I was so sorry to hear about the loss of KB. We lobbied together many times in Salem, Washington, D.C, and in district for climate action. She generously took notes for many lobby meetings I led in Washington D.C. She gave me numerous rides to Salem and to MCAT meetings. I so admired her passion for climate action, her deep dedication to groups like MCAT, and not being afraid to say what was on her mind and the actions that are needed to solve the climate crisis. She had a wicked sense of humor. She creatively came up with the quote, 'Climate change is like the Portland Naked Bike Ride. Once you see it, you cannot unsee it.' I nearly fell out of my chair the first time she said it as we were preparing to lobby together for a meeting with the staff of our member of Congress for a Citizens' Climate Lobby Lobby Day on Capitol Hill.

In Salem, no one gave oral testimony to legislative committees like KB did urging climate action. Her testimonies were always very direct, pithy, did not mince words of the seriousness of the climate crisis, and always showcased her wicked and hilarious sense of humor. Her theatre and acting background really shined through when she gave her public comments at legislative hearings. We were only allowed 2 minutes to speak at the most and she really knew how to make the most of this time. She was not afraid to stick it to Republican legislators or any public official she felt was failing to see the seriousness of the climate crisis or when GOP lawmakers would stage walkouts to block legislation from passing. At one hearing she testified about a GOP walkout, 'Democrats play chess. Republicans eat the pieces.' 

She loved doing little special things for her friends. One time, she backed the most delicious homemade apple cinnamon pie for my wife and me. She invited my wife Tanya and I to hang with her and Doran in their backyard on a beautiful July evening in 2021. KB and Doran invited Tanya and I for Thanksgiving dinner in November 2021. Our only invite for Thanksgiving in our almost 8 years of living in Portland. 

KB was always so supportive of all of my climate organizing with the events I organized in Portland over the years. I knew I could always count on her. She will be deeply missed in the climate movement and she left us way too soon. 

As a climate advocate, KB Mercer was a force like no other. I first met her when she drove me to the Oregon state capitol to lobby for a pending climate bill. Smart, bold and articulate, KB drew the attention of state lawmakers when she stood and made the case for that bill.

I was motivated by KB that day, and at many Citizen’s Climate Lobby events since then, to raise my voice more and make the climate cause center stage. I and many others have KB Mercer to thank for advancing this cause. I will miss her spunk; I hope she has found peace.  Meg Bowman

Dear Doren,

Sending the deepest heartfelt condolences and much love from myself and mom. KB was my roommate in college and my mom her singing instructor.  I felt so lucky to be at the wedding.

Perhaps the quote she embroidered will hold true,  “ In my end is my beginning…”

This rung true in parts as I searched for words not my own

“ We fail to see the most vivid birds

high in the trees on the other side of leaves.

Where did those sad seeds come from or how take root?

Her departure spun out of some samara down into a maple

shadow that shadows well into night’s sweet syrup.…”

 and for you Doren, 

“Love Lives On"

Those we love remain with us

for love itself lives on,

and cherished memories never fade

because a loved one’s gone.

Those we love can never

be more than a thought apart,

far as long as there is memory,

they’ll live on in the heart.

No words are enough to encompass the powerhouse of energy, warm eyes, dazzling smile and laugh     

Wishing you peace friend

Alisa Simonel-Keegan and Dolores Simonel

Today is KB Mercer’s birthday.

She has been much in my thoughts and in my heart. But I haven’t been able to write anything before today.

She is my sister, my colleague & my friend. We shared Theatrical collaboration, Spiritual inquiry and a wacked sense of humor.

A climate warrior

A champion for animals

She lived, thought and acted with a consuming energy. Quick to laugh, quick to fight, quick to hug.

A heart moved to help, to heal, to build a better community,

From 1996 to 2007 she was a crucial part of Lamb’s Players Theatre as an Associate Artist performing in over 25 productions. She brought valued insights, strong artistic gifts, and both deep love and passionate rage.

I’m grateful she was in my life. And I will mourn her absence for the rest of it.