William Wesley Kentch passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 21, 2020, after a day surrounded by family and friends.
He was born on Sept. 8. 1938, to Sylvester Charles Kentch and Ethel Mary (Stump) Kentch. He attended school in Bellingham, then graduated from Ferndale High School and continued his education with two years at Skagit Valley Community College. He then went on to Washington State University to obtain his teaching degree. After graduation, he moved to Pe Ell, Washington, and taught there for a year, then taught for three years in Ridgefield, where he met and married his lovely wife of 57 years, Idell Louise Kentch.
They then moved to Acme, and Wes taught vocational agriculture at Mount Baker High School for 15 years. After two years of living in Acme, they moved to their farm on Enterprise Road in Ferndale, which Wes had purchased in 1961. He moved to Ferndale High School in 1980, where he proceeded to drive school bus, teach math, agriculture, metal fabrication and small engine rebuilding. He was there for 19 years before retiring to work on the farm.
Wes was widely active in many different aspects of his community, including the Whatcom County Cattlemen’s Association, Whatcom County Republicans, the Whatcom County Charter Review Board, the Whatcom County Weed Control Board and the Puget Sound Antique Tractor and Machinery Association.
Wes was preceded in death by brother Charles, sisters Juanita Morelli and Arlene Kentch; and great-granddaughter Sophie Allen Carr.
He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, I. Louise Kentch; four great boys, Jeff (Brenna), Greg (Pam), Wade (Carri) and Ryan; as well as numerous grand- and great-grandchildren.
The service will be held in the Ferndale High School gym at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21. All are welcome to join us in celebrating Wes’s life.
The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wes Kentch Scholarship Fund, c/o Ferndale FFA Boosters Club, P.O. Box 2132, Ferndale WA 98248.
