Paul David Prewitt

Paul David Prewitt 1948-2022 Paul David Prewitt, a native Oregonian and lifelong artist, passed Sunday, Dec. 25 in McMinnville. He was 74 years old. Paul was born in Portland in 1948 to Clarence “Tommy” Prewitt and Elaine Johnsen. He grew up with several dogs by his side and developed a strong love for animals, became a skilled roller skater as a youth, appearing in a nationwide broadcast that was shot at Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink, and excelled at acting once he began engaging in theatrical productions as an adolescent. Paul married Sandra “Sandy” Jo Prewitt in 1974 at Glenfair Evangelical Church in Portland, and they both attended Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University) in Monmouth, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education while minoring in art. Paul went on to have a career in multiple, varied fields—a sign of his eclectic talents—including sales (Paul’s big personality and charming smile ensured that he could start a conversation with anyone), graphic design, and teaching—the latter of which earned him the nickname “Mr. Magic.” His students would marvel at his abilities with sleight of hand—shows were typically performed at the end of the school day as a reward for good classroom behavior. Throughout life, Paul had a passion for art and worked in multiple mediums, including oil painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and giclée. What started as a hobby morphed into a profession, and he launched Chimera Studios in Newberg, where he designed and executed projects both small and large, including numerous murals both inside and outside of businesses around town. Like his many occupations, Paul’s personal pursuits were also varied. He participated in autocross and rally racing, summited Mount Hood in 1972 with his brother-in-law Harold, spent several July Fourth holidays as a pyrotechnic at Oaks Amusement Park’s annual fireworks show, and was a film buff (sci-fi was a favorite genre). He was also an avid collector. A home den became a showroom for his many prized Coca-Cola antiques, and much of the closet space was taken up by Paul’s supply of coats, shoes, watches and other accessories—he was a clothes horse through and through and known for his keen sense of style. But if anything truly defined Paul, it was his devotion to family. Paul is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughters Andrea “Andi” Prewitt, of Portland, and Ashley Prewitt, of Torino, Italy; as well as son-in-law Jeffrey “Jeff” Myers, of Portland; a mother-in-law; brother-in-law; numerous nieces and a nephew. Paul was preceded in death by his father Tommy, mother Elaine, sister Sheila Cauthon, brother-in-law Harold Cauthon, and father-in-law William “Bill” Nelson. Paul’s service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30 at Attrell’s Newberg Funeral Chapel, 207 Villa Road, Newberg. Viewing begins at 10 a.m. To honor Paul’s long love of animals, donations in his memory may be made to Newberg Animal Shelter: 1591 S. Sandoz Road, Newberg, Oregon, 97132; 503-554-9285; newberganimals.com. Please leave a message of condolence for the family.

Paul David Prewitt

May 2, 1948 - December 25, 2022