P. Roy Kemerer
Empowering Youth
Generations of 4-H members, young farmers, and aspiring conservationists grew in their knowledge and love of the land because of the tutelage of P. Roy Kemerer. Roy sowed many lasting seeds in the lives of young people and in the future of our community. He gave freely of his time, energy and guidance to area youth, his church, local agricultural organizations, and the District, despite the heavy daily demands of his own 102-acre model conservation dairy farm in Pleasant Unity. His influence extended beyond Westmoreland County, to the larger nation through his service with the National Young Farmers organization, and even internationally, as he and his wife Thelma often hosted agriculture exchange students from as far away as Australia, Kenya, Germany, Uruguay, and Switzerland in their home. Roy was a man whose words were few, but whose commitments were genuine and deep. His service as a District Director spanned two full decades (1988-2008), and is the second-longest volunteer service commitment in the history of the organization. His influence continues to be felt, in the daily practice and continuing example of the generations of lives that he touched.