Roderick Arland Kinch

Roderick Arland Kinch

Nov. 21, 1929 – Sept. 2, 2023

Roderick Arland Kinch passed away Sept. 2, 2023. He was born Nov. 21, 1929, at home in Benge, Wash., on a wheat farm.

At age 5, his father, Samuel Crampton Kinch Jr, died of cancer. His mother, Lucille, married William "Bill" Allert in August 1938.

Growing up, Rod spent time with Sonny Lund at Lund Dairy outside of Benge. When he began attending Washtucna High School in 1944, he met Louise Helme-a match made in heaven.

They married in 1950 after Louise graduated, and he began working for her father, Paul Helme, on their wheat farm. Paul died suddenly in 1959, and Rod found himself in charge of the farm.

He and Louise had five children, Rod Jr., Glenna, Amy (deceased), Paula and Edie. They also raised a nephew, Paul Helme, and cousins, Susan and Janet Daughtery. Rod was a member of Lions Club, Grange, an active member of the Washtucna Community Church, an amateur photographer, school board member and avid fisherman at Lake Pend Orielle, where they had a cabin. For many years, he and Louise exchanged yearly after-harvest trips with the Huntington Beach cousins. With a camper full of kids, they would trek to the beach, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and Sea World.

The following year, the cousins would trek to 100 degree temps, blowing dust, Lake Pend Orielle, water skiing and campfires. After the kids were grown, Rod and Louise would travel to Gold Canyon, Ariz., to spend a month out of the cold. Rod loved the horseshoes, the pool tables and other activities; they both loved to dance. How they could dance!

They spent many Saturday evenings in Spokane at the BFW dancing the night away. They were blessed to enjoy traveling around the U.S., also taking several cruises.

Rod enjoyed building things. He basically built the home he and Louise lived in. Many structures in the Washtucna area have the "Rod touch", as he was always willing to lend a hand to help. He loved the Washtucna community and did all he could to support it.

Rod and Louise are now dancing on God's amazing dance floor! He will be sorely missed but we are so happy that he and Louise are united once again.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 14 at Washtucna Community Church, followed by a dinner at the Grange Hall. Please bring your "Rod stories!"

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Washtucna Community Church.