Dominic Tyler Andersen

Dominic Tyler Andersen, age 13, of Bellingham, passed away cradled in his mother’s arms and surrounded by dad, sister Ava and special friend and caregiver Kathy Blackwell at home on Monday, April 20, 2015 from a lifetime of medical complications that stemmed from a micro-premature birth.  Dominic was born on May 15, 2001 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle.  He was born at 24 weeks gestation, 16 weeks premature.  He weighed 1lb, 10oz at birth and spent the first six months of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit at Swedish.  His premature birth lead to many health and developmental obstacles that Dominic had to overcome each day of his life.  Dominic had a deep love for life and people, especially his mom, who was everything to him.  He loved live music and loved listening to his mom & sister play piano at home while he drummed along.  The highlight of his summers was going to see Out of the Ashes play at Boundary Bay every Tuesday.  Dominic loved going on car rides, and loved riding in dad’s red truck.  Dominic loved culture, seeing performances at Mount Baker Theater, listening to classical music, seeing live music at Elizabeth Park, and had a love for children’s literature and film. Dominic had a large library of books, was proud of his stethoscope collection, and his unique view of the world around him was both entertaining and enlightening.

Dominic is survived by his parents, Craig & Jennifer Schouten, and his younger sister, Ava Schouten of Bellingham, grandparents Clair & Corrie Schouten of Bellingham and Lee & Julie Andersen of Lynden, uncles Chad Schouten of Custer and Tyler (Jen) Andersen and cousins Chapin & Riley Andersen of Rhododendron, OR, and the many lives of those he touched.

Dominic was a student in the Life Skills Special Education Program in the Bellingham School District, and enjoyed the opportunities to participate in Special Olympics bowling, pool therapy at Seattle Children’s Hospital, and adaptive aquatics at Arne Hanna when his health allowed.

His smile would light up a room, and his joy of life was unending.  Despite uncountable medical interventions & hospitalizations, he lived his life with bravery, courage, and a happy heart.  Although he could not talk, those around him witnessed how much communication is truly possible without speaking.

Dominic’s parents wish to thank the many healthcare, educational and developmental professionals who impacted his life.  Special thanks to Dominic’s longtime pediatricians in Bellingham: Dr. Scott McGuinness, Dr. M. Greg Thompson, and Dr. Lessli Putney.  Heartfelt thanks to the many other doctors and nurses at Seattle Children’s Hospital and PeaceHealth Medical Group Pediatrics who treated and cared for Dominic, plus numerous county and state agencies who worked on Dominic’s behalf.

A funeral and celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2015, 2:00 PM, Cornwall Church, 4518 Northwest Dr., Bellingham, WA 98226 and will be

officiated by Pastor Bob Marvel. There will be a complimentary espresso bar before the service in commemoration of Dominic’s love of coffee outings along with appetizers and refreshments afterwards.  Memorials in Dominic’s name may be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital Child Life Department, MS MA.4.121, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145-5005.

Dominic was a fighter from the start, and he fought the good fight.