Construction is nearly complete on a memorial honoring Hatoon Victoria
Adkins, a well-known campus figure. A resident of Eugene for more than 30 years, Hatoon was killed in a bicycle accident while crossing Franklin Boulevard last March.
The memorial, a small granite plaza bearing quotations, words and symbols, is located on the east side of the University Bookstore next to the bench where Hatoon lived. It also features a stone column with a carved niche for flowers, which Hatoon often gave to her friends and acquaintances.
Those who were close with Hatoon are pleased with the progress.
Susan Kelley, the owner of Blue Heron Bicycles who helped plan and privately fund the memorial, says it is a group effort by many who loved her.
“It was collaborative. (Eugene Police Officer) Randy (Ellis) went out to find the stones,” Kelley said. “The words, the things we thought of when we thought of Hatoon and certainly some of the money came in from a variety of sources.”
Jim Williams, manager of the bookstore, worked as a coordinator for the project and said the idea of a memorial occurred immediately after Hatoon’s death.
“Within a week or so of Hatoon passing away, there was this memorial – well, shrine would be the best word. It developed within the hour,” he said.
Initially, the group envisioned a stone column with a small brass plaque, but as donations poured in they decided something more elaborate and less formal would better capture Hatoon’s spirit.
They contacted Lisa Ponder of Heritage Stone, who specializes in memorials. Ponder said she is “thrilled” to have the opportunity to work on the project.
“My biggest hope for what I’m calling the Hatoon Memorial Plaza is to give voice to Hatoon to speak to future people,” Ponder said. “The biggest gift we can give to people who’ve died is to give them a voice, so they can continue to touch and influence people.”
Others agreed, Hatoon’s independence, perspective and impact on those around her were incredible.
“What life meant to her was just being warm to people and friendly, but also listening to people – I think that’s what was very unique about her,” said Kerri Van Denburg, an employee of Blue Heron Bicycles who knew Hatoon for five years. Hatoon stopped in the East 13th Avenue bicycle shop almost daily, often asking if Van Denburg needed help around the store.
Kelley also remembers her 20-year friendship with Hatoon fondly.
“You wanted to help her, but in return she started helping you back. Bringing you flowers, noticing when you were sad,” Kelley said. “When you see someone that picked the kind of life that she picked and worked so hard to be such a positive impact on people, it makes you realize that we should really be very thankful for everything and appreciate life.”
Williams echoed Kelley’s thoughts, saying that Hatoon inspired him and others to reflect on what’s important in life.
“Words are inadequate to describe Hatoon … there’s sort of a biblical aspect to the story of Hatoon. Those with the most oftentimes have the least, and those who seemingly have the least have the most. I’m confident that most people will not receive the outpouring of love and care and the depth of feeling that Hatoon received,” said Williams. “It was just an amazing thing … intellectuals, everyday people, students, a lot of students; she touched them in amazing ways.”

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