William Newhouse

William “Bill” Newhouse passed away peacefully on August 21st, 2025, in Reno, Nevada at the age of 92. Bill was born on June 30, 1933, at the family home in Oregon City, Oregon, to William and Olive Newhouse. He grew up on a small family farm, where early mornings and daily chores were a regular part of life. These formative years provided him with rich memories and stories that he would fondly share with his children and grandchildren.

As a teenager, Bill worked alongside his father at the Claremont Service Station on Molalla Avenue. While attending Oregon City High School, he met the love of his life, Shirley Moehnke. The two remained devoted to one another throughout their lives.

In 1954, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Texas and Louisiana. Despite the distance, he wrote to Shirley nearly every day. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Oregon, married Shirley in 1956, and began his studies at Oregon State University. He graduated in 1959 with a degree in Pharmacy.

Bill began his pharmacy career at Fred Meyer before opening his own business, Newhouse Pharmacy, located near the top of the Oregon City municipal elevator. For nearly 20 years, he proudly served the community as a self-employed pharmacist. He later concluded his career as the pharmacy manager at Albertsons.

A man of many talents and interests, Bill enjoyed fishing, woodworking, ham radio, and building model airplanes. He was also deeply involved in Freemasonry, beginning with DeMolay in high school and continuing through the Masons, Shriners, and Knights Templar. He was especially proud to serve as Potentate for the Al Kadar Shriners.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley (2022), and his son, Gregory (2014). He is survived by his sons, Grant and Graeme Newhouse; eight grandchildren: Jake, Shane, Charlie, Blake, Taylor, Troy, Eric, and Andrew; and six great-grandchildren: Charlie, Katie, Etta, Tegan, Thomas, and Franklin.

Bill will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, his professional integrity, and his legendary ability to fix just about anything. He was the one you called when something needed to be built, repaired, or figured out—Dad always knew what to do.

A private entombment will take place on Wednesday, September 17th at 10:00 AM at Riverview Abbey A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at 12:00 PM at the home of Graeme and Linda Newhouse.

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