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CORVALLIS - Kenneth Beebe of Central Point and David Lowry, Phoenix, are among the 41 men and women who were honored at Diamond Pioneers in October by the Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences.

The two Jackson County residents and others added to the college's Diamond Pioneer Registry were guests at a luncheon hosted by Dean Thayne Dutson at OSU's CH2M HILL Alumni Center in Corvallis. The guest speaker was John V. Byrne, OSU president emeritus and a fellow member of the 2003 Diamond Pioneers.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Diamond Pioneer Registry, honoring those 75 years and older for their contributions to agriculture, OSU and their communities. The award, begun when the college observed its 75th anniversary, has been given to 746 persons, including this year's group.

Both Beebe and Lowry were nominated for the registry by the staff of the OSU Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center.

Beebe's family has been a part of the Rogue River Valley since 1888. Beebe started working in the family's agricultural enterprise with his father and grandfather. The family's roadside farm stand, started in 1947, is still in operation.

Beebe helped start the Jackson County Fall Harvest Fair at Exposition Park to educate people about agriculture and its importance in the area. For his work, he received the fair's Lifetime Achievement award and the Blue Ribbon Award from the Western Fairs Association.

With a long interest in preserving the area's agricultural history, Beebe has worked with the Southern Oregon Historical Society as well as museums in Jacksonville and Eagle Point in preserving information and antique farm equipment.

Lowry came to southern Oregon in the early 20th century when his father became orchard superintendent for Bear Creek Orchards. He followed his father's lead in 1941, establishing his own 20-acre orchard. His orchard has grown to more than 1,500 acres and his Associated Fruit Company is the third largest grower and packer in the valley. He is known for his development of hybrid pears and his work in marketing, which has taken him to Asia and other markets.

A past chair of the Winter Pear Commission, Lowry has also served on the Oregon Bartlett Pear Commission and is an active member of numerous horticultural groups. He received the Hartman Cup from the Oregon Horticultural Society for outstanding contribution to the industry.

Both Beebe and Lowry have worked closely with OSU research scientists and Extension faculty over a number of years.

Others to be honored are Virginia Tubbs, Adams; Fred Warner, Baker City; Don B. Anderson, Cornelius; Alfred Haunold, John V. Byrne, Charles Leach, William McGuire, H. Joe Myers, Burdette Peterson, Roger Peterson and Dale Weber, Corvallis.

Peter Jensen, Halsey; Vincent D. Dobbin and Glen Grossen, Hillsboro; Ralph Hart, Island City; Arlene Oliver, John Day; Andrew Greeley, Jordan Valley; Harold Youngberg, Keizer; James Elings and James Kerns, Klamath Falls; John Shipley and Donald Thompson, Moro; Keith Gressley, Isao Kameshige and William Panike, Ontario.

Robert Ramig and Virgil Rupp, Pendleton; H. Ronald Cameron, Portland; Len Forster and Floyd Smith, Shedd; Don Grabe, Sisters; John R. Thienes and Eldon Wagenblast, The Dalles; Carl Froude and Beverly Froude, Tigard; Carl and Irene Bosch, Tillamook; John Bishop, Vale; and Everett Metzentine, Wamic.