Delbert H. Bosman

1937 - 2025

Delbert H. Bosman

October 1, 1937 - November 20, 2025

Bellingham, Washington - Delbert Henry Bosman of Bellingham, Washington, passed away peacefully at home on November 20, 2025, after an extended illness. During Del's final weeks, he was surrounded by loved ones and close friends whom he cherished deeply.

Del was born on October 1, 1937, in Everson, Washington to Henry Bosman and Lena (VanderHouwen) Bosman, later raised on the family farm on the Van Dyke Road in Lynden, Washington.

Del graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1956. He had already started working at Hinton Oldsmobile in Lynden during his junior year, and after graduating he worked as a mechanic at Meridian Equipment. Seeing a future in diesel mechanics, he took a two-year correspondence course in this field from Interstate Training. This led to a 15-year career at NC Machinery, the local Caterpillar dealer, starting in the paint shop, then working as a diesel mechanic, field sales for parts, and his eventual calling in heavy equipment sales. Del used this foundation and training to move to Lynnwood Equipment, selling a variety of heavy equipment such as asphalt paving equipment, rock crushing equipment, equipment for the logging business, and many other machines. His next stop was in management as part owner of Millbrook Equipment - John Deere dealership. His final stop was starting Bakerview Equipment with his son, Rick, and lifelong friends Bob and Peggy Hinton, finally selling the business and retiring in 1999.

Del and the love of his life, Pat, grew up in Lynden together on neighboring farms, attending the same Christian Reformed Church and Christian schools. The two were married on September 4, 1959, enjoying 66 years of marriage. Not long after marrying, the two moved to Mount Vernon, Washington, and eventually settled in Bellingham where they have called their current house their home since 1968.

Del had a love of life obvious to anyone who came near him. He was always quick to laugh and joke, offer counsel and assistance to any in need, and his faith in the Lord was the cornerstone of the incredible life he lived. His warm and inviting smile was available to all, but none experienced it more frequently than the family he loved so much. He was passionate about his family; always being there for his three children, seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. In their retired years, Del and Pat traveled on the road with friends in their motor home and spent many seasons at their place in Tucson, Arizona.

Del had a lifetime of service to his faith and community. A lifetime member of the Bellingham Christian Reformed Church (now Hope in Christ Church), he served as an elder, deacon, and Sunday School teacher. Del's passion for charity extended to three decades on the Board of Directors (including as President) of the Lighthouse Mission in Bellingham, also serving for a while as President of the Foundation Board.

Del also had passion for all things with engines in them. For many decades he was with the Bellingham Antique Automobile Restorers Club and the Cascade Two Cylinder Club; he also attended every Deming Log Show since its inception until his final one this year. Del also served on the board for the Diesel Technology program at Bellingham Technical College. One could always find Del at the Annual Threshing Bee (later the "Puget Sound Antique Tractor Show" and "Vintage Farming Days") at Berthusen Park in Lynden displaying his treasured antique machines.

Del was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lena Bosman. He is survived by his wife Patricia Pilon Bosman, son Randy (Barbara) Bosman, and their children Brandon (Lyndsay) and Brittany (Jacob); son Rick (Denise) Bosman, and their children Drew (Rockell) and Erica (Jordan); daughter Susan (Joseph) Ihlan, and their sons Christopher (Naomi), David, and Matthew; sister Sheryl (Ray) Boersema and their children Jeff (Jana) and Amy (Bryan); sister Marlae (Doug) Veldkamp and their son Mark. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren: Makenzie, Kyah, Lance, Levi, Luca, Decker, Jaxon, Weston, Everly, Elodie, and Peter.

Memorials may be made to Lighthouse Mission Ministries, PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice, or Hope in Christ Church.

Viewing for Delbert will take place from 1:30 pm to 4 pm on Monday, December 1st, at Westford Funeral Home, 1301 Broadway, Bellingham.

Graveside service will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, December 2nd, at Greenwood Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life service at Hope in Christ Church, 710 East Sunset Dr., Bellingham, at 2 pm.

Please share memories at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.