Loren Gordon Woodfill

March 5, 1924 – January 29, 2026

Loren Gordon Woodfill, age 101, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026. Born on March 5, 1924, in Rockwood, Oregon, Loren was the son of Charles and Nora Woodfill. He was the second of three children with an older brother, Durand Woodfill and a younger sister Donna Kirsten who passed before him.

Loren grew up in Rockwood and Gresham, Oregon. He attended Rockwood schools and later graduated from Gresham High School in 1942, where he was an outstanding pitcher for the baseball team. Many believed he had a bright future in the sport ahead of him.

But history had other plans. Just days after graduating, Loren set aside his baseball dreams and answered the call to serve in World War II. He enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. He served with honor in the 24th Infantry Division, 19th Regiment, Company C, achieving the rank of Corporal. Loren often gave God the Glory for bringing him home safely from the war, a belief that remained at the center of his life.

After his honorable discharge in January 1946, Loren returned to Oregon and married Marjorie Sitzman, the love of his life. Together they built a beautiful life and shared 75 years of marriage. They made their home in Gresham, where they raised their family and even built six homes together.

Loren worked for Mail-Well Envelope Company as a lithographer, a career he took great pride in. After retirement, he and Marjorie continued working together at the University of Portland, taking tickets for sporting events.

Loren remained active well into his later years. He enjoyed golf, table tennis, and bowling, bowling his last game at the remarkable age of 93. Along the way, he had many notable accomplishments, including a hole-in-one and six Summerplace table tennis championships in his early 70s. He also found great joy in following his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and took pride in being present for the moments that mattered most.

Beyond sports, Loren enjoyed building remote control airplanes, tending to his garden, and keeping his yard pristine. He also had a lifelong love of cars, owning 19 over the years from his first, a 1928 Ford Model A, to his last, a GMC Jimmy.

Loren was known as a devoted husband, loving father, and kind, steady presence to all who knew him. As a longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church, Gresham Baptist Church, and Rivercrest Church his life was grounded in faith, family, and gratitude. He was deeply thankful for the life he was given and never failed to give God the glory for it.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marjorie Woodfill. He is survived by his children, Stan Woodfill (Lisa) and Barbara Hewitt (Robb); his grandchildren, Bryan and Kevin Woodfill, Brittany Hewitt, and Chelsea Ross; and his great-grandchildren, Nathan and Ella Woodfill, Harper Woodfill, and Baker Ross.

Loren Gordon Woodfill lived a long, faithful, and honorable life, one defined by service, love, and quiet strength. He was the embodiment of his personal mantra he held for over 101 years: “life demands persistence.” He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A memorial service celebrating Loren’s life will be held on February 28 at 2:00 p.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church.