Grandfather, award-winning architect, designer, painter

Jens Robert Lerback, age 69, died in Woodburn, Oregon, where he had lived for the past six years. His life was cut short when he was hit by a car while walking his dog at midday on December 19, 2025.

Jens was born in Hawaii and lived on Maui and the Big Island during his youth. He graduated from Konawaena High School in Kona in 1974 and then studied art at the University of Hawaii for two years. In 1982, he earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Oregon, launching a distinguished career that reflected both technical excellence and creative vision.

He worked as a designer with FFA Architecture and Interiors in Portland, Oregon, and later in Southern California with WLC Architects, NTD Architecture, and GO Architects, where he concluded his professional career as a partner in the firm. His architectural expertise centered on master planning and project design for educational, corporate, and civic clients. He was especially proud of designing the tennis facilities at Claremont McKenna College, the Columbia Gorge Museum, the theater at Oaks Christian School, and St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. He was also an award-winning architectural illustrator.

In retirement, he devoted himself fully to his true passion: painting. A prolific and gifted artist, he worked mostly in oils and painted landscapes, abstracts, and portraits. His work was shown at the Lunaria Gallery, the Oregon State Fair (best of show), Elsinore Fine Art Gallery, FestivArts at Padua Hills, and the White Oak Gallery. The Sasse Museum of Art has one of his paintings in its permanent collection. He was active with Artists in Action in Salem, Oregon, where he served as president of the board for four years. He also enjoyed his time with Salem Sketchers, the Woodburn Art Center, and the Silverton Art Center. He was honored to have been the juror for the Something Red show at the Elsinore Fine Art Gallery in December 2025.

When the coronavirus pandemic struck, he wanted to help the community. He became a driver for Dial-a-Ride, providing transit for elderly and disabled adults in Woodburn. During his four years of service there, he made many good friends with colleagues and clients alike.

“Known for his laid-back and friendly personality, Jens brought warmth, creativity, and humor to those who knew him,” his family shared. “His broad smile and youthful charm made him instantly likeable, while his sharp mind should never have been underestimated. Everyone who knew and cared for him will feel his absence deeply.”

He married Rebecca Coleman in 2010, whom he met while both were living in Claremont. He is also survived by his first wife, Jackie Chapin of Claremont.

He was the devoted father of Kelsey TerMeer (Nic TerMeer) of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, and Jory Lerback (Chris Jackson-Jordon) of Oakland, California. He was also a loving stepfather to Liliana Caughman (Mac McGinnis) of Phoenix, and Benjamin Caughman of Upland. He cherished his role as “tutu” to his five grandsons: Renzo, Rudy, Robin, Noah, and Nico.

Florence Lerback, his hanai mother, survives him, along with brothers Joe, Jensley, and Kaleo Lerback; and step-siblings Laurie Kurozawa, Michelle Hill, and Bruce Hill.

He was predeceased by brother Kimo Lerback, sister Robyn Lerback, and sister Jennie Bess Lerback, who all lived on the Big Island. His parents were LuVerne Lerback, originally from Warrington, Oregon, and Teddi Hill of Hawaii.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24 at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service in Salem, Oregon.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Claremont Wildlands Conservancy to continue their work to preserve the foothills where he found joy hiking, mountain biking, painting, being with family and friends, and communing with nature, at claremontwildlands.org/donate-to-the-cwc.

The family wishes to thank the Woodburn Police Department and the Woodburn Veterinary Clinic for taking good care of Ez after the accident.