Ken E. Carsley

Ken Carsley was born November 2, 1943, to Ken and Virginia Carsley in Clatskanie, Oregon. Ken was soon to be an older brother to Les, Bill and Bob Carsley. The Carsley family lived in Carlton, Oregon for a while and then moved to Newberg and Dundee, Oregon which was home where they farmed many acres of land. While living in the Newberg/Dundee communities Ken attended school at Fernwood, Central and Dundee. He graduated from Newberg High School in 1961, being very involved in FFA and wrestling under coach Harry Schibel, where they were 1st in state. Wrestling was Ken’s sport and he loved coaching the youth with his close friends at the Newberg Mat Club. After high school Ken attended Portland State University and realized he was not ready for college at that time. He enlisted in the Army in 1963 and soon went on to become a member of the 101st Airborne. He loved serving his country while jumping out of planes. It was then he met Ralph and Ken Wallen and Jerry Sparks. All these men have remained friends since their discharge from the Army in January 1966. Ken was excited to know he was going to be a Dad! He welcomed Kenlynn Elizabeth on July 16,1976 and two years later was thrilled to have his son Kyle Edward join the family on October 22, 1978. Together they enjoyed camping trips at the Oregon Coast, Tuesday nights at the Newberg Pool with Kraft Mac & Cheese for dinner and ice cream at Jem 100, and Thursday nights at Abby’s Pizza. Ken attended George Fox College and Pacific University where he wrestled and coached. He received his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education in 1975. He was then was hired by the Sherwood School District in 1975 and taught first, third and fifth grade until 1988. Ken had a great desire to travel and wanted his children to have an enriched educational learning experience. From 1988-1990 he taught for the Department of Defense Schools in Böeblingen, Germany. While teaching in Germany Ken earned his Master’s degree in Education from National Louis University and met many lifetime friends. In 1981 Ken met Lesley Pomeroy. They were married on July 28, 1991. Together they enjoyed raising Kenlynn and Kyle and participating in their various activities. Ken and Lesley enjoyed working on their property together, road trips with car friends, and just being together at home on the deck or watching their favorite old television shows. Ken and Lesley earned their Administrative Certificates together at Portland State University. Ken served two years as Vice Principal at McNary Heights Elementary in Umatilla OR. While Ken loved being in Umatilla, he desired to be a full time Principal. He was hired as an Administrator in the Nestucca School District where he served for the next few years. Upon retirement, Ken pulled out his 1937 Ford that he purchased in Milan, Tennessee for $85 dollars and began restoring it. He had a love for classic cars and could tell you the year, make, model and engine size of any classic car we would see going down the road. Ken was also a pilot and enjoyed flying his Tri-Pacer 2513P whenever he was able. Ken was a man of service who had a passion for connecting with people. He was a member of Northwest Christian Church where he was baptized in 2021, Rod Runners NW, Vintage Chevrolet Clubs of America (VCCA), and the chairman of the Newberg High School Golden Gathering. Ken is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Lesley, aka Nutsy of 32 years, his daughter Kenlynn aka Kitten, (Todd) Rijken, son Kyle aka Little Bigger Guy (Elena) Carsley, Grandson Cooper Carsley, brother Les Carsley, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends near and far. He loved his grand dogs who survive him as well; Wylee and Tia Rijken and Gunner and Scout Carsley. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Ken and Virginia Carsley, his brother Bob and Bill. We invite you to mark your calendar and share with us in Ken’s Celebration of Life to be held at Northwest Christian Church in Newberg, Oregon on August 12that 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to the Newberg High School Golden Gathering Scholarship Fund.

Ken E. Carsley

November 2, 1943 - May 20, 2023