Pieter Jan Bakker

Obituary of Pieter Jan Bakker

TROY –

Pieter Jan Bakker, 84, of Troy, NY passed away at Albany Medical Center on September 30, 2025 after a series of illnesses.

Born on June 10, 1941 in Wassenaar, Holland to the late Pieter Jan Bakker, Sr. and Henrietta Bakker-Conijn, he spent his childhood and young adult years in Holland and served in the Dutch Army. After studying electronics in Holland and control engineering in England, he worked for Taylor Instruments in The Hague as a chemical plant and oil refinery service engineer.

Pieter emigrated to Johannesburg, South Africa in 1970, where he was a partner of L.D. Exhibitions for eight years. During this time he founded his own company, E.B.S. & Showlec, designing an original shell scheme and building uniform and individual trade show stands. He immigrated to the United States in 1990, where he formed his own general contracting company, I.M.E.X., and became certified in heating and airconditioning. He also held positions as an amusement park model builder, a Home Depot sales associate, where he was recognized each year for his services and, lastly, for many years as an overnight residential care worker for the Alternative Living Group (ALG).

Pieter had a great sense of humor and was fun and adventurous. He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Star Donovan (Jeffrey Bell), his granddaughters, Anthea and Briony, and his great-grandchildren, Colwynn, Chase, Theron, Elora, Liadan, Elowen and Quentin, as well as his dear friend Nicole and three surviving brothers in Holland: Beer, Harm and Mark.

Besides his parents and several siblings, Pieter was predeceased by his beloved wife, Edith Bakker, and cherished stepdaughter, Frederica Donovan.

Special Thanks to Star Donovan for the many doctor visits and hospital stays, Nicole Rosario for being a good friend, and the caring nurses and staff of the Albany Med Cardiac Unit for their compassionate, attentive care of Pieter.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service for Pieter at 12 noon on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Our Lady of the Snows Mission Catholic Church, located at: 31 Owen Road, Grafton, NY 12082.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, New York 12208 (www.givetocommunityhospice.org). Fond Memories and Expressions of Sympathy may be left on the Riverview Funeral Home's website for Pieter's Family at: TheRiverviewFuneralHome.com