Kenneth Wayne McGregory II

Kenneth Wayne McGregory II, 70, of Cornelius, Oregon, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the Avamere Rehabilitation Center in Hillsboro, 10 weeks after suffering his second stroke.

"Kenny," as he was known growing up, was born on September 13, 1954, in Astoria, Oregon, to Ken and Luella (Culp) McGregory. He was the second of five children. He had an older sister, Peggy, and a younger sister, Terie. Later, through his mother's second marriage to William Kerr, he gained two younger brothers, Bill and Brian.

Due to his stepfather's career in the U.S. Navy, Kenny's family lived in various locations, including Treasure Island, California, and both Gresham and Warrenton, Oregon. He was part of Warrenton High School's class of 1972.

He met his future wife, Robin Raphael, while they were juniors in high school during a brief stint at Marshall High School in Portland. After a four-year courtship, they married on October 24, 1976, at Philadelphia Church (now Gateway Community Church) in Hammond, Oregon.

Ken's passion for music, which began at age 12 when he first sang in a band, led to a lifelong career as a professional musician. He played trumpet, guitar, and bass guitar with multiple bands, performing throughout the western U.S., Alaska, and Canada. While living in Austin, Texas, both he and Robin rededicated their lives to Christ and became active in the music ministry at World of Pentecost Church. It was also in Texas that the couple welcomed their daughter, Hayley, into the world.

Ken transitioned into a career in carpentry, and in 1981, the family moved to Union City, California, to care for his father's wife, who had MS. During this time, Ken and Robin became choir directors at Fremont Apostolic Church. In 1985, they were invited to join Daystar Church in San Antonio, Texas, where they lived until 1989. They then returned to Portland to be closer to family and friends and settled in the St. John's area.

In Portland, Ken became a member of the local music scene. He played bass and sang with the band PDX for seven years, and later, along with Robin, co-founded the band Backlash with longtime friend Stephen Wiley of Warrenton, Oregon. They enjoyed playing in local clubs and charity events for another seven years.

Ken was also the proud owner of McGregory Contractors, specializing in finish carpentry and locksmithing for both new homes and remodels. His professional work and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on many.

Above all, Ken was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. He was known for his great sense of humor, his storytelling, and his warm, accepting presence. He was a father figure to many, and a beloved "Papa" to his grandchildren. To them, he was not just a grandfather, but also a playmate, homeschool teacher, homework helper, music mentor, and a constant source of love and support.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Robin; daughter Hayley (and her spouse Jonathan Cummings) of Forest Grove, Oregon; four grandchildren – Corinna, Asher (and his spouse Jessica), Talia, and Ezra – and his mother, Luella Kerr of Hammond, Oregon; and siblings Peggy Berry, Terie Peters, Bill Kerr, and Brian Kerr.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Ken's Life on Saturday, September 13, 2025, 2:00PM, at Gateway Community Church (formerly The Philadelphia Church), 796 Pacific Drive Hammond, OR 97121.