Everyone has unique experiences in life. Each person has a story to tell and words of wisdom that can be shared with others. With that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to some of the wonderful people who live here at CHCC. Here is a recent resident spotlight Q&A session we did with Herb K.
Herb’s wife and son helped answer these questions, so this spotlight is written in the third person.
Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
Herb was born in Ferndale, Washington. He lived in and around Lynden for most of his life. He and his wife, Bernace, wintered in Mesa for 34 years and traveled all over the United States in their motor home, as well as internationally.
What was your first job?
Herb worked for his Uncle Herman in his photography shop. He started in the seventh grade. After school, he picked up film for his uncle at Edson’s Drug Store, which was located where Rustler’s Grill (formerly Dutch Mother’s) is now in downtown Lynden. As Herb watched pictures of people’s vacations come to life in his uncle’s darkroom, he developed a keen desire for travel.
What other types of work did you do before retiring?
After high school, Herb began working for Lynden Transfer Incorporated. He drove trucks with trailers nonstop with a partner. They drove to Anchorage, transporting a locked mailbox on the truck and a refrigerated trailer filled with fresh food and supplies for the people of Alaska.
A truck like the one Herb drove is parked on Bender Road near the Lynden branch of Lynden Transfer Incorporated and is often driven in the Farmers Day Parade. Herb worked for Lynden Transfer until he earned the seed money to fulfill his dream of farming.
Together with his wife, three sons and longtime friend Kevin “Butch” Kvamme, he raised and harvested row crops of peas, beans, carrots, corn and beets. Some of the carrots weighed as much as 10 pounds each. He helped design a machine to harvest the carrots. He sold his crops to local processors, including Kale Cannery in Everson, Kelly Farquhar in Ferndale and Bellingham Frozen Foods.
When Bellingham Frozen Foods began to fail, Herb and his partners were able to purchase it and turn it into a thriving business. He sold the company in 1990 and later started several other small businesses.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
Herb loved farming and creating machinery to enhance productivity. He enjoyed the challenge of making businesses profitable and pursuing the life of a visionary and entrepreneur. He also enjoyed employing many local youths for summer jobs in the fields.
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
Herb has always been proud of his three sons, Don, Scott and Keith. He also felt privileged to serve on the boards of Dordt University, Westminster Seminary and Second Christian Reformed Church, where he consistently endeavored to offer help and guidance.
What is the hardest thing you have experienced?
The transition period when he and his partners were acquiring Bellingham Frozen Foods was very difficult because there was no money coming in. Herb made it through that time through prayer, determination and the support of his family and business partner, Butch.
What was your favorite decade to live in, and why?
The ’70s, when the farm really took off with vegetable sales. It was a rich family time with his boys, who worked very hard and long hours alongside him. It was a time of togetherness, family devotions and the formation of lasting, unbreakable bonds.
Who is your favorite author or musician?
Vivaldi and other classical and all choral music.
Do you have a favorite song, inspirational quote or Bible verse?
Psalm 23 and Lamentations 3:22–23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
Work hard, be honest and honor God in all your ways.
What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person?
Set goals and work diligently to reach them. Develop a strong faith and pass it on to your children and future generations of your family.
What are some things that most people don’t know about you, but you wish they did?
Herb rode a Harley in high school. He served his country in the National Guard for almost nine years. He also piloted his yacht, Lady B, twice from Bellingham to Glacier Bay in Alaska and to other surrounding ports. Various friends joined Herb and Bernace on these cruises, and he always made everyone feel safe because he was an excellent pilot.
What do you like about living at CHCC?
The staff is wonderful. They give good care and are friendly and concerned.
