Multnomah County OR Archives Biographies.....Lychywek, Peter J. December 4, 1870 - April 20, 1928
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Source: History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Vol. III, Published 1928, Pages 726 - 729
Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company

     PETER J. LYCHYWEK.  Death often removes from our midst those whom we can 
ill afford to lose, and such was the feeling when Peter J. Lychywek was called 
from this life. He occupied a prominent position in the business circles of 
Portland, where he was widely known as the chief engineer at the plant of the 
Doernbecher Manufacturing Company and was thus closely connected with one of 
the great productive industries of the city. It was characteristic of him that 
he was never found wanting when duty called. He not only met every demand made 
upon him but was ever willing to aid others and to perform many tasks that 
would advance the interests of the business which he represented, even though 
it was not in the strict path of his especial duty. He measured up to high 
standards and he enjoyed the respect, confidence and good will of all who knew 
him.

     Mr. Lychywek was born in Germany, December 4, 1870, and spent the first 
seven years of his life in that land, after which he came to the new world 
with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lychywek, who settled at Centralia, 
Wisconsin, where the father followed the occupation of farming, so that the 
youthful experiences of Peter J. Lychywek were those of the farm-bred boy. His 
education was acquired in the schools of the home neighborhood, but he did not 
desire to devote his life to farm work and when still quite young obtained a 
position in a furniture factory, where he first acquainted himself with the 
use of band saws.

     His residence in the northwest dated from 1894, in which year he went to 
Chehalis, Washington, where he entered the employ of F. S. Doernbecher, and 
when Mr. Doernbecher came to Portland and established a factory he came and 
installed the machinery, etc. Here he continued until his death. He made 
steady progress in the business, which he represented until he became chief 
engineer of the great Doernbecher plant. He looked after every detail of all 
the machinery and planned most of the improvements along that line and was one 
of the stockholders. He was credited with having been a leading factor in the 
growth of the business and contributed in large measure to the steady 
expansion of the small furniture factory which was established here by Mr. 
Doernbecher in 1900 and which continuously grew until it became one of the 
foremost business enterprises of the northwest. After the death of Mr. 
Doernbecher, Mr. Lychywek became part owner of the business and he gave 
untiring attention and effort to everything that had to do with the success of 
this great enterprise. Throughout his entire business career it was said of 
him that he was always found at his post, that he never considered hours but 
met every obligation, and if anything went wrong in any part of the business 
he was there to carry on. He not only met every requirement of his position 
but aided others and made most valuable contribution to the success and 
development of the undertaking. Those who were his associates in the business 
are loud in his praise. If he felt that the business demanded his attention he 
would hardly take time for meals and for sufficient rest, and he really gave 
his life as a sacrifice to the Doernbecher Manufacturing Company. An accident 
resulted in his death, for he was run down by a small railroad truck at the 
plant and as the result of his injuries passed away. Throughout his entire 
life he was identified with furniture manufacturing interests and thoroughly 
mastered every task that he undertook. Thus year by year his efficiency 
increased and his comprehensive knowledge of machinery in all of its workings 
constituted a chief element in the smooth and successful operation of the 
factory.

     On the 20th of January, 1897, Mr. Lychywek was united in marriage to Miss 
Levilla Hubbard, of Independence, Oregon, a daughter of Perry and Emma 
(Cooper) Hubbard. They became the parents of one child, Dolly, now the wife of 
Paul Brong, of Portland.

     Mr. Lychywek was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, 
the Woodmen of the World, the Neighbors of Woodcraft and the Catholic church 
and ever consistently followed the teachings of those organizations, but his 
interest centered in his home and his life was a constant expression of love 
for the members of his household. His was indeed an honorable and useful 
career and the sterling worth of his character was attested by all with whom 
he came in contact. His death occurred April 20, 1928.

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