Darrell L. Kuelpman

February 14, 1933 – September 22, 2007

Darrell passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 22, 2007, after complications related to cancer.  He was born February 14, 1933 in Yakima, WA.  Husband of Niki Dantine Bautzer Kuelpman and son of the late Ben and Astrid Kuelpman, he graduated in business from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA.  He was a highly recognized business consultant in Latin American business relationships and startups, having spent over 25 years living and working in Venezuela, Peru, and Mexico.  He was actively involved in the early days of the ESPN sports network development while he was in Mexico and later upon his return to the Los Angeles area.  He was a Director of the New York City-based ICON International.  He also served Evergreen International in a variety of capacities over many years culminating in the development and opening of the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, OR as its first Executive Director.  The museum is the final home of the Spruce Goose, the object of fascination with Howard Hughes as portrayed in the movie, The Aviator.   He retired from Evergreen last year.  Throughout his life, he was an avid and accomplished tennis player and well-known in both the Los Angeles Tennis Club and the Riviera Tennis Club circuits.  In addition to his loving wife Niki, he is survived by his brothers Dick and Doug Kuelpman, his nieces Taryn White and Janet Burt, and nephews David and Ryan Kuelpman.  In addition to his quick wit, keen intellect, and business savvy, he was known for his optimism and genuine caring for the many people in his life.  He was well-respected and loved among family, friends and business acquaintances and he will truly be missed by us all.  A celebration will be held to honor his life with his friends and family in Los Angeles.  A celebration will also be held at his beloved Priest Lake in Idaho next summer.  The family has asked that memorials be made to:  Darrell Kuelpman Memorial Fund, Priest Lake Elementary School, Priest Lake, ID 83856.