Bert Kale

Bert Charles Kale, age 96, of Bellingham, passed away peacefully on March 19,2010, at home surrounded by family. He was born April 27, 1913 in Everson, WA; the middle son of Albert and Lily May (Eggert) Kale. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Earl and Glen, and his wife of 59 years, Opal. Bert will be greatly missed by his children, Charles Kale and Karolyn Merriman (husband Tim); four grandchildren, Randle Carr (wife Amie) of Bellingham, Tamara Kale of Seattle, Amy Finkbonner of Bellingham, and Emily Diaz (husband Joel) of Bow. Other survivors include three great-granddaughters, Lauren, Maren and Addison Carr; niece Sandra Gischer; nephews John Olbrantz, Ed Kale, Bruce Kale, Earl Kale, Jr., Gaines Kale, and Daniel Kale; numerous cousins and in-laws; and close family friend Karen Christenson. A resident of Whatcom County, Bert graduated from Mt. Baker High School. He married Opal Hill on January 10, 1942, and was a devoted husband and father. He was Opal's loving and sole caregiver for many years prior to her death in 2001. He served in the U. S. Army from 1942 to 1944 as an attorney in the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. Bert earned his law degree from the University of Washington School of Law; and in 1939 he began his legal practice in Bellingham. Bert served as Justice of the Peace, and District Court Judge, before serving as a Whatcom County Superior Court Judge from 1951 until his retirement in 1972. In addition, he served as a Judge Pro Tem on the Washington State Supreme Court. Bert was honored by the D.A.R., Daughters of the American Revolution, as the first recipient in this area of the "Distinguished Valor Award for Exemplary Citizenship." Bert was the former President of the Board of Directors of the C. S. Kale Canning Company. He loved to golf, and was a long-time member of the Bellingham Golf and Country Club. He and Opal loved to travel, and took numerous trips around the country in their motor home. He was a remarkable man of integrity, patience, even temper, and humor. His family is hard pressed to recall a time when he was either angry or even upset. Bert loved God, and had a quiet faith. He was generous with his time and finances, and he was a member and former trustee of Marietta Community Church. At Bert's request no services will be held. His family plans to host a celebration of his life this summer. Memorial contributions may be made in Bert's name to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 800 E. Chestnut, Suite 1-C, Bellingham, WA 98225. You may share your thoughts and memories of Bert in the online memorial guestbook at www.molesfuneralhomes.com Moles Greenacres Funeral Home, Memorial Park, and On-site Crematory