Kim Leslie Blessing

Kim Blessing passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, at the age of 67, with her sister Gale Blessing and life partner Lew Evans by her side. Born in 1957 at Fort Lewis, Washington, Kim was the beloved daughter of retired Lieutenant Colonel Jack Blessing and Odilia Mendoza de Blessing. The family moved to Portland, Oregon when Kim was just a year old, where she grew up and attended public schools in the Reynolds School District; Marycrest High School; and graduated from Reynolds High School in 1975. Kim pursued her passion for engineering through studies at Oregon State University and the University of Portland. In her early years, she worked at Meier & Frank and Frederick & Nelson, later joining the family business, Blessing Electric Inc., where she served as Vice President. During this time, she was appointed by the Oregon Senate as a member of the Oregon State Construction Contractors Board. She continued her career at Cascade Lighting until health issues led to an early retirement.

Kim's love of food and culinary exploration led her to take a bold step—taking a leave of absence to attend the Western Culinary Institute, where she earned her culinary degree. Her family and friends were the lucky beneficiaries of her delicious experiments in the kitchen. Kim was also an avid traveler, with a spirit of adventure that took her across the globe—including to Anguilla, Austria, Australia, Brunei, Canada, the Caribbean, the Czech Republic, China, Croatia, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Scotland, Thailand, Tibet, West Indies, and often back to Panama, her mother’s homeland.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her half-brother, Jack Blessing Jr. She is survived by her devoted partner and caregiver, Lew; her sister Gale; her half-sister, Jane Blessing Gibson; and her beloved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her loyal German Shepherd, Bret.

At Kim’s request, no formal services will be held. A private celebration of her life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you honor Kim’s generous spirit by helping someone in need.