William Wesley Kentch passed away peacefully at his home on February 21, 2020 after a day surrounded by family and friends. He was born on September 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 2 years at Skagit Valley Community College. He then went on to University of Washington to obtain his teaching degree.
After graduation, he moved to Pe Elle, WA and taught there for a year, He then taught for 3 years in Ridgefield, where he met and married his lovely wife of 57 years, Idell Louise Kentch. They then moved to Acme, Wa, and Wes taught Vocational Agriculture at Mt Baker High School for 15 years.
After 2 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 Whatcom County Cattleman’s Association, Whatcom County Republicans, Whatcom County Charter Review Board, Whatcom County Weed Board, and Puget Sound Antique Tractor and Machinery Association.
Wes was preceded in death by his brother Charles, his sister Juanita Morelli, and his 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 at the Ferndale High School Gym on March 21st, 2020 at 5pm. All are welcome to join us in celebrating his life. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:
Wes Kentch Scholarship Fund, c/o Ferndale FFA Boosters Club
P.O. Box 2132
Ferndale WA 98248.
Submitted by Brenna Kentch
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