It takes a tough mother to run a thriving business these days. Fortunately, Columbia Sportswear has one of those, with a son who is a pretty good wing man himself.

Gert (March 6, 1924 – November 3, 2019) and Tim Boyle (born 1949) have made civic engagement and giving a huge part of the Columbia Brand over the past 40+ years as well as supporting the health and well-being of Oregonians and athletes of all nations.

You have seen the support in the branding. Columbia has contributed to Special Olympics, outfitting team USA for the 1995 World Games. Royalties from Gert Boyle’s “One Tough Mother” book still go to Special Olympics. Multi-year sponsorship of the US, Canadian and Russian freestyle ski teams. Three-year title sponsor of Team Columbia in the Tour de France. Columbia also sponsors pro golfers and professional fishing.

Away from the bright lights, Columbia Sportswear has contributed $100 million to advance cancer research at Oregon Health and Sciences University; made multiple contributions to build University recreational facilities around the state of Oregon and provided funding to save Outdoor School in Portland which benefits thousands of youth.

Tim Boyle has made generous gifts to the University of Oregon and recently pledged $1.5 million dollars to a new project addressing homelessness in Portland.

It takes a tough mother. But is also takes a generous and forward-thinking mother… and son. As Columbia Sportswear celebrates it’s 80th year, please join us in honoring Tim and Gert Boyle of Columbia’s Sportswear for their Special Contribution to Sports at the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.