Nicholas Ferguson Kaiser

1946 - 2025

Nicholas Ferguson Kaiser

May 6, 1946 - July 25, 2025

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida - Nicholas (Nick) Ferguson Kaiser, a pioneering investment strategist, community builder, and founder of Saturna Capital Corporation, passed away peacefully on July 25th at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 79.

Born in Bellingham, Washington, in 1946, Nick's early academic and personal accomplishments reflected the passion, discipline, and curiosity that would define his life. He attended Shawnigan Lake School on Vancouver Island for high school, Yale College to study Economics (Class of 1966) and earned an MBA with dual majors in International Economics and Finance from the University of Chicago in 1968. He also served as a private in the U.S. Army at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.

In 1976, Nick and his first wife, Markell Foote Kaiser, acquired Unified Management Corporation in Indianapolis, Indiana. There, Nick applied his expertise in finance and computing to transform the company into a mid-sized investment management and brokerage firm. His success led to innovations in mutual fund operations and the creation of the U.S.'s first Halal mutual funds, The Amana Mutual Funds Trust, pioneering values-based investing long before it became mainstream.

After selling Unified Management Corporation in 1986, Nick returned to Bellingham and in 1989 founded Saturna Capital Corporation. As Founder and Global Strategist, he led the firm with a vision grounded in principled, long-term investing and ethical service. His leadership helped Saturna grow into an internationally respected investment firm, which is still led today by his daughter, Jane Carten. He remained an active mentor and presence in the company, even after stepping down from portfolio management in 2020.

Nick's contributions extended beyond finance. He served as a Governor of the Investment Company Institute, President of CFA and Financial Planning Association chapters, and National President of the No-Load Mutual Fund Association. He also received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named to Morningstar's Ultimate Stockpicker's list for a decade, Northwest Business Monthly's Business Person of the Year in 2006, and the Whatcom Business Alliance's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

Nick also generously dedicated his time and expertise to civic and educational causes. He served on the boards of the Mt. Baker Foundation and Franklin Academy and supported Western Washington University, endowing the Kaiser Professorship in International Business. He held leadership roles with organizations including the Mt. Baker Council of the Boy Scouts of America (Executive Vice President), St. Paul's Episcopal School (President), B.C.'s Island Trust Fund (Advisor), Fourth Corner Economics Club (Founder) and Bellingham Rotary.

Nick's life outside of business was rich with adventure. The lifelong bonds forged with Shawnigan classmates assisted in his repatriation to the waters, islands, forests and ski hills of the Pacific Northwest. A licensed commercial pilot, ocean sailor, skier, and avid reader, his return saw him trade in Midwest small plane piloting for boat ownership and extended voyages around the San Juan and Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound and circumnavigating Vancouver Island.

Nick was preceded in death by his first wife, Markell Kaiser, in 2006. He is survived by his second wife, Deborah Russell Kaiser, his five children, Brooks A. Kaiser, Robert (Max) F. Kaiser II, Sarah A. Kaiser, Jane K. Carten, and Emily (Emmeline) H. Kaiser and his stepchildren John S. Russell and Benjamin L. Russell. He is also survived by his siblings Emily K. Callahan, Anthony (Tony) F. Kaiser, Frederick S. Kaiser, Jonathan W. Kaiser and his grandchildren Anastasia M. Kaiser, Mary Jane (MJ) Kaiser, Aleksandr (Sasha) S. Kaiser, Harley J. Kaiser, William L. Carten, and Markellan R. Kaiser. He also leaves behind a large circle of friends, colleagues, and extended family across the world, whose steadfast support and care has meant a great deal to him and those who now survive him.

Nick Kaiser's legacy lives on in the lives he touched through his wisdom, generosity, and unwavering integrity.

A celebration of Nick's life will be held in Bellingham, Washington in October. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Mount Baker Scout Foundation, Everett, WA and The Franklin Academy, Bellingham, WA.