Dr. Ben C. Kuiken
February 1, 1939 - January 19, 2023
Bellingham, Washington - 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.

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Published by Bellingham Herald from Feb. 5 to Feb. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Ben Kuiken

29 Entries

Koelle Leenstra

December 13, 2023

I was a very young mother in 1976 when my first baby was born. Dr Kuiken walked me through every step in the process. Again, with my twins years later. His calming, gentle Ben, tone was always so reassuring no matter what the situation. I just found out that he had passed and was heart broken. They don't make Drs like that today. He truly met his calling in caring for countless children in his life.
Thank you Dr Kuiken for helping me raise my babies.

Cathi Rogers

April 3, 2023

The nicest man/pediatrician ever. A very long time ago, when my daughter was born, I remember Dr. Kuiken coming in my room to introduce himself. I had just taken the towel off my head after washing my hair. Somewhat embarrassed, he spoke and laughed. I knew right then he would be my pediatrician. My kids and grandkids both had him and loved him.
R.I.P. Dr. K.

Caitlin Spencer

March 25, 2023

Dr Kuiken was my pediatrician along with my two older brothers as well. I have the fondest memories of being in his office, playing with the old adding machines and his deep soothing voice. My mom still talks about him to this day and how he always eased her mind. Someone else mentioned the bubblegum and I had completely forgotten that. Thank you for all the wonderful memories, Dr Kuiken.

Shirley Milligan

March 6, 2023

So grateful to have had Dr. Kuiken as pediatrician for all 3 of my kids. His reassurances that often prompted a visit to his office between 3 growing kids were immeasurable & he offered his services & wisdom with a great deal of care & often a sense of humor. My condolences to his family & friends.

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Kathy (Feathers) Middleton

February 18, 2023

My two daughters were among his first patients, when he moved to Bellingham, until they were too old to see him anymore. He was a great, kind, knowledgeable and compassionate doctor.

Delight Newlight

February 18, 2023

I knew Ben and Dana for many years. I was his financial advisor and well as a friend for many years. Ben and I shared a birthdate. I always looked forward to their wonderful Christmas parties each year. Ben was very proud of his family and thier accomplishments. Ben will be missed.

Delight Newlight

February 18, 2023

I knew Ben and Dana for many years. He and I shared a bidrthdate!! I worked with him as his financial advisor, too. We had many long conversations during those years. I remember the wonderful Christmas parties the Kuikens had each year and looked forward to them. I know Ben was very proud of his family and thier accomplishments. I remember when he helped his kids financially, but made sure that they re-paid him!!.. a learning experience. My best wishes and condolences to the family.

Vicki, Doug & Tanner Saunders

February 17, 2023

We are next door neighbors to Dr Ben.
We couldn't have chosen a better neighbor. His gardening skills were amazing. Always loved to talk to him through the trees when we I was outside & could hear him & Buddy working away in his garden.
I will miss him sharing pumpkins, rhubarb and jam, as well as his expert gardening advice.
I started to tear up reading all the comments left for him and sure wish we had known him earlier to have had him as a Dr. for our son.
He was a wonderful, generous man and will be greatly missed by our family.
RIP Dr Ben

Pamela Halderman

February 16, 2023

Dr Kuiken was my son Brents pediatrician. We had some challenges to deal with. Dr Kuiken always made big things seem manageable. I wish everyone could experience such an incredible dr. His compassion and sensitivity for my family was so very appreciated.

Lynn Kole

February 11, 2023

I was sad to read this today
and forwarded it to
my older daughter. Dr. Ben
helped raise my 2 daughters and ME!! God bless your memory.

Patty Holland Sweeney

February 10, 2023

I met Dr Kuiken when I started working at St Joseph Hospital in the early 80's. He was always friendly and kind. He loved his patients and was devoted to their care.

Ruth Stacy

February 10, 2023

Always enjoyed working with Dr, Kuiken. He was such a kind, sweet soul. Rest In Peace gentle soul.

Jay Solomon

February 9, 2023

Ben enriched the lives of so many in our community and he will be sorely missed. His love of life brought him to the golf course, much later in life than most who avidly pursue the game. But his enthusiasm and joy of that pursuit made him a sought after playing partner. I will forever remember and cherish his friendship.

Larry O´Connell

February 9, 2023

Ben was the Doctor of all six of my children. A very kind, gentle and wonderful person! He leaves behind a rich legacy.

