Kenneth R. Terhaar

Longtime local resident, Kenneth R. Terhaar, 71, passed away July 17, 2011 at Legacy Meridian Park Hospital in Tualatin, Ore. He was born April 22, 1940 in Greencreek, ID to Roy and Freda (Arnzen) Terhaar where he attended school for 12 years.

Kenneth graduated from Washington State University with a Pharmacy degree, a field he worked in for many years. He eventually became an administrator for the Longview-Kelso Kaiser Permanente medical facility; retiring in 2004. After retiring, Kenneth helped establish the Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic, with the help of volunteer doctors, nurses and other staff, providing healthcare each Wednesday evening to local uninsured residents. This project was the love of his life, besides his family.

During his time in the Longview-Kelso area, his community leadership included Pathways 2020, United Way, Northwest Health Care Foundations and he was a founding member of Community Health Partners, and a volunteer fireman in Washougal.

Kenneth had a lifelong interest in learning, studying fossils, hunting and gardening.

He is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Dorothy (Webb) Terhaar; his children, Kenneth (Beth) Terhaar, Jeff (Kim) Terhaar, Tascha (Dave) Terhaar-Gamroth, Tyson (Meggan) Terhaar and Peyton Terhaar; 10 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his siblings, Tom (Irene) Terhaar, Ralph (Sally) Terhaar, Mary Ellen (Stewart) Hollingsworth, George (Sue) Terhaar, Margaret (Rick) Lamb, Irma (Ron) Edwards and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 00:00, Friday/Saturday at St. Rose Catholic Church in Longview. Private inurnment will take place in Greencreek, ID. Memorial contributions may be made in Kenneth Terhaar’s name to the Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic, c/o CHPS, P.O. Box 2853, Longview, WA 98632. Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park is in charge of arrangements.