Remembering Rose Alfred, Volunteer and Friend

“She knew how to grin and laugh and she knew how to be a human being.” —Mike Owens

A tireless volunteer

Longtime WTA volunteer Rose Alfred passed away in late November surrounded by family at the age of 72. She worked as a registered nurse at three hospitals during a 45 year medical career, and was an expert HIV/AIDS nurse in the 1980s. In addition to her work at the hospital, she was a hardworking fundraiser for breast cancer awareness, and a volunteer cook for Community Lunch at Central Lutheran in Seattle.

But we know her best as a dedicated assistant crew leader with WTA, who earned her crosscut saw award in 2011, marking 500 days of trail work. She continued to volunteer until late 2012, logging 548 total work parties.

Rose Alfred receiving her Crosscut Saw Award from Alan Carter Mortimer. Photo by Alan Carter Mortimer.

On the trail, she tackled each task with seriousness and determination, no matter how tricky or tedious. Mike Owens learned this on his first work party with Rose. He had assigned Rose’s team of three volunteers the task of filling a three foot square crib box with pebbles the size of his fingernail. It was a time-consuming task, but by the end of the day, the crib box was full, and Rose was still smiling.

An inspiration to others

Energetic and selfless, Rose would happily put off her own progress on trail work to help a frustrated volunteer. Pete Dewell recalls witnessing Rose work for an hour with a volunteer who was struggling with the work she had been assigned. Rose left her task to coach the volunteer, and with Rose’s help, she quickly understood the project better, had fun, and completed good work.

A persistent worker who got it done right

Rose was committed to a job well done. On one work party, she took on the task of breaking up rock outcrops, which were encroaching on the width of the trail. While the rest of the crew built a rock wall, Rose persisted at her project, and at the end of the day, the widened tread made for a more durable, longer lasting trail.

Pete’s recollection of that project is perhaps the best way to sum up the Rose Alfred we knew.

“That was Rose, the persistent worker, no matter the job or type of work—get it done right and leave a legacy in the process.”

Rose’s legacy lives on everywhere that she volunteered, worked, and gave back. Thank you for your smile, energy, and dedication. We will miss you.

Rose enjoying a sunset at Cape Disappointment. Photo by Mike Hardy.