Friends and relatives are rallying to help an Oak Harbor family that’s been devastated by illness.

Well-known house painter Aaron King, a longtime Oak Harbor resident, recently got the terrible news that he is suffering from a serious form of stomach and esophageal cancer and can no longer work, according to family friend Cindra Oldemeyer.

To compound the tragedy, King’s wife, Lisa, has also been battling a serious illness for years.

“He’s basically been taking care of her and running his business, which he can no longer do,” Oldemeyer said.

In response to a number of community members who’ve asked to help, friends and family members started a special account for Aaron King at Whidbey Island Bank. Oldemeyer encourages the community to donate to help pay for the couple’s medical and other bills.

Aaron King, 49, is a well-known figure in the community because he owns AK Painting and has painted homes all over Whidbey Island, but also because of his family. His brother Bruce used to own the baseball card store on Pioneer Way. His father, Carl, was in the Navy and worked for Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, but is now known for selling oak clocks at farmers markets. His mother, Jan, has been a mainstay at the Navy commissary since the 1960s and now does food demonstrations.

The Kings have two adult sons, Cody and Daniel.