Kevin Aerni Hummel's Obituary
Kevin Aerni Hummel passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022 from complications due to a rare genetic disorder called CADASIL.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM December 27, 2022 at Mountain View Funeral Home, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, Washington 98499.
Kevin was born on January 11, 1965 in Richland, Washington to Reverend Ronald Archie and Margaret Elizabeth Hummel. He was the youngest of three sons. From a very young age, Kevin developed a love for performing and music. He sang in the church choir and participated in many productions at the community theater known as The Peanut Gallery. In a sixth-grade creative writing assignment, he wrote about his desire to get a part in a movie alongside Jerry Lewis.
His passion for singing and performing continued to grow, and after graduating from Fort Vancouver High School in 1983, Kevin decided to pursue his dream of working professionally in the entertainment industry. He attended Green River Community College where he received an Associates of Arts Degree with Honors in Professional Entertainment. During his time at Green River, Kevin auditioned for and became a member of the “Green River Music Company”. Performing with the Company brought out a side of Kevin rarely seen. He came alive on the stage and his passion brought laughter and happiness to all who attended. Immediately following graduation, Kevin hired an agent and hit the road with his cover band “Teal”. The band traveled playing top 40’s music in hotel bars and community events for a year before disbanding. While performing at one of those bars, in Pocatello, Idaho, Kevin met the young lady who would become his wife. Kevin married Shelly Ranae Bybee (Brown) on December 30, 1988. But Kevin’s biggest claim to fame was being an extra in the movies Harry and the Hendersons and House of Games. Kevin was also involved in several productions with the Performing Artists of Chapel Hill (PAϮCH) and Paradise Theatre in Gig Harbor, WA.
Realizing that performing would be a hard life, Kevin went back to school in 1988 and earned a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Puget Sound in 1991.
Following graduation, Kevin worked as a graphic designer for Money Mailer of the Pacific NW. In 1995 he accepted a position with Richmark Label Corporation as Marketing Director, and in December of 2002 he found his career and work family with Ed McFerran and McFerran Law, P.S. Kevin was with McFerran Law until his first stroke in 2018 forced him into early retirement. While at McFerran Law, Kevin oversaw the Tax Deferred Exchange Department. As a Qualified Intermediary and Certified Exchange Specialist, Kevin provided a high level of knowledge and exemplary customer service to all of his clients. When the recession hit in 2007, Kevin switched professional roles and became one of McFerran Law’s first Short Sale Negotiators. As we started to come out of the recession, Kevin worked diligently to rebuild the Exchange Department.
Outside of the office and professional endeavors, Kevin loved the outdoors and staying active. Everything from maintaining the yard, walking the waterfront, taking day hikes and riding his bike gave him a sense of physical accomplishment. He loved sharing these experiences with his family and nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than a family bike ride along the Orting trail that ended with ice cream! He also coached his daughter, Elana’s, soccer team for many years and immersed himself in the experience physically while enjoying special time with her.
Kevin was not a man of extreme emotion, but there was never any doubt about the deep love and devotion he had for his wife and children. Everything he did, he did for his family. He never missed a school concert, a back to school night or a parent teacher conference. He was extremely proud of his children and their many accomplishments. It was his ultimate passion to spread joy and laughter. Through jokes, silliness and music he forged special bonds with his children and instilled enduring memories that will last a lifetime. Kevin’s bright mind and diligent work ethic earned him professional success but it was his dedication and devotion to his family, unwavering love and support, that will leave a tremendous void in our lives. There are no words to describe how much he will be missed.
He is survived by his wife Shelly, of 34 years, His daughter Elana Hummel, son Josiah Hummel, his two brothers Bruce Hummel (Naoko) and Brent Hummel, both of Vancouver, Washington. He was preceded in death by his mother Margaret and his father Ronald.
Inurnment will immediately follow the memorial service at Mountain View Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the CADASIL Foundation either online at
https://curecadasil.org , or by sending donations to cureCADASIL, 10 Schalks Crossing Road, Suite 501A-133, Plainsboro, NJ 08536.
What’s your fondest memory of Kevin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kevin?
Share a story where Kevin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kevin you’ll never forget.
How did Kevin make you smile?