Kevin Dean Korthuis, 60, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2021, at Skagit Valley Hospital.  Kevin is survived by his mother, Bernita Korthuis of Burlington, WA; siblings, Heidi Arendsen (Martin) of Putten, the Netherlands, Barry Korthuis (Sandy) of Castle Rock, CO, Cheryl Ensing (Germ) of Burlington, WA, Michael Korthuis (Heidi) of Georgetown, KY; and many nieces and nephews.  Kevin’s father, Dennis Korthuis, preceded him on May 10, 2002; his oldest brother, Roger Korthuis, preceded him on January 15, 2019.

Kevin was born on December 22, 1960, in Bellingham, WA, and was the second oldest child in a family of six children born to Dennis and Bernita Korthuis.  He was raised in the care of this large, often boisterous family.

Life dealt Kevin many physical and mental challenges, but through it all, he was able to graduate from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1981, and he held a job at Washington Bulb Company for 30 years.  He was dedicated to his work, and his fellow employees described him as detail-oriented and fond of sharing stories of church and family members.

Kevin was a sports fan.  He greatly enjoyed watching football and baseball, and he consistently watched Seahawks and Mariners games.  One of his favorite things to do was attending Mariners games in Seattle with his good friend, Joe Rose.  Kevin also enjoyed church potlucks and having one-on-one conversations with church members.

The family would like to thank the numerous people over the years that made life more fulfilling, productive, and manageable for Kevin.  He highly valued his job at Washington Bulb Company, and many of the employees were like a second family to him.  We want to thank all the kind and patient people – caregivers, church members, high school classmates, community members, employees and residents at Alpine Ridge Apartments – that took the time to listen to Kevin, to guide him, to give him rides to events, and to include him in social gatherings.  All together, these good deeds provided a mountain of help to Kevin.

We’d like to say a very special thank you to all the doctors and nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital who participated in Kevin’s care (especially those in the critical care unit).  Your commitment and generosity of care is inspiring and will not be forgotten.

A Bird in the Mist (anonymous)

At times like this, we look through books for the perfect

words to give form to our feelings.

To make the thing complete.

Set the matter at rest.

Yet, in hours of searching,

Each piece lies rejected – too precise, too difficult, too sweet,

Too harsh, implying what we do not wish to say.

But, look into the grey wide sky,

And the thoughts will come like this:

We will remember you when we loved you most and you loved us most.

We will remember you when you were your bravest and we did you right.

Then, let this be our family bond.

And, let us rise in the morning and enjoy the light God gives,

And know that the bird in the mist is held in trust by Him.

Share your memories of Kevin and sign the online guest register.