Obituary of Kenneth K. Wehage

Kenneth Kelly Wehage, Ken, Kenny, Kinko, Weegee, The King of Cool, and Poppy. You always knew when Ken walked into a room. His shining eyes and welcoming smile made you feel so special. When he'd say "Whazzz Up?" and asked you to "pull his finger," you knew you were in his circle of friends. Whether he talked politics, "global warming," hunting or fishing, a good conversation was happening with humor and respect. Family and laughter were the center of his universe. He married his soul mate Diane, the love of his life, after meeting on a blind date. Together they had three wonderful children, who will always remember their Dad as "The King of Cool." He was blessed with five amazing grandchildren, who will always remember their grandpa as "Poppy." Ken was born in Oregon City, Oregon to Lawrence and Elsa Wehage on December 9, 1952. He greeted the world with his twin sister, Mary, and was the 8th of 15 children. With 4 brothers and 3 sisters ahead of him, and 4 brothers and 3 sisters after him, Ken always referred to himself as the "middle child." He was raised in the Sellwood area, attending St. Agatha's grade school and Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1971 with honors. Following graduation, Ken enlisted in the Army National Guard. Growing up as part of a family with 14 brothers and sisters and a twin to his sister Mary he learned from the very start how to enjoy life, work hard, and be a team player. With Ken, it was never about him because he was always looking out for others. He never had his own room and he was always introduced as one of the twins – but this just reinforced his ability to see the best in everyone and have fun doing it. Ken loved to play Monopoly with all his brothers and sisters and usually won with his hotels on Park Place and Boardwalk. From an early age, summers were spent earning money picking berries and using his hard earned money for school and clothes, and even helping with his school tuition. Although his mom was the berry picking boss, Ken still managed to be one of the best pickers and one of the best shots with a berry – perhaps this is where he developed his "keen eye with a target" which served him later in his love of hunting. Ken had a special place in his heart for his brother Jim, who was a year younger and mentally disabled. Ken was Jim's best friend and we are sure that Jim is now giving Ken a very special tour of heaven. That being said, all of Ken's siblings felt loved by him – playing ball together in their side yard, playing cars in the dirt, or watching "It's a Wonderful Life" each Christmas. In 1973, Ken picked up Diane in his hot blue Malibu for their blind date. In Casanova Wehage style, he proposed to the love of his life 6 weeks later. Ken and Diane were married June 15th, 1974. His first son, Timothy James, was born in 1976, followed by his only daughter, Erin Marie, in 1979. Jeffery Bernard was born in 1987. Ken loved his wife and children more than anything, and was always coaching a game, cheering from the stands or giving advice from the sidelines. In May 1979, Ken started working as a driver for Mayflower Farms, now known as Darigold. On the day of his death, Ken was getting up to go to work. As a tribute to his 33 years of dedicated work, Darigold headquarters in Seattle ordered their flags to half-mast in honor of Ken. In 2007 Ken was blessed with a son-in-law, Ryan. Eight weeks later, he welcomed daughter-in-law Christy into our family. Then, in 2010, he embraced daughter-in-law Courtney. He loved them with all of his heart, and more than they will know. Ken thought his life was full raising 3 kids, fishing, hunting and playing poker, but then he discovered the love of grandchildren. There was no finer Poppy. He was truly an amazing grandfather. At the time of his death, he was Poppy to Presley Ann (3 ½ years), Reegan Jean Marie (2 ½ years), Malachi Alton (1 ½ years), Kale Bernard (7 months), and Baby Deahn due in December. While he loved his grandkids, they idolized him. Every visit to grandma and grandpa's house (and there were many), the door would open by little hands and a yell of "Where's Poppy?!" Prior to Ken's death, he spent the weekend with his buddies, aka the "Sellwood Boys," on their annual fishing trip. He described this year's trip as the best ever. He was looking forward to the upcoming monthly boy's poker night with his brothers, sons, and nephews. While our heart ache and we know that life will never be the same, our family thanks you for your kind words, support, love and stories. If you asked Ken about family and life, he would say: "Live life now," "Laugh, laugh often and laugh hard," "Hug it out," and "Always be kind to people." Ken's wife and children will always remember him as the foundation and rock of their family. Ken is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diane; sons Tim LeeWehage (Christy) and Jeff (Courtney), daughter Erin Deahn (Ryan), and grandchildren Malachi LeeWehage, Presley & Kale Wehage, Reegan Deahn and Baby Deahn due in December; sisters Madonna Posey (Michael), Patricia Haffner (Larry), Lorraine (Larry Cantrall), Mary Markley (Charlie), Kathy, Theresa Rogers (Wes); brothers Daniel (Marie), Chuck (Jean), Rodger (Gwen), Joe (Terie), Nick (Aulani), Rick (Jackie), and sister-in-law Keri. He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Elsa and brothers Clifford and Jim. Service Information