Ed Newcomb unexpectedly passed away August 7, 2024 after a six year battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. He was surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband and wonderful father. In addition to his wife and four children, he is missed by 7 grandchildren, his brother and sister, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, many friends and community members.
He was a steady and endlessly patient person who lived simply. A fixture in SW Portland for 50 years, he commuted to the same company for over 40 of them. He had a keen command of history and numbers, and never lost a family round of Trivial Pursuit, Genus Edition.
Ed lived a highly active lifestyle, he was an avid runner and bicyclist with tens of thousands of Portland miles under his shoe soles, countless Portland 5ks and Hood to Coasts, many Bridge Pedals and Steen’s Mountain Runs. He also swam regularly at community centers around Portland, skied Mount Hood regularly and played softball on various teams. He also enjoyed an annual family hunting trip. Always the athlete, he finished a long run and bicycle ride days before he passed. We will miss spotting him running, biking or cruising around Portland in his yellow MGB.
His children celebrate a dad who taught by example and few words. He was guided by honesty and fairness. He was an original ‘free range parent,’ never judged, and believed making mistakes provided valuable life lessons. He coached various soccer and ball teams for his kids, taught them how to fix cars and broken windows, and how to problem solve.
Ed was born in Berkely California, and grew up in various locations including Guam, Maryland, Hawaii, and Long Beach, California, before moving to Oregon. He graduated from high school in Klamath Falls and Oregon State University in Corvallis. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, step-father and a brother.