Wellington Andrew Ewen

Wellington “Welly” Andrew Ewen, 73, passed away, December 14, 2012 at his home in Williams.

Wellington was born October 10, 1939 in Derby, Connecticut to James Harold Ewen & Helen (Andrew) Ewen. His elementary school days were spent at Orange Center School and he graduated from Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, Connecticut, a member of the class of 1957. Growing up on his parents’ farm in Orange, Connecticut imbued in him a love of the outdoors that remained with him his entire life.

Welly studied at Cornell University where he received both BS and MBA degrees. During his undergraduate years, he became a member of the Beta Omicron chapter of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He obtained CPA certification in both the State of New York and California. Wellington served in the United States Army active reserves from 1961 to 1967.

Wellington’s long career of management of corporate financial and accounting operations began in the New York office of Arthur Andersen, LLP, in 1964. In 1973, he was recruited as Corporate Accounting Manager by Tosco Corporation, a move that eventually brought him to the West Coast and further advancement to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Other highlights of Wellington’s career include five years as President of Entrepreneur Group, Inc., where he was instrumental in revitalizing the company. In 1988, Wellington formed his own business consulting practice, specializing in tax and public reporting duties including all SEC reporting for small start-up companies.

While in California, Wellington served on his residences’ association boards frequently in the capacity of treasurer. As a self-described “country boy with city skills”, he would often venture to the eastern Sierra for a weekend of skiing, fishing or hiking. He also was a die-hard Dodger fan and an impressive squash player.

Wellington retired to Williams, Oregon in 2000 from southern California. He was drawn to Williams for the climate and bucolic nature reminiscent of the environment of his youth. In Williams, with his love of field and stream, Welly’s interests focused on habitat stewardship. He became a member of the American Legion Post 50, and served as treasurer of that organization for many years. For so many who knew him, he was a valued friend and a great mentor.

Besides his wife Susan H. Perham of Williams, Oregon, Wellington is survived by Melissa D. Ewen Virtue (Rodger) of Hawi, Hawaii and Gretchen K. Ewen Streilein of Yorba Linda, California (two of his three children from his first marriage to Elaine Sheridan “Sheri” Reuter, now deceased); Susan’s children, Agustin “Rob” Matson of Ashburn, Virginia and Helen M. Hung of Burbank, California; and daughter-in-law Ruth “Mimi” Woldemicael of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by his brother, James H. “Jay” Ewen (Sharon) of Orange, Connecticut; a sister-in-law Lois Ewen of Milmay, New Jersey; several nieces and nephews; ten grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.

He was predeceased by a brother, Richard A. Ewen and by a son, Ashley A. Ewen.

A memorial celebration is being planned for late spring, date to be determined.

Memorial gifts may be made to Asante Foundation, designating Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation – TRCH as recipient, 2600 Siskiyou Blvd. Suite 100, Medford, Oregon 97504 or to Asante Hospice (same address as above). Gifts may also be made online at www.asantefoundation.org.

Hull & Hull Funeral Directors of Grants Pass are in charge of arrangements.