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Tom Bakker Obituary
Tom Bakker passed away at the age of 83, in Santa Barbara, California on December 18, 2017. He was lovingly cared for by his wife Jo, and their children and spouses: Ron Bakker, Mark (Jill) Bakker, Susan (Mark) Croshaw, and John (Pam) Bakker, in the last years as his Parkinson's disease progressed. Tom is survived by his wife and children, and grandchildren: Nicolas and Meagan Bakker, Hannah and Martin Croshaw, and Lindzy and Travis Bakker.
Tom Bakker was born in the Netherlands in 1934 to Jelle and Klaaske Bakker. He emigrated with his parents to Ontario, Canada at the age of 16 he began living in the USA when he started at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He continued his education at the University of Michigan, and completed his MA in Sociology. He married Johanna, with whom he has shared 58 wedding anniversaries.
He worked in the field of Marketing Researching until he retired from Xerox in 1990. His passions were family, reading, baking, traveling, music, and his deacon service at First Presbyterian Church.
His Christian faith carried him through life's journey. A service of celebration of Tom's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 11 am on January 13, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made the Music Fund at First Presbyterian Church, Santa Barbara or to Friendship Adult Day Care Center, who provided excellent respite care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Bakker
6 Entries
George Couperus
February 16, 2021
The Bakker family were neighbours in the Netherlands. They ended up sponsoring our family to come to Canada. Our very much belated condolences.
Earnie Ray
December 29, 2018
Belated , My deepest sympathy to your family . May you keep in mind the hope of life everlasting which can help sustain you through this difficult time . John 17:3
January 5, 2018
My deepest condolences. Death of a loved one is never an easy thing to go through. Just remember you are not alone. Isaiah 61: 2 "...To comfort all who mourn" God is right here to help you.
January 5, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. It is always so very hard to lose a loved one in death and our loving Heavenly Father is very aware and understand your painful loss. He will listen to your prayer and pay attention to your pleas for help because he is near to all those calling on him. He will hear your cry for help and give you comfort. Your family have my deepest condolences. (Psalms 86:6-7)
Elaine Sanchez
January 5, 2018
Dear Jo,
You have been a pillar of strength through Tom's illness. He must have been a very special man to be blessed with your love and caring.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Maarten Bos
January 4, 2018
Jo,
Our prayers are with you. I will always think of Tom as a role model and a real Christian. I wish I could have visited the two of you in the past two years. Say hello to Kelley Verhoog. She is planning to attend the service.
Maarten and Patti Bos
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