Omega Funeral and Cremation Services, Portland Oregon

Paget Criswell Engen

Died: Aug 24, 2012

Paget Criswell Engen (born Powell)
August 13, 1941 to August 24, 2012

Paget Engen of Portland died Friday, August 24th, after a brief illness. Her parents were Jack Linsey Powell and Nigel Eilene Criswell. Her siblings are Jeffi, Jay, and Kade Powell. Her children are Keegan,
Kyle, and Tobin Engen.

Paget was born in Indiana, and grew up primarily in South Dakota, where she graduated from Rapid City High School in 1959. She was awarded a math scholarship to Northwestern University in the surge of scientific patriotism that followed the launch of Sputnik. After beginning a family on the west coast she received her BA in Public Administration from the University of Oregon in 197?? [anybody know this?].

Paget's long career in public service began in Juneau, Alaska at the Health and Welfare Department. Soon she moved to Eugene and spent 14 years working with the city government, first for the data processing department, and then as a lobbyist representing Eugene's interests at the state legislature. Following that, from 1983 to 1988 Paget served as Legislative Affairs Coordinator for the League of Oregon Cities in Salem. She served as Executive Director of the Oregon Public Ports Association from 1988 to 1991 and subsequently was Vice President for Government Relations for Western Advocates. Paget was a highly respected lobbyist and legislative strategist, and in 1987 was elected by her peers to serve as President of the Capitol Club, an organization whose members represent private businesses, associations and others as legislative advocates. In 1994 she founded Pengen Consulting to help governments, businesses, associations and others develop online communications systems. Pengen Consulting facilitated production of the first online Oregon State Blue Book and online Oregon Voters' Pamphlet, as well as the first online legislative reporting system. She retired from professional life in 2008, but remained active and adventurous until her end.

Paget's home in Northeast Portland was always filled with family, friends, and assorted pets. Games were played, puzzles assembled, good food and wine were prepared and appreciated to the accompaniment of fine conversation. There was always room for one more at the table. Her family was Paget's greatest joy, and they will miss her sorely. Paget is predeceased by her parents, her son Keegan, and her brother Jay. Those who still carry her memory include her sons Kyle and Tobin Engen, her grandson Samosir Engen, her sister Jeffi Powell, brother Kade Powell, her aunt Margaret Powell, and her uncle Terry Powell. She has many cousins and friends across the country.

Always available to counsel, Paget's delight was mentoring and supporting friends and family. She donated blood, volunteered at BARK, and after her first trip to Dangriga, Belize, persuaded friends and family to donate books, school supplies and shipping costs for the small library there. She was empathetic and compassionate in care of the gravely ill.

Paget produced travelogues of her adventures in various parts of the world throughout the years. They can be read at
http://pengen.com/

A celebration of her life will be held at her home Saturday, September 22, beginning at 2 p.m..

Paget's charitable activities were many and varied. In lieu of flowersthe family suggests donations to the Oregon State Capitol Foundation Fund (http://www.leg.state.or.us/foundation/homepage.htm#friend ), Oregon Food Bank (http://www.oregonfoodbank.org/Donate), or the International Museum of Gaming and Puzzlery (http://imogap.org/contribute.cfm ).

Comments:

Nancy Vipond Miller

September 21st, 2012 8:09 pm

Please accept my deepest condolences. I have wonderful memories of your mom (and dad) when they lived in Bishop, CA, in 1962. Keegan was a baby. We were neighbors and I remember going to your parents' house for dinner and hearing Peter, Paul and Mary music for the first time! Paget was a great hostess even then. I also remember a delightful visit with Paget when my parents (Mary and Marvin Vipond) and I were traveling through OR on vacation in 1971. She touched all our lives in such a positive way. She will live on in our hearts and memories. My thoughts are with you during this difficult, sad time.

Dawn Scott

September 18th, 2012 6:46 pm

Paget was the female who had the greatest influence on my life. I met her in early college days in Eugene, when she was already a mother with two splendid young sons. Her support and belief in me gave me the elusive confidence I needed so badly. We travelled on several trips together over the years - a 2-week Amtrak trip (my first railroad trip, but Paget was right, I loved it!), a trip to Belize, and our final trip to Italy in 2008. An extraordinary woman who has left a lasting impression on all who knew her. I love the picture at the bottom of this page - must be Italy - fly away, dear friend, I will miss you forever.

Sylvia

September 18th, 2012 4:25 pm

When we worked together, I was privileged to know the intelligent, 'gutsy', passionate professional; also, I was challenged by Paget’s unique focus and intensity -- the likes of which I had never encountered before (or since). Years later, I was privileged to become dear friends with this multi-faceted woman, who adored “her boys”, and loved and supported her family and close friends in every way she knew how...who traveled, cooked and entertained as a means to keep everyone in her world connected and cared for. I’ll miss Paget’s kind heart, her insatiable zest for life, her soft eyes (that didn’t miss a thing), her honesty, and her ability to live in the present moment. Paget never gave up on anybody, including herself. She demonstrated what it means to be faithful, forgiving, loyal and true. She was a class act, and her spirit lives on in all those she touched.

Sandra Millius

September 16th, 2012 3:06 pm

Paget was an astute political strategist. As a neophyte lobbyist, I will alwways remember her support and assistance while I learned the ropes. She had an engaging laugh and an appreciation of life. My condolences to her family.

Wally

September 16th, 2012 8:59 am

"Rage, rage against the dying of the light." I am sure Dylan Thomas would have agreed this Cervantes quote fits Pag well "I would have nobody to control me, I would be absolute; and who but I? Now, she that is absolute can do what she likes; she that can do what she likes can take her pleasure; she that can take her pleasure, can be content; and she that can be content, has no more to desire. So the matter's over; and come what will come, I am satisfied." She lived, loved, and served so well - it is her time to rest now. We will miss her so deeply.

Sally Weaver

September 16th, 2012 7:58 am

I always loved visiting Paget at her home in Portland and so enjoyed following her adventures through her blog. She was such a clever, warm and generous person. Our family will miss her very much. Bon Voyage, dear friend.