Ken Luse
1942 – 2025

Ken made his “Celestial Exit” on May 26, 2025 (Memorial Day) with family by his side. Born June 6, 1942 in Portland, his family moved to McMinnville in 1948 via Carlton. He graduated from McMinnville High School in 1960, where his musical talents began to flourish.

Ken attended the University of Oregon, performing upright bass in a 5-piece Jazz/Dance combo for campus events over two years. When finances tightened and the draft loomed, he enlisted in the Navy in 1963 and served in the South Pacific. After an honorable discharge in 1965, he studied at Lane Community College and later Oregon State University, earning his B.S. in Science in 1971.

In 1969, Ken married Patti Hallin—whom he had first met on a blind date in 1965. They raised two wonderful children and cherished five grandchildren. Professionally, Ken worked in the wood glue industry for many years, and later returned to his first love: music.

As a devoted member of the Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers’ Association (OOTFA), Ken held several leadership roles and mentored countless musicians on upright bass. He helped found the West Cascades Fiddle Camp and Workshops in 2011 and taught its Upright Bass Class for 10 years. In its 13th year, the camp committee is dedicating the program in Ken’s memory.