Denise Bacon, a longtime city councilor and advocate for the community, dedicated her life to serving others and making Newberg a better place. “Denise is someone that touched more people and systems in Newberg than any other leader I know,” Elise Yarnell Hollamon, a fellow city council councilor, said via email. “She was a quiet servant that never sought credit, but always sought collaboration and using the talents of others for good. It’s so devastating to think about a Newberg without Denise, but I am committed to carrying forward her spirit in everything I do.”

Bacon died on Oct. 21 at age 56 after struggling with lung complications for weeks in the hospital. She is survived by husband Chris Moore, family and countless people whose lives she touched.

“Through her roles with the Ford Family Foundation, Newberg City Council, Rotary Club of Newberg (Noon), Newberg-Dundee Police Foundation, Nurture Newberg, the Community Prevention & Wellness Fund and countless other efforts, Denise has been a significant leader throughout our state, specifically around community service, rural development and primary prevention,” the Eventbrite page dedicated to her celebration of life said. “Her heart was in caring for our most vulnerable community members and in empowering other people to lead.”