Les Kammenga, beloved son, brother, uncle and cousin, passed away Aug. 4, 2015 after a long battle against Waldenstrom macroglobulemia.
Les was born in Oak Harbor on Dec. 20, 1940. He graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1959 and later graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in civil engineering.
He spent most of his career with the Washington State Department of Transportation overseeing construction projects on the 405-Freeway and Project Manager for the Mercer Island section of the I-90 floating bridge. On weekends, he returned to Whidbey to hunt, fish and horseback ride with family and friends. He enjoyed his longtime membership with the Island County Sheriff’s Posse, winning many state competition team events in barrel racing, pole bending, roping and pistol shooting.
True to his character of being a good man, Les retired early to care for his aging parents, Andy and Adraina Kammenga. After receiving a second chance at life, Les used some of his talents to build from the ground up a home in Wenatchee, milling the lumber from his wind-fallen trees. Les always said it was not the destination but the journey that was the fun part of life.
Les is survived by his brothers Jerry (Nancy) and Rod (Sheryl) Kammenga; sister Arlene (Gary) Clanton; nieces and nephews John (Krista) Clanton, Meghan (Kelly) Foley, Andy (Meagan) Kammenga, Kacie (Brick) Bundy and Troy (Sara) Nash; cousin Joe (Barbara) Short; and many grand-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of life for Les on Sept. 12, at the Dugualla Bay Clubhouse, 647 E. Beacon View Drive, Oak Harbor, with an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. The family wishes to acknowledge the care received from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. To honor Les’ memory, donations may be made to these organizations.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To share memories or leave condolences please visit Les’ Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com
