spoke with the same humility and wisdom that have defined their lives here. “However your life leads you, as Dick would say, a ‘fork in the road,’ your life matters and you never know the influence you have on other people, be givers in time or money. It enriches your life and others as well.”

The Azalea Festival is honored to recognize Dick and Ruth Wilson for the example they have set through decades of service and quiet leadership. Their story reflects the values that continue to shape Brookings-Harbor: commitment to family, dedication to community, and a willingness to give of themselves for others.

“Thank you for the opportunity to represent Brookings-Harbor”, they both said.

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