Spokane historian Nancy Compau leaves legacy

Nancy Gale Compau died on March 15, 2020, at 84. She was one of Spokane’s most knowledgeable local historians, known for her generosity with her time, her advocacy for historical preservation and her belief that all peoples’ stories mattered.

Section:Gallery

UPDATED: Wed., April 8, 2020

Nancy Compau is photographed April 22, 2004, after recently retiring as historian in the Spokane Public Library's Northwest History Room. An endowed internship in history was being established in her honor.

Brian Plonka The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Nancy Compau, of the downtown Spokane Public Library’s Northwest Room, on April 14, 2000, hosts a program about the history of Spokane and the East Side Neighborhood.

Jason Millstein Sr