Alvin Bajema

  Alvin L. Bajema, age 89, passed away from COVID-19 on Saturday, March 6, 2021.
  Alvin, the youngest of three, was born in Lynden on Nov. 7, 1931, to parents Ray C. and Johanna (VanMersbergen) Bajema and grew up on the family farm on the Berthusen Road.
  He was in the first graduating class of Lynden Christian High School in 1948, worked on the family farm and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Then he attended Western Washington University. Alvin married Donna Rupke on Oct. 4, 1957, and they were married for 63 years. Together they raised three wonderful children at a farm along the Nooksack River on the Timon Road.
  Alvin is fondly remembered as a man of great faith, for a deep love of his family, embracing modern technologies in dairy farming, and his concern and actions to help the less fortunate. He worked intensely at every task, finding joy in hard work.
  Alvin volunteered in the One to One Prison Ministry, and upon retirement worked at Project Hope for 22 years. He was a PCO for the Republican Party and he loved sharing God’s word through the Gideon Ministry. In 2004 he was recognized as the Sol Lewis Man of the Year especially for his dedication and service through Project Hope. He served as an elder, Bible study and Sunday School leader at First Reformed Church. He enjoyed singing as a soloist (sometimes to the cows), also in duets with Donna and he was part of the Victory Four quartet. He had a passion for music, watched professional sports and enjoyed the family dogs.
  Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dewey Bajema, sister Charlotte Verhoeven, and granddaughter Katrina VanBerkum.
  He is survived by his wife, Donna; children Jeannine (Michael) Spoto, Cheryl (Theo) VanBerkum and Michael (Anneliese) Bajema; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.
  You are invited to join a graveside service in Monumenta Cemetery at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, March 1, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service at First Reformed Church. You may also participate by watching the service livestreamed at the www.facebook.com/GilliesFuneralHomeAndCremationServices.
  Memorial contributions may be made to Project Hope or Gideons International.
  Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.