Gerben Jacob Oordt passed away on Dec. 1, 2015, at the age of 85. He was born on Aug. 3, 1930, in Lynden to Andrew and Bernice (Houg) Oordt.
Gerb volunteered with the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He met his future wife, Dorothy Karb, of Ferndale, when “the Ferndale girls” went to take stock of the “Lynden boys.” They married on Aug. 28, 1953, and began life together in Lynden, where they had three of their four children. They later moved their family to the Ferndale area when they took over the family farm in 1965.
Gerb worked at Mt. Baker Plywood and Intalco before settling on the dairy farm. He was also employed with the Whatcom County Humane Society in animal control, and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union.
He loved farming and working, and had names for all his cows. In 1985 the Oordt family had the honor of being chosen the Dairy Family of the Year for both Whatcom County and Washington State.
Gerb was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Bernice; his wife, Dorothy; three brothers, Robert, Martin and Hilmer; and two sisters, Esther and Magdalene.
Gerb is survived by sisters Jerrie (Jim) Raymond and Madge Kaemingk; brother Bernie Oordt; his children, Brenda (Jim) Weatherby, Rocky Oordt, Sandra (Bruce) Wright and Becky (Dale) Gilbert; grandchildren Tiffany, Christa and Rachel Weatherby, Alex and Caleb Oordt, and Justin and Zachary Wright; along with numerous great-grandchildren. He will be missed dearly.
A celebration of Gerb’s life was held on Dec. 12. He was laid to rest in Enterprise Cemetery.
One of Gerb’s last wishes was to keep Quiet Springs Farm in the family name. In lieu of flowers, the children ask that donations be made to the fund that is set up for this purpose.
You may share your thoughts and memories of Gerb in the online guest book at www.molesfarewelltributes.com.
