Arvida Moore

Arvida grew up in Dallas, Texas; her signature Texas twang followed wherever she landed in life. After college at North Texas she married Tom Moore and began her gradual migration westward. In Boulder, Colorado the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Cindy. In Flagstaff four years later daughter Linda followed. Eventually the Moores settled for good in Corvallis in 1963. Son Alan rounded out the family four years later.

Arvida lived in her home on Merrie Drive for over 60 years. For both Arvida and Tom life revolved around OSU: she built a career in telecommunications while Tom eventually chaired the Botany and Plant Pathology Department. Both were active Beaver fans, longtime season ticket holders in basketball and football. Arvida continued in her home as their children moved on, and after Tom passed away in 2002.

Tom and Arvida traveled and lived overseas through his university work, reflected in the mementos filling their home. During a yearlong stay in Japan Arvida became interested in bonsai tree cultivation. She pursued bonsai avidly for years - very successfully. A miniature forest of over a hundred expertly cultured trees eventually filled Arvida's backyard, and a lot of her time.

In 2014 Arvida married Leo Downey, and the two of them made Merrie Drive their very happy home for ten years. As a couple they became fixtures on campus, usually at women's basketball games or gymnastics meets. After Leo passed away, Arvida managed to remain in her beloved home, until just recently.