Kraig Allen Cutsforth

  Kraig A. Cutsforth, 62, of Heppner, died Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at his home.  A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Heppner Elks Club. 

He was born January 23, 1961, at Heppner, the son of Kenneth D. and M. Sharon Bryant Cutsforth.  He was raised in Heppner until the 1970’s when he relocated to Burns, Oregon for far too long for his liking. and finished high school in Pendleton, Oregon.

Kraig attended the University of Oregon in Eugene where he received his bachelor’s degree in business management.  Upon graduating, he went to work in Pendleton and a couple of years later was transferred to Portland, Oregon.  Kraig went into the stock and bond business for almost 20 years and ended up with an office in Hermiston, Oregon.  He had a daughter (Kelsey) in 1995 while living in Hermiston.  He was also a council person for the City of Hermiston during this time.

He moved to Lacey, Washington to work for the State of Washington for the next twelve years.  During this time, he met and married Kathleen M. Whelan on October 10, 2010, in Maui, Hawaii.  Kraig switched gears and eventually became the city manager for the City of Heppner.  He truly enjoyed this aspect of government and the wonderful people of Heppner.

Survivors include his wife Kathy Whelan-Cutsforth of Heppner, daughter Kelsey R. Cutsforth of Tumwater, Washington, his mother Sharon Lewis and stepfather Keith Lewis of Heppner, stepmother Carolyn Cutsforth, and a sister A. Kim Cutsforth also of Heppner, stepbrother William Huston, niece Maggie Armato, and nephew Joe Armato, as well as many friends and many more members of his family.

Kraig was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Cutsforth and a sister Kathryn Cutsforth Fulmer.

Contributions in his honor may be made to the Heppner Elks #358 Foundation, PO Box 494, Heppner, OR 97836.

As to Kraig, he thought his last words would be "Oh Shit"  at least that did not happen!

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