Kenneth Waldroff's Obituary
Ken Waldroff Obituary
Ken Waldroff was born on 11/25/25 in Portland, Oregon then moved and grew-up in La Grande, Oregon. Helen, his beautiful wife of 40 years passed away 14 years prior to his passing. He is survived by his two daughters Marie Hansen and Terri Waldroff. His granddaughter Katie Hansen predeceased his passing. He has two surviving grandchildren Molly Hansen Walker and Brady Waldroff. He graduated from the University of Portland and received his doctorate in education from the University of Oregon.
Ken's work life was quite eclectic. He started the first marching band and symphonic orchestra for the newly built Sunset High School in Beaverton. He later became a professor at Portland State University and Director of Continuing Education. He was so proud of working for Governor Tom McCall setting up conferences and mingling with some of Oregon's modern pioneers. He was a world traveler with Helen and his family. As any of his friends will tell you, the stories and experiences were endless and very telling about his curiosity and love of life.
He was an outspoken DUCK fan. He knew the players and their performance statistics as well as anyone. Ken was an avid sport salmon fisherman. Both of his children spent many days in their youth fishing in the ocean off of the Oregon Coast. Ken also had a love of music. He played the clarinet enthusiastically until he died. Ken was member of the Marion County Citizens band until he was 89 years young. He had season tickets to the Oregon Symphony. His knowledge of music, instruments and the masters was amazing. Ken was always proud of his 1959 Nash Metropolitan that he bought new and kept all his life and finally gave it to his grandson Brady. He was a husband, dad, and grandpa before all else. His enthusiasm and engagement in life was obvious. His curiosity was endless. He will be missed by those who knew him, loved him, and by those who spent time with him.
What’s your fondest memory of Kenneth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kenneth?
Share a story where Kenneth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kenneth you’ll never forget.
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