Longtime Lynden resident Ken Kornelis, age 99, passed away quietly on Tuesday, May 29, 2018.
Ken was born Oct. 17, 1918 to parents Abram and Jessie (Van Dyke) Kornelis in Rapelje, Montana. After graduating from high school in Montana, he attended Calvin College before moving to Sumas in 1945. Ken worked for the IRS in Washington, D.C., then for a short time at the Lynden Tribune as a typesetter. Finally he settled in at the Bellingham Herald as a composer in 1953, retiring in 1984.
Ken was active in the Republican Party and local politics. In retirement he raised heifers and at age 70 he climbed Mt. Baker. He enjoyed volunteering on the Lynden Christian truck collecting cardboard.
Ken married Bertha Vander Kooi in Lynden on June 6, 1947.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Bertha; his parents; infant son Stephen; granddaughter Emma Watson; brothers James, Louis and Thomas; and sisters Henrietta DeWaard, Necia Engbers and Evelyn Van Dyke.
Ken is survived by his children Dave (Sue) Kornelis, Pat (Doug) Mason, Ruth (Daryl) Koning, Tom (Laura) Kornelis, Philip Kornelis, Ray (Cheryl) Kornelis, Lois (Sid) Watson and Ben (Pat) Kornelis; 23 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by brothers John and Sidney, sister Gert Kooy, brother-in-law Harry Van Dyke and sisters-in-law Agie Vander Kooi and Josie Van Werven.
The graveside service is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, in Monumenta Cemetery, followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m. in Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Lynden, with Pastor Steve Van Noort officiating.
You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
