Arthur "Bud" Brouwer

Arthur “Bud” Brouwer passed away peacefully into heaven at home on September 20, 2025 after a 2½ year journey with esophageal cancer. He fought bravely and with dignity and grace. He was born on June 4, 1945 to Henry and Cornelia Brouwer. His growing up years were spent on Front Street in Lynden with the Fishtrap Creek as his playground. He graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1963 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in July of 1965. He was discharged in 1968 after spending 2 of his 3-year enlistment in Germany. He began working for Georgia Pacific Corporation in Bellingham in 1968 and worked in the chlorine plant and as a millwright until 2007. In September of 1969 he married Lorraine Likkel to whom he was married over 56 years. They soon bought property on the Hemmi Road where Bud spent many happy hours cutting trees, splitting firewood, building, fixing, gardening, and puttering but most importantly, raising 3 sons.

Bud had many interests. He loved hunting with his buddies, and was also a fisherman, hiker, backpacker, woodworker, woodchopper, gardener, bird watcher, reader, and collector of many things, including antique tools. He also spent many hours studying the genealogy of his family. He was a long-time member and volunteer at Hope in Christ Church in Bellingham, and was also, a volunteer for World Renew Disaster Relief, Love Inc and the local Audubon chapter.

He is survived by his much loved 3 sons: Travis (Jessica) in Salem, Or., Nathan (April) in Pittsburgh, Pa, Matthew (Jasmine) in Sunnyside, WA and 6 grandchildren, Brinsley, Brooklyn, Ashley, Zetta, Jude and August. He is also survived by his sister, Kathe Brouwer, and in-laws, Roger and Bernita Likkel, Stan Likkel, Kay Likkel, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Corrie Brouwer, and sister Marjie Craig. 

A Celebration of Life will tentatively be held in late December or early January at Hope in Christ Church in Bellingham. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be designated for Whatcom Hospice, Envision Mission or the Lighthouse Mission, all organizations in Bellingham.