Kenneth Francis Nugent

Kenneth Francis Nugent, 96, a long time resident of Eugene, passed away June 10, 2021. Ken was born in Portland, Oregon to his parents, James Patrick and Mary Bertha Nugent, on February 3, 1925. Before moving to Eugene in 1933, the family called Oakridge, Oregon their home. As a youngster he was allowed to investigate the surrounding area, including Salmon Creek and the Middle Fork of the Willamette, where he developed an appreciation for hiking, trout fishing, and exploring. The family's move to Eugene was, in part, and effort by his parents to have their children enrolled in parochial school. Ken, his brothers Jim and Tom, and sister Mary Jane attended St. Mary's grade school, with Ken's graduation from St. Mary's High School in the spring of 1943. During his high school years, Ken delivered the Register Guard newspaper in downtown Eugene before landing a job as a bell boy at the old Eugene Hotel. Coinciding with his working experiences, Ken was heavily involved with Scouting where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. In July of 1943, duty called and he was drafted into the service of his country with the U.S. Navy where, after training, he served as an electrician's mate aboard the USS LST 733. Intensely proud of his naval experience, Ken took part in the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign, including the Philippine Liberation and the occupation of Japan's coastal area at the war's conclusion. Once home, Ken worked for the U.S. Post Office until he was hired by Pacific Northwest Bell, where his career with the phone company continued until his retirement. In 1950, mutual friends introduced Ken to Delores (Dede) Bontty. A romance followed, with their marriage taking place at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Oswego, Oregon on October 27, 1951. Evidenced by his affection for Delores, children, grandchildren and great grandchild, Ken was a patient, devoted, and loving family man. By the same token, confirmation of Ken's altruistic nature is affirmed by his participation in the community as a Boy Scout leader as well as having assisted in many fund raising efforts at Marist High School and volunteering with local catholic charity where he sought to place donated appliances into homes that would make good use of a washer, dryer, or kitchen apparatus. Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Delores; his four children Tim (Teresa) Nugent, Susan (Greg) Cesar, Gloria (Tony) Virnig and Paul (Dyan) Nugent; grandchildren Eric, Barry, Andrea, Jordan, Chelsea, and Olivia; great grandchild Charlotte, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will occur Friday, July 30 at St. Mary's Church in Eugene, with a rosary at 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 12:15 p.m. There will be a private inurnment to follow. Ken's family would like to express their appreciation for the gracious, competent and compassionate assistance of both PeaceHealth Hospice nurses as well as the staff at Pete Moore Hospice House.