Former Trail Blazer executive Traci Rose remembered for ‘Always helping those in need’

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Traci Rose, a longtime executive of the Portland Trail Blazers organization , is being remembered for her work helping children in the community.

Rose passed away at the age of 62 on Wednesday, Sept. 4, after a battle with ovarian cancer, the Trail Blazers announced.

Rose began with the Trail Blazers in the accounting office and rose to Vice President of Communications and Community Relations as well as being the CEO of the organization’s original Make it Better Foundation. Rose made waves in the community throughout her 27-year career with the Blazers, the organization said.

“In 2008, Albina Head Start dedicated one of their classrooms, ‘The Traci Rose Center’, in recognition of her work with youth throughout the community. As one of the most visible executives in the organization, Traci led with compassion and care, encouraging others to strive for their best while always helping those in need,” the Trail Blazers said in a release.

Former Portland Trail Blazer basketball player Terry Porter called Rose “a cherished Portland Trail Blazers family member,” saying her passing “deeply saddens me.” His statement is below.

“Traci’s invaluable contributions to our organization and her guidance to countless players, both on and off the court, helped profoundly shape their professional and personal journeys. Beyond her impact on the team, Traci was a driving force within our community. Her tireless dedication to improving the lives of children and families continues to resonate through the numerous programs she helped establish,” Porter said. “These initiatives, which still provide meaningful support to those in need, are a testament to her enduring legacy and a reassurance that her work will continue to make a difference. Traci’s impact on the Trail Blazers and our community will never be forgotten. Her legacy will live through the lives she touched, the players she guided, and the programs she inspired. We honor her memory today and forever.”

After leaving the Trail Blazers, Rose was a Chief Executive for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Portland Metro Area for nearly five years. She also worked as the Director of Community Relations and Public Information Officer for the Tigard-Tualatin School District.

Rose also served as a Trustee for the Johnson Charitable Trust for many years and championed causes like SnowCap Community Charities , which provides food to hungry families, and Albina Head Start , which provides education to some of the community’s most vulnerable young children.

Portland Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter President of Business Operations Dewayne Hankins called Rose a community “legend,” saying she had a genuine care for others and passion that was “infectious.”

“She leaves a legacy of heartfelt commitment to improving the lives of others that we should all strive to replicate,” Hankins said. “The entire Trail Blazers organization sends our heartfelt condolences to her friends and family.”

Portland Trail Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin added that Rose was “a very kind soul” who will be missed “dearly.”

“Traci’s ability to make a genuine heartfelt connection with everyone was impressive and invaluable,” Cronin said. “She will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we know her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.”

SnowCap is also building Traci’s Garden in her honor, for which Rose was able to preview the landscape design before her passing.

In lieu of flowers, Rose’s family is asking for charity donations to either Albina Head Start or SnowCap. Donations to Albina Head Start can be done via the Trail Blazers Foundation website and the SnowCap donation website can be found here .

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