MILWAUKIE, Ore. — Champ A. Husted, the longtime owner of Milwaukie Bowl and a key figure in the Oregon bowling community, has passed away at the age of 94.

Born on April 26, 1931, in Twin Falls, Idaho, Husted moved with his family to Medford in 1933. Due to his father’s work with Shell Oil Company, the family relocated frequently throughout Oregon during Husted’s childhood. He eventually attended and graduated from high school in Cottage Grove.

After serving in the U.S. military and bowling competitively during his time in the service, Husted returned home and partnered with his father to enter the bowling business. In 1957, they built Milwaukie Bowl on Harrison Street. At the time, the surrounding area was largely undeveloped. The center would become a local institution, remaining in the Husted family for multiple generations.

Husted later purchased Kellogg Bowl in 1967, five years after it opened. While it never generated large profits, the center supported itself for decades until it was sold to a developer following a decline in business and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The site is currently a 173-unit residential building.

Bowling was a central part of Husted’s life. He bowled at the University of Oregon, where he was part of a national championship team, and continued to compete while serving overseas. His son, Dave Husted, followed in his footsteps and became one of the most successful professional bowlers in the country, winning 14 PBA titles and ranking among the top 25 bowlers of all time.

Husted’s personal life was rooted in Cottage Grove, where he met his future wife. His mother, who served as clerk of the local school board, informed him when new teachers were scheduled to arrive. He met his wife at the bus depot when she came to town to begin her teaching career. Another arriving teacher was later married by Husted’s college roommate. His wife had moved from North Dakota and brought a large extended family into Husted’s life—something he wasn’t used to as an only child.

Together, they raised three children: two sons and a daughter. Their family remained in the Milwaukie area, and Husted enjoyed watching his family continue the bowling legacy. He also became a grandfather and great-grandfather.

Husted was active in the Milwaukie community for decades, participating in events such as Milwaukie Days and serving in civic organizations including Rotary (joining in 1971) and previously the Elks. He often drove his restored 1931 Model A Roadster in community parades.

The Milwaukie Museum recorded an extended video interview with Husted in 2022, where he shared reflections on his life, family, and community involvement. You can watch the interview below.

Following his passing, the Husted family shared the following statement:

"It is with a very heavy heart that we announce our beloved Champ has passed. He was an integral part of our community, he was a blessing to many and he was the best father, grandfather, and great grandfather to our family. Champ brought joy and laughter to everyone who knew him, he will be deeply missed." — The Husted Family

Champ Husted’s passing leaves a significant void in both the local bowling scene and the broader Milwaukie community. His legacy lives on through the generations of bowlers and business owners he mentored and inspired.