Whatcom Wonders

Glenn Kaauwai makes a di erence with local CERT

By Elisa Claassen, for the Tribune

A retired firefighter, Glenn Kaauwai volunteers for CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) in Bellingham and has instructed for approximately six years. The following is from a Q&A with Kaauwai.

Lynden Tribune: Why did you get started volunteering?

Glenn Kaauwai: Because I’m retired, have the time and wanted to share my experiences.

Tribune: How did you choose who you volunteer for?

Kaauwai: The place was simple. It’s where I reside. The cause to volunteer is to finish strong in this chapter of my life and CERT is a great place to do that.

Tribune: What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

friends and family. She loved huge family dinners especially at anksgiving and Christmas. Lesli was strong-minded, independent, and active, and she knew how to enjoy life with a playful and whimsical approach. She was a dedicated daughter, a loving mother, a supportive sister, and a caring friend. Lesli was preceded in death by her parents William and Jean Marie Higginson, her niece Christie Marie Higginson, and her ancé Robert Doyer. She is survived by her son Andrew Hollis Higginson of Ferndale, her sister Carla Jean Higginson of Friday Harbor (Garrett J. Beyer), her sister Jaya Marie Sigo of Suquamish (David C. Sigo), her sister Lisa Rae McEntire of Paci c (Mike McEntire), her nephew Aaron Jacob McEntire (Andrea McEntire) of Marysville, and her nephew Ryan Joel Sigo of Suquamish. She also leaves her former husband Bernard Fernandez of Bellingham, her co-workers from BP, and many good friends from many places. Lesli will always be remembered with joy and love.

in the hardest of times. He always found joy in something with his passion for music a constant presence. As a free spirit, he lived his life uniquely and apart from the usual norms, seeing the world from a higher viewpoint of love. He was so many things we should aspire to and taught us so much

You are loved by many Nate and we will all miss you One Love. You are nally home. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Marvin and Edith Wielenga (his biggest fan). He is survived by his father Gregg Wielenga; mother Sheila Wielenga; sisters Amanda Postma (Tom), Audrey Postma (Micah), and Anna Wielenga: nieces Ten-

Family was important to Peach. She loved spending time watching her grandchildren play baseball, basketball, football, run cross-country and track, sing in choirs, and perform in plays.

Given her love of sports, Peach could usually be found spending her Sundays watching football or NASCAR.

Peach was known by those around her as compassionate and always willing to lend a helping hand. Her tenacity was one of her most admirable traits - some might even call her erce. She was very caring and protective of her loved ones.

Peach is survived by her brother, Dale (Sharon) Barter, and her children, Shelly (Craig) Keck, Vernon Brown, Lori Brown, and Steve (Karen) Brown. She was a proud grandmother to Justin (Brynn) Brown, An- leigh, Emmalyn, and Mila; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. drea (Brian) Walkenhauer, Joelle Brown, and Marques Brown; and to her greatgrandchildren, Blakely and omas Brown and Cole and Cara Walkenhauer. based on their life’s experience as well as previous occupations.

An open house and celebration of Nate’s life will be held Friday, February, 24th from 1-4pm at the Squalicum Boathouse in Bellingham (2600 Harbor Loop). Come and share memories to honor Nate with his family and friends.

In lieu of owers, please send a donation to Base Camp via the Lighthouse Mission Ministries who care for so many of our local people in need. If anyone has pictures of Nate, the family would be grateful to have them shared. Pictures or links can be sent to natewielengamemory@gmail.com.

Peach is also survived by her special friend Becky Rudig (Richard New).

Peach was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon (Tu y) and Wilma Barter; her husband, Jimmy Brown; and her sister, Gerri Valencia.

Memorials in Peach’s name may be made to the Deming Log Show Grounds, PO Box 837, Deming WA 98244.

A celebration of life for Peach will take place at the Deming Log Show Museum on Saturday, March 25 at 2 p.m.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Tribune: What do you do professionally?

Kaauwai: I am a retired deputy fire chief from Hawaii. I served for 39 years and then some. Prior to that, after graduating high school in 1974, I join the U.S. Navy. I was an aircraft mechanic.

Tribune: How do your volunteer e orts di er from your profession?

Kaauwai: I believe fundamentally both are the same in wanting to make a di erence within our communities.

If you know of a volunteer you’d like to see the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record feature in our monthly Whatcom Wonders special section, please email bill@lyndentribune.com or call 360-354-4444. Thank you.

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