Warren Russell Bacon was born May 14, 1937 in Alturas, CA, to Russell and Elizabeth Bacon, joining half-sister, Beverly Bacon. He died at Mary’s Woods, his place of residence, in Lake Oswego, OR, November 2, 2024. Cause of death was pancreatic cancer.

When Warren was 12 his father, a forester, was transferred to the Mendocino National Forest in Willows, CA. Warren graduated high school there. In 1960 he married high school sweetheart Lynne Bacon. The couple had four children, a daughter and three sons.

After obtaining a Bachelors of Landscape Architecture from University of Oregon in 1962, he took a position as forest landscape architect on the Shasta Trinity National Forest in Redding, CA. His career in the US Forest service took the family to Atlanta, GA, Washington, DC, and Portland, OR where he continued until retirement in 1997.

During Warren’s career he developed the Landscape Management System, which assessed the scenery value of forest land. He succeeded in having scenery declared a resource to be protected and managed. For this work he received a USDA Superior Service Award in 1976 and a Presidential Design Award in 1994.

When he retired in 1997, the following announcement was included in the U of Oregon’s School of Architecture and Allied Arts quarterly:  “Warren Bacon (B.L.A. ’62) retired from the Forest Service after a career as one of the most influential landscape architects in the history of public lands management in the United States. When he began, the Forest Service had no effective tools for incorporating human needs into managing national forest. Warren led the agency in developing guidelines and led efforts to teach these methods within public lands management agencies, resulting in their emulation around the world. His long career of quiet, persistent, diplomatic persuasion affected profound changes in the role of landscape architecture in the Forest Service. Warren also helped many men and women develop their own careers which will continue his legacy.”

Warren was an active member of First Unitarian Church, Portland, where he headed the Usher/Greeter program and served as a Lay Minister. In 1999 he was awarded the congregation’s annual Unitarian of the Year award.

A 49-year resident of the Evergreen Neighborhood in Lake Oswego, he served serval terms on the ENA board, developing a plan to define and preserve the character of the neighborhood and save its tree canopy. He helped lay out trails in Tryon Creek Park when it was being established.

A devoted family man, Warren was happiest when in their company, sharing his love of the natural world while supporting their activities as well. In retirement, he enjoyed days on the trails with family and friends. He and Lynne welcomed many visitors into their home. A granddaughter once wrote, “No matter who you are, no matter what religion you believe in, no matter what language you speak, my family will open their gracious arms, let you into their homes, and serve you a steaming hot bowl of love.” Warren and Lynne enjoyed travel, especially trips that included hiking. Japan was a frequent destination.

Warren was predeceased by his parents and sister, Beverly Haughton. He is survived by his loving family: wife, Lynne; four children, Julie Bacon Wunderlich (Mark); Todd Bacon (Nancy); Michael Bacon (Yoshiko); Matt Bacon-Brenes (Kristin); eight grandchildren, Elise and Sophia Wunderlich, Eric and Caroline Bacon, Keita and Hazuki Bacon, Claire Park (Daniel) and Samuel Bacon-Brenes; brothers-in-law Kenneth Haughton, Wallis Cramer and sister-in-law Karen Jo Fiack and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 11 a.m., at First Unitarian Church, SW 12th and Salmon, Portland. For live-stream link go to All broadcasts for First Unitarian Church – Portland, OR.

Donations in Warren’s memory can be made to an organization of your choice that supports the beauty and preservation of the natural world, a park or garden.

Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special memory or message. Thank you.