In Memoriam: William “Dutch” Bajema

William “Dutch” Bajema

William “Dutch” Bajema, of Canyon Lake, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 10, 2022 at age 84, just 12 days short of his 85th birthday.

Dutch was born to Alice and Ted Bajema in Lynden, Washington, on Feb. 22, 1937. Bill (as he was called then) graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1956.

As an older man, Dutch reflected, “I was never afraid of work.” It was a work ethic which began when he worked at his father’s store, Bajema’s Market, in Lynden. He then worked at Morse Hardware in Bellingham, WA, where he was hired on the spot. There Dutch learned about tools and how to use them. This proved to be invaluable in his future. Dutch then worked for the Whatcom County Public Works Road Department for 23 years and retired at age 55.

Upon retirement, Dutch could fully pursue an interest he had cultivated since his time at Morse Hardware: renovating houses. All told, Dutch renovated over 30 houses in his lifetime. Always eager to help, Dutch also volunteered his time and expertise wherever and whenever it was needed, completing hundreds of projects for family, friends and neighbors, and his church.

There are two constants which most clearly shaped Dutch’s life and gave him purpose. The first was his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a charter member of Geneva Community Church in Bellingham, and when he moved to California, Dutch became an active member at Canyon Lake Community Church. There he enjoyed the friendship and worship he shared with Sojourners, Mainstream, Pathfinders, and the Rovers.

The other constant in Dutch’s life was the love of his life, his wife Patsy, whom he wed on Aug. 13, 1960. Theirs was a true love story that spanned 61½ years. Side-by-side, Dutch and Patsy had many adventures.

For many years, Dutch and Patsy enjoyed sailing trips throughout the San Juan Islands in Washington. They vacationed in Hawaii numerous times, enjoyed cruises throughout the world, and became avid RVers, especially in later years with the Rovers RV group. Their greatest adventure was raising four children whom they encouraged to trust in the Lord and to seek to honor Him in word and deed.

Finally, this captures what was important to Dutch. When asked in the final year of his life what he was most proud of, this was Dutch’s one-sentence reply, “I am proud of my kids and my wife, and our 61-year marriage.”

Dutch is survived by his beloved wife Patsy and his four children: Cathy (Tony) Coil of Canyon Lake; Tami (Bruce Rummenie) Bajema of Urbana, IL; Lorilee Bajema of Lake Elsinore, CA; and Daniel (Rebecca) Bajema of Tigard, OR. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren who each shared a special relationship with Dutch.

Dutch’s Celebration of Life will be held at Canyon Lake Community Church, Canyon Lake, on Saturday, March 5, at 11:00 a.m. All are invited to join in this memorial as we recall wonderful memories of this incredible man, William “Dutch” Bajema.