Kevan “Butch” Kvamme was born on September 3, 1938, in Harlan, Iowa, and peacefully passed away on March 4, 2026, at Whatcom Hospice in Bellingham, Washington, after a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Butch was the son of Trygve and Ruth Kvamme, who owned and operated a vegetable and dairy farm near Everson, Washington. He and his brother, Rod, grew up on the farm, where Butch spent his days working, exploring, and learning the value of hard work. It was there that Butch’s lifelong love of farming began.

He graduated from Mount Baker High School in 1956 and soon after served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Hornet as a Radioman Third Class. His time in the Navy was an experience he valued deeply and often looked back on with pride. 

After his service, Butch attended Washington State University, where he earned a degree in Agricultural Economics. While there, he met Polly, and together they built a beautiful life. They shared more than 66 years of marriage, raising their family and spending most of their lives in Whatcom County.

Butch and his lifelong friend Herb Korthuis were partners in Nooksack Farms, growing vegetables and continuing the work he loved. They later became part owners of Bellingham Frozen Foods. Over the years Butch was also involved in land development projects throughout Whatcom County and beyond. Yet no matter what he did, when people asked about his occupation, his answer was always simple: “I am a farmer.”

Outside of work, Butch enjoyed skiing and spending time on the slopes of Mount Baker with his good friend Doug Marr.

Butch was a follower of Jesus Christ and tried to live his life with honesty, fairness, and integrity in all his dealings. He was deeply patriotic and grateful for the freedoms of this country. Above all, Butch loved his family. They remember him for his fun spirit, his kindness, his wisdom, and the steady presence he brought to their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Trygve and Ruth Kvamme, and his brother, Rod Kvamme.

Butch is survived by his wife, Polly; his son, Jeff (Jane); and his daughter, Karie Brown (Scott). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kurt Kvamme (Alyssa) and their daughters Briley and Reagan; Katherine Robinson (Colin) and their sons Easton and Brooks; Kaitlyn Kroontje (Carson) and their children Heston and Freya; and Terrel Brown. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Linda Kvamme, and nieces Keily (Jason) Centella and Amy (Joe) Marx.

A memorial service will be held March 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Christ the King Church, 4173 Meridian Street, Bellingham, WA 98226.                     Memorial donations may be made to the Whatcom Hospice House Program, 2806 Douglas Avenue, Bellingham, WA.

Butch will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, dear friends, and all who knew him.