Stas Kudla passed away peacefully at his home on Vashon Island on February 27th, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones.

He was a kind and gentle man who had a passion for natural healing, correlating ancient and modern systems, to provide the best care for his patients. He was an astrologer, acupuncturist, naturopath, pioneer and seeker.

Stas was born on June 27th, 1946 to Stanley Joseph and Mary Kudla in Holyoke, MA and was the brother to three sisters, Connie, Pat and Sonia. He studied engineering at Columbia University but eventually pursued his true passions in natural health and healing. His seeking led him to the remote wilderness of the Queen Charlotte Islands where he hand built a cabin, a sailboat, and delivered his first child, Jasmine.

In 1977, Stas moved to Vashon Island, where he delivered his other two children, Joe and Chaya. He attended Bastyr University in Seattle,WA and graduated fromthe Naturopathic Doctorate program in 1983. He was the first Naturopathic doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist on Vashon and an early pioneer in both fields at the time, known for being generous with his time and knowledge.

Aside from natural healing, he loved skiing, hiking, building, yoga, gardening, art and music. He had a special love for his children, grandchildren and the B3 Hammond organ which he played until the last of his days.

He is survived by his children Jasmine Penick, Joe Kudla and Chaya Kudla; his sister Pat Kudla, his ex-wives; Karen Lane and Julie Vance, his grandchildren; Shane, Emma, Sula, Elowyn, Willa and Tavi.

A celebration of life will be held on May 6th. Please email Chaya at chayajoie@gmail.com for details.