Roger Bajema passed away suddenly on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017 and into the arms of his loving Savior while surrounded by his wife and children.
Roger will be remembered for his huge heart and quick helping hands to anyone in need. His tender, compassionate, fun-loving and mischievous spirit are legendary. He was a brilliant innovator, inventor and developer who really knew how to think outside the box. He was known for working hard and playing hard. Wherever Roger traveled, he was interested in farming and agriculture. He was his kids’ and grandkids’ biggest fan and encourager.
Roger was born in the same farm house, on the Badger Road north of Lynden, where he lived his whole life. Just after graduating from Lynden Christian High School in 1961, his dad suddenly passed away and Roger chose to continue farming with his mom. Roger went on to earn a mechanical degree from Bellingham Technical School while farming. He worked for Meridian Equipment by day and then farmed at night while finding time to play semi-pro football.
Roger married Ruth DeWaard in 1967 and soon after they purchased the family farm from his mom. He was an excellent provider and a caring husband. He enjoyed having horses and dogs. Roger and Ruth enjoyed taking drives, watching the grandchildren’s events, and always made time to enjoy the sunsets. They were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in a few weeks.
While dairy farming, he owned and operated RB Farm Equipment for nearly 40 years. He was a strong leader in the national and state dairy industry. Roger served on the Washington Dairy Products Commission for 27 years and helped form the National Dairy Board. He was a strong advocate for local agriculture and water districts.
As a lifelong member of First Christian Reformed Church, his faith was very important to him. The night before his stroke, he said, “I am so very blessed. I don’t deserve any of it. I give God all the glory!” Every time he prayed out loud, he cried, talking to his Lord and Savior. He understood God’s gift of grace in his life and he gave it to others. In recent years, he placed an angel above the house during the Christmas season to celebrate.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Wilhelmina “Minnie” Bajema, and sister Juella (Nick) VanderVeen.
Roger will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Ruth; children Rick (Melodie) Bajema, Robin (Steve) Korthuis, Raelene (Mike) VanDalen and Roxie (Ron) Arnold; grandchildren Annette Bajema, Rachele Bajema (fiancé Ben Fant), Ben (Cybrina) Bajema, Jenah (fiancé Andrew Ziegenfus) Korthuis, Kolton Korthuis, Levi Korthuis, Karlie Korthuis, Kenadi Korthuis, Kaiden VanDalen, Ashtyn VanDalen, Taivin VanDalen, Dawson VanDalen, Kruze VanDalen, Kyzlie VanDalen, Faith Arnold, Reganne Arnold and Brady Arnold. He is survived also by brother Stan (Carolyn) Bajema and sister Irene (Jay) DeVries and many nieces, nephews, friends and community members.
You are invited to join family and friends for visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Gillies Funeral Home, 202 Front St. An 11 a.m. memorial service will be Friday, Nov. 3, in First Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Robert Woodyard officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Roger requested that donations to be made to Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Drive, Lynden, WA 98264.
You are encouraged to email the family stories at [email protected] and/or share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral
