Kenneth Lee Schultz

Kenneth Schultz, aged 90, passed away on August 23, 2024

Born Kenneth Lee Schultz on March 23, 1934, in Alva, Oklahoma, he was the cherished son of Eddie and Anna Schultz. At the young age of 2, Kenneth's family relocated to the Hillsdale area in Portland, Oregon and later moved to the Metzger area, where they began their lives on a farm. Kenny attended Multnomah Grade School and later graduated from Tigard High School class of 1952. Following graduation he proudly served in the United States Marines during the Korean War achieving the rank of Sergeant and receiving an honorable discharge in December 1955.

Growing up and attending Multnomah Church of Christ he met his future wife, Joy. The church was an integral part of their family and friends throughout decades of attendance. On February 14, 1956, Kenny married Alice Joy Keef, marking the beginning of a devoted partnership of 59 years. Kenny was an Elder at the church and during his membership taught Sunday School, was church treasurer, and faithfully cleaned the church every week.

During his career, Ken worked as an optician and as an apprentice printer for the Oregon Journal before becoming a skilled cabinet maker, a profession he dedicated himself to until his retirement in 2006. He loved working with wood, collecting wood, and went on to make many beautiful pieces with great skill.

Kenny had a love for the outdoors; in his younger days, he enjoyed climbing mountains, camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting. In his later years, he was most proud of the community garden plot at Gabriel Park where he spent countless hours and over 20 years working his garden. He enjoyed helping his fellow gardeners and always had a bountiful harvest of vegetables and friendships. Ken also delighted in his daily walks through Woods Memorial Park with his best dog and walking buddy, Hugo. He met many neighbors during his walks and was always willing to regale them with stories of the old days. He never met a person or a dog that he didn’t visit with as he became known throughout our slice of Multnomah.

Kenneth leaves behind children, Tim and Lizann; his brothers, Darrell, Gene, and Joe; as well as his beloved grandchildren, Jacob, Meghan Rasmussen(Samuel), and Aubrey; great-grandchildren, Mylo and Gryffin; and beloved dog, Hank. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joy and sisters Wanda Milne and Dorothy Brennan.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Japa Home Care for the loving and tender care they gave to our dad during the last year of his life. We will be eternally grateful for your compassionate and giving spirits as you tirelessly provided him with everything he needed. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oregon Humane Society as Kenny loved all animals, especially dogs.