Hermod E. Bakke, Jr.

Hermod Erling Bakke Jr. was born November 6, 1942, to Grace & Hermod Erling Bakke Sr., in Wenatchee, Washington. Hermond graduated from Leavenworth Senior High in 1962 and joined the Navy where he served in the Vietnam War. After his time in the service, Hermod started his family in which he was blessed with two daughters, Inger-Lisa, in 1974, and Paula, in 1975. He worked for the Washington State Department of Transportation for many years, eventually relocating from Leavenworth to Bellingham, where he later met his loving wife of 30 years, Linda.

The two joined families and were married on January 21, 1995. Hermod welcomed four new kids and numerous grandkids, who all called him “Pa”, into his life and heart. Hermod and Linda relocated from Fairhaven to Kendall in 1996, setting permanent ties in the community. You could always find him teaching something, cracking jokes, giving his sweet tooth a fix, or simply helping and visiting any of his many friends, family, or neighbors.

Hermod spent many years volunteering his time and energy into his community, including the Bellingham Volunteer Fire Department and Deming’s HeadStart program. He also maintained the Girl Scout park, cleaned his adopted highway, “Hermod and Company”, and even cared for hiking trails with the Washington Trails Association. Christ was a big part of his life - his church community had a special place in his heart. He was an avid believer in redemption, Jesus Christ, and being saved. He was the type of Christian who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. A true Christlike husband, spiritual leader, and role model to all.

Hermod spent almost all his free time enjoying the outdoors with his wife Linda. Together, they enjoyed many activities such as snowshoeing, camping, hiking, and fishing. They shared their love of the mountains, nature, and adventure with their family and friends and will fondly be remembered for it. On his 83rd birthday, Hermod left this earthly world to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Hermod is survived by his loving wife, Linda; sisters, Grace of Leavenworth, WA, and Mary of Cashmere, WA; daughters, Inger-Lisa Bakke of WA and Paula (Bill) Saunders of MT; stepchildren, Danielle (Ival), John, Monique, and Shane; grandchildren, Joe (Reani), Jessica (Bill), Amanda (Shelby), Amber, Ashley, Jasmine (Brett), Te, Isaac (Calista), Talia, Hannah, Eden, Orion, Jaiden, Jaeson, Daniel, and Leland; great-grandchildren, Josiah Caleb, Matthew-Curtis, Cecilia-Jessie, Kailer Jah’Kai, Cataleyea, Teddy Jacobs, Monique (Paulie), Tyger, Sayge, Takoda, Dante, Micah, AJ, Ozitka, Marcus, Style, Dustin, Blakely, Ivy, Mollie, Rilynn, and Briar; and one great-great-grandchild, Greyson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hermod Sr and Grace Bakke; granddaughter; Deonne; and great-granddaughter, Sara.

Hermod will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to be known and loved by him. May we all remember and honor the legacy he leaves behind of being a doer and a lover of Jesus, family, nature, and thy neighbors.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, November 13, from 12:00pm-1:00pm at Valley Church (904 Nooksack Rd. Nooksack) followed by a funeral service at 1:00pm. A graveside service will follow at Sumas Cemetery.