Astoria Pride

02/19/2026

A Statement of Love and Gratitude from Astoria Pride

Astoria Pride stands in deep sorrow and profound gratitude as we honor the life and legacy of The Celebration of the Rose’s own Rose Empress XXV (The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon), The Sparkle of the Pacific, Champagne. Losing such a radiant soul leaves an ache felt across our entire community.

From the very beginning of Astoria Pride, Champagne offered us unwavering support, boundless encouragement, and a generosity of spirit that never wavered. She showed up for us—not just in presence, but in heart. Her love was loud, her joy was contagious, and her commitment to uplifting others was the kind of magic that changes lives.

Champagne spent her entire life lifting up the LGBTQ+ community, especially q***r youth in Portland, across the country, and even into Canada. She was a protector, a mentor, a beacon, and a legend whose sparkle reached farther than she ever claimed credit for. Her impact is woven into the lives of countless people who found safety, acceptance, and hope because she existed.

What an extraordinary human being—one who loved fiercely, inspired endlessly, and gave more than most people ever will. Our hearts are heavy, but they are also full, because we were lucky enough to know her.

Tonight, Astoria Pride raises a shot of Fireball in her honor and salutes the incomparable, unforgettable, and forever‑sparkling Champagne. May her light continue to guide us, and may we carry her legacy forward with the same love she gave so freely.

In loving Memory
Astoria Pride

PS. This was one of Champagnes Favorite Astoria Pride photos..

02/19/2026

You are always in our hearts Champagne.. Edgar Duane Brooks

Members and friends of the The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon join in sadness and mourning today upon news of the passing of their beloved Rose Empress 25, Champagne.
…

From the Edwards-Mastropierro family in honor of our sister Champagne, and with deep respect for Duane’s family, friends, and fans:

“It is with heartbreaking sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved friend, Rose Empress 25 of Portland Oregon, Champagne. Words like icon, legend and hero are passed around with increased regularity; however, there can be no doubt that Champagne can only be described in those terms.

The “Sparkle of the Pacific”, Champagne rose through the ranks of Portland’s Rose Court, and became one of the west coast’s foremost drag performers. Her beauty, creativity and craftsmanship was unparalleled, and countless drag performers across generations idolized Champagne and recognized her as the highest standard of what drag could and should be. She walked into a room and jaws dropped. She walked out on stage, and folks gasped. She smiled at you, and you never forgot.

Champagne’s unforgettable 10th Anniversary performance – that culminated in her literally rising to the roof of Portland’s Melody Ballroom (as a room full of hundreds of people chanted her name so loudly that the music could no longer be heard) stands not only as one of the greatest moments in our organization’s history, but as a metaphor for Champagne’s life.

A professional hair stylist by trade, professional show girl and life-long philanthropist, Champagne’s greatest gifts were her unbending loyalty, commitment to her friends and family, her deep faith in God, and her unwavering dedication to her community.

Duane’s legendary love affair with husband, Bill Dombrovski, spanned half a century, and their partnership as “Mr Bill and Champagne” was synonymous with Portland, mentorship and community building, and a whole lot of laughter, parties and fun. Today, Champagne and Bill are reunited; their memories are a blessing, and a storied and magical legacy will live on.

Champagne would plead with us to eschew any type of mourning, and would encourage us to embrace joy, happiness and fellowship. Indeed, we should focus these next difficult days as what they should be: The Celebration of the Rose.”