Ben C. Kuiken

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Ben C. Kuiken passed away at home on January 19, 2023 at age 83. He was born on February 1, 1939 in Salina, Kansas to Walter and Vera (Crawford) Kuiken. Ben met his wife, Dana, at the University of Kansas (KU). They were married after graduation, in 1960. Ben earned degrees in pharmacy and medicine from KU. In 1969, they packed four young children and a poodle into their station wagon and moved to Fairchild A.F.B. in Spokane. After two years of service and after falling in love with the coast and mountains, they moved to Bellingham where Ben worked as a beloved pediatrician for over thirty years. He helped to found Northwest Pediatrics and later led the formation of Madrona Medical Group. A master gardener, Ben was always generous with his bounty. In retirement, he became an avid golfer. He is survived by his four children: Jill Klein (husband Rich), Ben Kuiken (wife Cathy), Jani Kuiken (husband Rick Heilmann), and Julie Kuiken Harris (husband Lynt); thirteen grandchildren: Kurt, Caitlin, Kristi, Aly, Carrie, Samuel, Olivia, Madison, Ricky, Greg, Ben, Donnell and Kiesha; and sister Nanc Smith, nephews, niece, and their children. A Service of Remembrance with reception will be held at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club on Saturday, February 18th, 2023 at 1 PM. Memorials in Ben's name may be made to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .