Tami K. (Yates) Vogel
April 10, 1964 – February 28, 2026
Tami K. (Yates) Vogel, whose life was defined by courage, love, and an adventurous spirit, passed peacefully at her home in Blaine, WA, on February 28, 2026, surrounded by love. She was the beloved wife of Jim Vogel and daughter of the late centenarian Fred and June (Cook) Yates of Blaine.
Born April 10, 1964, in Bellingham, Tami grew up immersed in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Her childhood was filled with boating in the San Juan Islands, hiking local trails, playing tennis, and spending treasured summers at Camp Firwood on Lake Whatcom, where she formed lifelong friendships. During the rainy winter months, Tami traveled with her parents throughout the American Southwest, Mexico, and Portugal, homeschooling while experiencing places and cultures that nurtured her independence and lifelong love of travel.
After graduating from Blaine High School in 1982, where she participated in softball, basketball, cheerleading, and skiing, Tami attended SST Travel Academy in San Diego, launching a career in the travel industry. In 1984 she joined the early team of America West Airlines in Phoenix, working a variety of roles including flight attendant, ramp agent, gate agent, ticket agent, and reservation agent—depending on the day!
In the late ‘80s, Tami returned to Whatcom County to settle and start a family. She worked in the travel business before launching her own agency, Portside Cruises & Tours, in 1992 following the birth of her daughter, Valerie. Through her home-based business she helped clients explore destinations around the world, often leading group trips with Valerie and sharing her enthusiasm for adventure.
An avid hiker and skier, Tami was rarely still. She spent countless days exploring local parks, the trails around Bellingham, and the mountains of British Columbia with her daughter and friends. Through the Bellingham Ski Club she built enduring friendships and a strong skiing community.
She met her husband, Jim, in Whistler, a cherished place for them as they were later engaged and married there. Together they shared many adventures, including 21 wonderful years in Colorado and four fun-filled years in Lake Bluff, IL.
Travel and good health remained central to Tami’s life. In 2018 she began spending part of each year in Lagos, Portugal, where she embraced a plant-based lifestyle, daily hiking, and integrative approaches to health and wellness.
Toward the end of her life, Tami and Jim moved home to Blaine to be surrounded by an extraordinary support system of golden friends and nearby family, along with her holistic care team and the exceptional short-term care staff at St. Joseph Hospital. Tami stepped up once again with determination optimism and grace - for the eighth time since high school.
She cherished simple moments—sailing the San Juans, baking with grandchildren, watching the sunsets over Semiahmoo Bay and looking forward to her next adventure—with faith.
Tami lived boldly, loved deeply, and inspired others to embrace adventure wherever life led.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Vogel; her daughter, Valerie Zediker (Shana) of Seattle; her niece Brandi Miller of Denver; stepchildren Athena Vogel (Meg), Phil Vogel (Angela), and Jack Vogel (Jennifer); grandchildren Henry, Linus, Alice, and Ollie; and her sister Sharon (Roy) Mixer of Palm Desert, California. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sandi Jackson (Steve) formerly of Friday Harbor.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 19, 2026, at Dillon Community Church in Dillon, Colorado, followed by interment at Dillon Cemetery.
There is also a Celebration of Life being planned for Tami‘s friends and family in Whatcom County for the end of June 2026. Details to follow on Tami’s tribute site (Mt. Baker Cremation) and social media.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Firwood’s scholarship fund in memory of Tami.
