Skagit County 1979 Cold Case Homicide Gisbert “Ben” Kistemaker

Rockport, WA– In May of 1979, a 26-year old Dutch National named Gisbert “Ben” Kistemaker, traveled to the United States.  In New York Kistemaker bought a faded blue and white 1968 Chevy Van with New York License place 690MYZ and planned to tour across the United States.

KISTEMAKER traveled to California and from there his plan was to travel North along the coastal route, through Oregon and Washington, while on his way to visit a friend in British Columbia, Canada.  During the course of his travels it was typical of KISTEMAKER to pick up hitchhikers along the way.

On September 22, 1979, Kistemaker’s 68′ Chevy van was found abandoned near mile marker 233 on Highway 101 in Oregon.  Receipts in the van indicate he traveled at least as far north as the area of Seattle, Washington.

On Christmas Day, December 25th, 1979, hunters discovered Kistemaker’s body in an old gravel pit located on Rockport Cascade Road about 3-miles from Rockport, Washington.  Kistemaker’s death was caused by a gunshot wound.

If you have any information about the death of 26-year old Gisbert “Ben” Kistemaker from 1979, you are asked to contact the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office and reference Cold Case number 79-5720.