Kenneth Allen Fetters

Kenneth Allen Fetters passed away on December 2, 2025, at the age of 59. Kenneth was born to John and Joy (Engelhard) Fetters on August 9,1966 in West Covina, CA. He was one of two children, joined by his brother Michael in 1969. The family later relocated to Upland, CA where he graduated from Upland High School in 1984, earning recognition for his cross country running. He went on to attend college at Cal Poly Pomona, obtaining a bachelor's degree in Parks Administration with a minor in Ornamental Horticulture.

Ken’s professional life was varied and included jobs as a wildland fire fighter, a Park Ranger at Joshua Tree National Park, an EMT, a Police Officer for the Tualatin, OR Police Department, and ultimately going into business for himself as a carpenter. He loved restoring old homes, something he did both professionally and personally. Toward the end of his career, he transitioned to restoring vintage trailers and even owned and operated The Main Shop, a small business in Molalla, OR featuring the work of local artists and craftspeople. In his retirement he honed his skills as a wood turner and iron artist.

In 1989 he met Rebecca Barrett and they married in August 1991. Together they relocated from Southern California to the Portland Metro area, living in SW Portland, Beaverton, Tualatin, NE Portland and Mulino during their time in Oregon. In between stints in Oregon, the couple enjoyed four years in New Bedford, MA where Ken had ample opportunity to practice his passion for old home restoration, ultimately earning an award from the Historic Preservation Society for his work on his own 1854 home.

Most recently they relocated to Independence, OR where they lived in an 1888 church converted to a residence, thus fulfilling a decades old dream of theirs. Ken oversaw and participated in the complete renovation of the building, creating a home that will forever be his legacy.

In 1998, Ken was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, entirely changing the trajectory of his life. Faced with the uncertainty of his health and his future, he devoted himself to battling the disease on all fronts with intense dedication and discipline. His diet, stretching and physical therapy routine, medical intervention and swimming regime ultimately led to him being declared in a stage of permanent remission in the early 2010’s. More importantly, it led to life of physical fitness and competition that culminated in the completion of six Ironman events, the running of three Boston Marathons, the swimming of the Portland Bridge swim covering 11 miles, multiple bike rides of 100 miles or more, and countless other triathlons and runs of varying length.

Ken’s fierce determination, strength and bravery was put to the test when he was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) in 2021. Despite extensive surgery at the University of California San Diego and four years of chemotherapy every other week, his

health gradually worsened leading to his eventual passing. Nevertheless, Ken made good use of this time in his life by completing work on his church house, becoming actively involved with the local Independence Museum, pursuing new hobbies, traveling to visit friends and family, selling his wares at the Independence Saturday Market, and, as always, making new friends.

Ken’s mother predeceased him in 2021, but he is survived by his father John, wife Rebecca, brother Michael, sister-in-law Catherine, and his two nieces who he loved dearly, Pearl and Liv. A gathering honoring his life will be planned following the holidays. Those wishing to make donations in his honor are encouraged to contact Oregon Public Broadcasting, National Public Radio, the Oregon MS Society, or the Independence Museum.