Obituary: Kenneth “Kenny” Catlin, 61, The Dalles

Kenneth “Kenny” Catlin was a huge man with an even bigger heart—a larger-than-life presence who spent his days ensuring no one around him ever went hungry, felt unloved, or stood without a friend. On June 13, 2026, at 4:51 p.m., Kenny was summoned home too soon after a fierce, courageous battle with ALS. As he took his last breath, a powerful gust of wind swept through the garden, carrying his legendary spirit home to the family awaiting him, leaving a world that will never quite be the same without his light.

A Journey of Passion, Hard Work, and Flavor

Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and 400 pounds, covered in tattoos, Kenny could easily command a room, but it was his profound kindness and booming laugh that truly captured it. In his younger years, Kenny worked the sawmills and braved the open ocean as a galley cook and fisherman on commercial fishing boats sailing to Alaska. It was during those rugged maritime days that he earned the affectionate moniker ‘Kenny Foo Yuk,” given to him by his brother Bobby, a testament to a lifelong passion for feeding people that started long before he ever owned a business.

In 2015, Kenny realized his ultimate dream and ambition by opening the Beachwood Eatery. The restaurant became his absolute pride and joy. Despite the endless trials of running a business, Kenny was always in his element there—happily greeting customers with a smile, sharing a story, and pouring his soul into his cooking. He used his kitchen not just to serve food, but to care for and uplift his entire community.

A Love Story and an Ever-Growing Family

The true anchor of Kenny’s life was his family. He met the absolute love of his life, Nancy, when she was just 13 years old. They shared a beautiful, rollercoaster romance filled with highs and navigating the lows together for many years, culminating in their marriage on June 25, 2006. Though they faced many seasons, Kenny’s heart always brought him right back to his beloved Nancy. His brother-in-law, Terry, beautifully noted the depth of this bond, sharing: “Let me tell you about a man. Not just any man…. The man with the largest heart I ever have met. Kenny would do anything for you if you were friends or family... today was his anniversary to my beautiful sister Nancy. He fought hard to make it, but in the end had to say goodbye early. He was giving to his last breath.”

To Kenny, family was never defined strictly by blood; it was defined by love. He proudly claimed three sons: Austin, Cody, and Billy. From day one to his very last breath, Kenny never saw Billy as anything less than his own son. As his boys grew, Kenny welcomed their significant others—Katelyn, Gabriella, and Jessi—with open arms and instant compassion. When Jessi joined the family and came to work alongside him at the Beachwood Eatery, they formed an unbreakable bond. He became a mentor, teaching her not only the art of cooking but the true meaning of community stewardship, leaving behind lessons that will be carried forward forever. Among the proudest moments of his life was the day he became a grandfather. Kenny was the very first person to ever hold his grandson, Johny—fondly known to him as “JJ”—and he cherished him with a fierce, protective love from that exact moment.

A Lasting Legacy

Kenny would do absolutely anything for anyone at any time. To list every life he touched, every mouth he fed, and every person who considered him an “adopted” father, brother, or friend would fill an entire book. He accepted people exactly as they were, and if his children loved someone, Kenny loved them instantly too. Kenny was preceded in death by his beloved mother, father, brothers, and sisters, who were called home before him. He leaves behind a massive, heartbroken, but deeply grateful village, including his loving wife, Nancy Catlin; his three sons, Austin Catlin(Gabriella), Cody Catlin (Katelyn), and Billy Byram(Jessi); his cherished grandson, JJ; his brother, Bobby(Diane);his brother Jeff (Connie) his sisters, Vickie and Nina; his mother-in-law Virgina Mckay; his father-in- law Frank Mckay; his brother-in-laws, Terry Mckay (Carey),Frankie Mckay and David Helms (Lana) and countless nieces, nephews, extended family, and community members.

Celebration of Life

In true keeping with Kenny’s explicit wishes, his family will not be dwelling only on the sorrow of his departure, but rather throwing a gathering worthy of his memory. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 18, 2026, where stories will be shared, his memory will be honored, and a life incredibly well-lived will be celebrated. In honor of Kenny’s giving spirit, his family asks that you take a moment today to hug your loved ones a little tighter, say a prayer for Nancy and the family during this transition, and live as Kenny did: with an open heart, a ready laugh, and a kindness.