Kevin Christopher Stamper

1948 - 2017

Kevin Christopher Stamper

Kevin Christopher Stamper died peacefully in Seattle on March 10, 2017. He was born in New Rochelle, New York, on September 1, 1948, to Malcolm and Mari Stamper. He grew up outside of Detroit and Milwaukee before moving to Seattle where he was expelled from high school for publishing Bird Droppings, an underground paper. He graduated from the University of Hawaii (1970) where he majored in Psychology, Surfing, and Racing Outrigger Canoes for Healani Canoe Club. He earned law degrees from Gonzaga (JD 1974) and the University of Washington (LL.M. 1978).

Kevin was Counsel at The Boeing Company (1974-1980) before striking out on his own as Managing Partner at Crane, Stamper, Boese, Dunham, and Drury (1980-1995). He received publicity for suing Coca Cola to bring back Original Coke but was more regularly involved in entrepreneurial enterprises around the world. He was present when the Berlin Wall fell and was one of the first to freely enter East Berlin. He operated a fleet of 737 aircraft throughout West Africa in the 1980's, bought and sold aircraft and aviation fuel, and could be involved in depositions on two continents on the same day. After serving on the Board of WestAir, he started an innovative commercial airline out of Detroit City Airport with an all new fleet of 737-400 aircraft and partners General Motors, Chrysler, and the United Autoworkers Union. He served as President and CEO of Pro Air (1996-2001). At the time of his death he was Executive Director of a non-profit company that created thousands of new jobs in King County and thousands more around the country.

Kevin combined his love of family and love of adventure. He ran the 1979 Greek Marathon with two siblings and his father. He skied across Baffin Island with his father. He climbed Mount Kilamanjaro with his son Jeremy. He raced sailboats with many family members, including the Southern Straits with his mother and father. He finished first in the Swiftsure Classic and won the Grand Prix. He raced double handed with his daughter Meaghan and completed the Vic-Maui race with her in 1992. He climbed Mt. Whitney with his wife Kristine a number of times. A year or so ago, he watched his son Malcolm toddle barefoot across Piazza San Marco at three in the morning.

Kevin spent a great deal of time in the Rocky Mountains with his family. He climbed Borah Peak and Mount Ebert on a mission to reach the high point in each state. He ran a 200 acre horse and hay operation in Idaho and took a turn at trout fishing. His children Emily and "Christophe" were introduced to this same Idaho experience and lifestyle as they grew up.

Kevin lived on the edge at times. An emergency helicopter rescued him from Kauai's Na Pali cliffs. A fake Rolex rescued him from Turkish custody. The Monte Carlo Casino rescued him from a serious financial crisis. He never said what rescued him from a kidnapping attempt in Lagos. His real life adventures informed his writing, including his novel The Swindler under the pen name O.B. Counter.

Kevin is survived by his wife Kristine, his son Jeremy (Marnie), daughter Meaghan McKaige, daughter Emily, son Christopher, son Malcolm II, his mother Mari, and two grandchildren, Samantha and Kelly McKaige. He was predeceased by his father Malcolm and two brothers, Rory and Jamie; and he is survived by four siblings: Geoff (Mollie), David (Sue), Mary (Joe) Lynam, and Anne. A private family service will be held. Remembrances can be made to Rainier Scholars or the charity of your choice.