Kenneth Lee Fishwild

Ken Fishwild, 70, of Bellingham, WA, was called to his heavenly home, while surrounded by his family, on Sunday, May 22, 2016.

Ken had valiantly fought lung cancer for a short time. Ken, the son of Robert and Lucille Fishwild, was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, December 2, 1945. He graduated from Wyoming High School in 1963 and married Riechelle “Shelley” Ales in Lost Nation, Iowa, July 3, 1965. He was a varsity letterman in basketball and football. Ken grew up working on the family farm from a young age and was active in 4-H. They raised their family in Monticello, Iowa where Ken generously volunteered with the Monticello Swim Team, Marriage Encounter and led the Wildfish Tractor Pulling Team.

He worked for Cuckler Steel Span Buildings in Monticello for many years, beginning in the weld shop and later as a long-haul trucker traveling from Maine to California. Later he was an owner-operator hauling steel and glass for Ruan, SMX and Sherman Brothers, receiving an award for driving over 1 million miles without an accident. Ken and Shelley moved to Bellingham in 1991 where they have been active at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Ken was preceded in death by his daughter Marie Schmidt, his brother Larry, his infant sister Patricia and his parents Robert and Lucille Fishwild. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Shelley, his daughters Lisa (John) Hale and Laura (Stephen) Caruso, son-in-law Mark Schmidt, sister Susan (Kevin) Ellison, grandsons Grant and Will Hale and lots of nieces, nephews and good friends.

A Vigil Service will be held at Westford Funeral Home at 7 PM on Wednesday, May 25th. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 11 AM on Thursday, May 26th. Reception following at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ken’s name to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225 or online at www.whatcomhospice.org .