George Herman Bafus

GEORGE HERMAN BAFUS
November 11, 1954 ~ December 4, 2017

George Herman Bafus, age 63, was called home to heaven on December 4, 2017 after a courageous battle against muscular dystrophy and pneumonia. He was a proud survivor of life-saving experimental open heart surgery he received as a child that repaired his congenital heart defects.

He was the firstborn son of Reuben and Mary Bafus, born November 11, 1954 in Vancouver, Washington. George grew up on the family farm in Camas, Washington and graduated from Camas High School in 1973. He was a gifted musician, playing keyboards in Stage Band, community college bands and in his own small bands, starting in high school with The New Vista Brass. He loved performing Herb Albert's greatest hits and a variety of other jazz music.

George worked for the Pendelton Woolen Mills and then Hewlett Packard for many years. George's love of old cars began early, as his boyhood room was filled with models he meticulously constructed. He enjoyed tinkering on a variety of classic cars he owned, and was especially proud of his '57 Chevy. His favorite way to honor a friend was to pull out the keys and say, "Take her for a spin!"

Family and faith in Christ were everything to George. He called his wife Annette the love of his life, and his two daughters, Heidi and Katie, were his greatest joy. George and his family were lifelong residents of Camas, Washington.

George's wonderful sense of humor and expressive smiles will be greatly missed. Although he was confined to home in his later years, he touched so many lives.

George is survived by his wife, Annette; daughters, Katie and Heidi; sisters, Brenda Bafus-Williams of Montrose, CO and Ruby Hinds of Bellingham, WA. He was predeceased by his parents, Reuben and Mary Bafus; and sister, Marie Bafus Martin of Camas.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 9th at Harvest Community Church, 2436 NW Astor Street, Camas, WA. Donations in his memory may be made to The Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Please sign his Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.