Kenneth Eugene Newtson

March 1, 1944 – January 7, 2024

Kenneth Eugene Newtson was born to Hazel (Kjosness) and Einer Newtson on March 1, 1944, in Pendleton, Oregon.  He passed away on January 7, 2024, in Walla Walla, Washington, at the age of 79.

Kenny grew up on the family farm in Helix, Oregon, and attended Griswold High School in Helix with the Class of 1962.  He went on to graduate from the University of Oregon in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Business Environment where he cemented his lifelong love of The Ducks. He would continue his education later at American University. He was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in combat duty in Vietnam where he earned the honors of a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He held that traumatic war experience deep within him throughout his life.

He returned from the war to work on the farm before securing a job with Lamb Weston as a product demonstrator in the Southeast United States while he lived in Memphis, Tennessee. He enjoyed travelling and meeting people. Ken spent the bulk of his career working as a food procurer and distributor for NORPAC in Portland. He retired to Pendleton in 2015.

Ken was proud of his Norwegian roots and delighted in sharing stories and traditions, attending and hosting family parties—ensuring family traditions prevailed. Uff da! He enjoyed reading first-edition novels, and socializing, especially with relatives and his brother Larry and their friends at their fishing cabin on the Columbia River.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Larry Newtson. He is survived by his brother Robert (Colleen) Newtson, nephew Jeff (Sharilyn) Newtson, niece Julie (Chris) Hartley, great-nieces Bethany (Nolan) Cumming and Elizabeth Hartley and great-nephew Gavin (Katie) Newtson; and brother Larry’s step-daughters, Krista (Mark) Maunder, Tanya (Jake) McConnell, and Tara (Ben) Duman.  He cherished his status as Great Uncle Kenny to his extended family.

Ken’s memorial service will be held at Folsom-Bishop Pioneer Chapel in Pendleton, Oregon, on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 10 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Olney Cemetery.  A celebration of life will follow at the Helix Pub.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Helix Booster Club or the Helix Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Helix School District, PO Box 398, Helix, OR 97835