Marva Aase

February 8, 2023

Dr. Kuiken was a wonderful Doctor. I will alway be thankful for his kind and loving spirit. RIP Dr. Kuiken

Brad Harrington

February 8, 2023

Where do you begin he was what a doctor should be caring and always listening. He was not only my Ped but my kids once we moved back to B'ham. RIP Doc you were fantastic and will be missed.

Steve Chronister

February 7, 2023

If anyone was ever "born" to be a pediatrician, it was Dr. Kuiken. He was a blessing to my 3 sons, their mother, and me.

Nancy Wagar

February 6, 2023

I cannot express the sadness I feel right now. Dr. Kuiken was my only child's pediatrician from birth(1975) til she aged out at 18. He was the most kind,, gentle and caring man for us. I learned so much from him, as a parent. His legacy will go on. RIP, Dr. Kuiken. You will be remembered by many.

Linda Gerner

February 6, 2023

He was our doc and my niece and nephews doc until they aged out He was always kind and caring and they were comfortable with him and I was confident in his care. He was the greatest peiatrician and he took care of the health of many, many Bellingham and Whatcom County kids. My sympathy goes out to his family, He will be missed.

DeeAnn Stafford

February 6, 2023

Dr. Ben, as we called him, was my children's pediatrician. We all thought the world of him. Rest in peace, Dr. Ben.

Linda Miles

February 5, 2023

My thoughts & prayer go out to Dr. Kuiken's family. Ben was my son's pediatrician from birth to 19, when the office staff said he needed to find a adult doc. Then my two granddaughters were blessed to have Dr. Kuiken until he retired. Was sad to hear about his retirement but happy for him & his next chapter in his life. He was dearly loved by our family. So gentle & caring. R.I.P. Ben. You were a A++++++ doc.

Lisa Cox Carpenter

February 5, 2023

So many memories! You will be missed Dr. Kuiken

Sharen Neale

February 5, 2023

I don´t think I would have made it through our 3 kids´ childhoods without Dr. Kuiken. He was such a caring doctor, alway put our kids at ease and was so encouraging to me as a mom when I was struggling with a childhood phase or problem. To this day, he gets mentioned in a reminiscence with the kids (now 38, 39 & 40)! And I even pass along the advice he would give when our daughter is struggling with some parenting issue. My condolences to his family, he was a lovely man.

Robin and Carman Bunker

February 5, 2023

i cant think of our 3 childrens childhood maladies without Dr Kuiken and the grape bubble gum in it. They saw him as a dr into their teens when they were told they needed to get another physician .... they were devasted,,

Robin and Carman Bunker

February 5, 2023

Gee I dont think of our 3 kids childhood maladies without Dr Kuiken in it and the grape bubble gum, They were patients until teen years and told they had to get another Dr,,,they were devastated
RiP Dr Kuiken
Robin and Carman Bunker

Bruce Lee Ernst

February 2, 2023

Dr. Ben Kuiken touched our lives as pediatrician to our children (along with other incredible physicians at Northwest Pediatrics) and much later as a golfing companion and inspirational and avid gardener. Our sincere condolences to his family and many friends who were enriched by his presence and will grieve his loss. May he rest in Peace. Ben, you were a super star! Bruce and Kathy Ernst

Rachel Wydur

February 2, 2023

Condolences to Doc’s family! He was the very best Pediatrician there ever was! I owe this Wonderful man my life and I look forward to the day I can see him again and let him know how much I appreciate his kindness to me and my family for so many years

Maridell and Albert Vandenhaak

February 1, 2023

Dr. Kuiken was our family´s pediatrician for many years. He was such a caring doctor. When I had my twins, while I was figuring out how to manage two premature infants at the doctor visits, he would put us in his office or a larger exam room so I could be comfortable while we waited our turn.
Another time, I received a phone call from his office and the person calling said Dr.Kuiken took $30.00 off our bill(it might as well have been $300.00 to us!)
When I asked why he´d do such a nice thing, the gal said, "he knows you guys are working hard to pay your bills and raise your family. He wanted to help"! You sure don´t hear of that happening very often. He was a big part of our children´s growing up years. Thank you and condolences to his family.

Colleen Fidler

January 31, 2023

Dr. Kuiken was hands down the best pediatrician EVER!! He was the Dr for pretty much our entire Family and even my first born, until retirement shortly after. I'll never forget how nice he was, his laugh and how he truly cared so deeply for his patients.

My condolences to your Family.

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