Kevin Hester, the mayor of Nooksack and a retired chief from the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 9, surrounded by his family. He was 59 years old. Hester died of neuroendocrine cancer after leading Nooksack through some of the most challenging chapters in the small city's recent history.

Hester spent more than 30 years in service to Whatcom County, joining the Sheriff's Office on November 1, 1991. Over the course of his career he worked as a patrol deputy, detective, and spent significant time in narcotics enforcement, eventually overseeing a regional drug task force as both sergeant and lieutenant. He retired on Christmas Day 2021 as chief civil deputy and chief of investigations and support services.

Rather than stepping back from public life after retiring, Hester immediately stepped into a new role. He took office as mayor of Nooksack in January 2022, a position state law technically classifies as part-time. Those who worked alongside him said that designation never quite fit. His son noted that Hester often worked more than 40 hours a week in the role, throwing himself into the city's needs with the same intensity he had brought to law enforcement.

His tenure as mayor was defined in large part by Nooksack's repeated struggles with flooding. The small community along the Nooksack River has faced significant flood events in recent years, and Hester guided the city through two separate recovery periods. Former colleagues described him as a hands-on leader who led from the front and kept an eye on the practical needs of the people he served. Many also remembered him as someone who genuinely enjoyed the work and rarely missed a chance to talk about his family.

"I've wanted to be in law enforcement since I was a kid," Hester once said, reflecting on a career that spanned decades of community service. That commitment extended seamlessly into local government, where he brought the same disciplined, service-oriented mindset to the challenges of city administration.

The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office announced his passing on social media Thursday morning, describing him as someone whose leadership, integrity, and commitment to the community leave a legacy that will not be forgotten. The tribute also noted that his son, Collin Hester, continues to serve as a member of the agency, carrying forward the family's dedication to public service.

Under Washington state law, the Nooksack City Council has 90 days to appoint a new mayor to fill the vacancy. The successful appointee would likely serve until the 2027 general election. The City of Nooksack had not yet announced a timeline or process for the appointment as of Thursday.

Services and memorial arrangements had not been publicly announced as of Friday morning. Residents who wish to share condolences may reach the City of Nooksack at cityofnooksack.com. Hester is survived by his family, including his son Collin, who continues to serve the county his father dedicated 30 years to protecting.