William Glen Bakken

WILLIAM GLEN BAKKEN,

     Bill was born November 22, 1946, in Mont Nebo, Saskatchewan and suddenly passed on to his heavenly home on February 1, 2023, where he was welcomed by his Father & Mother, Peter & May Bakken and his two brothers Bruce and Perry, and his Mother-in-Law Audrey Grendahl.

     Bill was a happy 76-year-old. He enjoyed a loving marriage of 54 years to Marie, and they adored their large family through sons Trevor, Trent, and Jon Saltel.  Daughters-in-love, Michelle, Nancy, and Angela added to this growing family along with the Grandkids Taylor (Tanner), Bowen (Hannah), Colton (Bree), Jacob, Saige, Sydney, Ella, Ruby, and Emmy.  Along with several other loving family members; Sister-in-law Kathy, Father-in-law George, many nieces and nephews and several cousins

     Bill was raised on a farm in Mont Nebo, Saskatchewan and attended High School in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan where he met Marie, and they were seen hanging out through their high school years.

     In 1961 Bill was in a serious head on collision and was not expected to survive.  With Gods help and the prayers of people in many small community churches in the area, he fought through his injuries despite the fact that his organs were in disarray.  This survival was his first miracle.

     After graduation, Bill went to work as a surveyor for the Saskatchewan Department of Highways.  Most of the jobs were several miles in the North and required him to spend the week living on site in the work camps.  When Bill and Marie were married in 1968, they decided this work situation was not acceptable for a young married couple so in 1969 they moved to Kelowna, BC much to the concern of their parents.  Bill worked in a boat manufacturing plant and his specialty became the vinyl covers for the boats. There they welcomed their first son, Trevor in 1970.   In 1971 Bill and Marie moved to the coast where Bill’s company ‘Perfection Boat Tops’ was started.  Soon after their second son Trent was a welcomed addition to the family. 

     Bill worked in the boat industry until 1993 when he became ill with pneumonia.  X-rays discovered a large aneurism on his aorta.  Thankfully Doctors operated and did a successful repair on this serious condition.  Without that x-ray, the aneurism would have gone undetected.  Surviving this near heart attack was Bill’s second miracle.

     After a long recovery, Bill was employed by the school district in Richmond as a building service worker until his retirement.  He enjoyed his work in the schools where he became a favorite with students and staff.  He became known as ‘Mr. Bill’ to the students.  He was frequently seen with high energy students and their educational assistants sorting recyclables and dumping trash.  He had a gift with special needs children.

     Bill lived a full life as the family attended Richmond Pentecostal Church where he was involved teaching Sunday School and Children’s ministry.

     Bill was very dedicated to watching his children and grandchildren play their sports.  He could often be heard in the bleachers at his son’s hockey games trying to assist the referees with their calls.

     Bill was known for his sense of humor and laugh.  His grandchildren could get him laughing until he had tears streaming from his eyes.  He was always available to assist with little tasks for family, friends, and camping buddies. 

     Favorite times were spent gathering with a large circle of friends for a spirited game of Rook.  Other adventures included travelling across the States, British Columbia and to the Prairies; camping at Chilliwack Lake with the family were special times.

    Recently Bill suddenly began having life threatening complications from the internal injuries to his organs that had resulted from his car accident when he was 15 years old.  The fact that Bill lived for so many years, despite his organs being all scrambled is the third miracle of his life.

     We are so thankful to have had Bill for the additional 29 years after his heart surgery and we are truly blessed to have had him in our lives for so many great memories.  He was an amazing person who authentically connected with everyone he talked to.  Bill was genuine and has left a great legacy of love, hard work and helpfulness that will not be forgotten.

     You will be greatly missed by your loving wife, sons, daughters-in-love, grandkids, friends and all who knew you.