Olander P. Bajoie Sr.

Olander P. Bajoie Sr. was born in Baton Rouge, LA on December 22, 1922 and departed this life on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at his home in Charlotte, NC, in the care of his youngest son, Aaron Bajoie. Olander and his sisters relocated to New Orleans after the death of their farther and were raised in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans' famed 7th Ward by his mother and stepfather, Woodrow Walker. Olander credited his stepfather with giving him the skills and training that would become his lifelong work. Together, they were professionally known as W. D. Walker and Son Construction and Shoring Contractors.Mr. B., as he was affectionately known, was educated in New Orleans and was called to serve in the United States Army during World War II where he was stationed in Guam at an air force base guarding prisoners. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to New Orleans and attended the YMCA School of Business and Commerce which helped him to achieve his lifelong dream of opening his own business. This dream was fulfilled when he established Dixie Shoring Company and Sons where he specialized in quality shoring work for over 50 years. Mr. B had a strong commitment to work and an even greater work ethic. He passed these beliefs on to his sons and grandsons and taught them numerous skills and techniques that they continue to utilize today. He also believed that every man should have a pickup truck so that he could always perform odd jobs, when needed. Most of his sons and daughters shared his spirit of entrepreneurship and strong work ethic and opened their own businesses which continue to thrive today. Mr. B. was also an active member of his community. His memberships included the Veterans of Foreign Wars, NAACP and several civic organizations. His commitment to community was one of the reasons his daughter, Diana, developed such a strong interest in public service. He played a major role in her campaigns by building stages for campaign yard signs, cooking and anything else needed to run a real family affair grass roots campaign which resulted in Diana's election to the legislature. Mr. B was an avid sports fisherman and hunter so much so that he built a camp in Waveland, MS. He eventually built a home in Waveland where he and his wife, Shirley, lived until it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. They relocated to Charlotte, NC until his death. Olander had a deep faith in Christ and was baptized at an early age in Baton Rouge. He was a member Holy Ghost Catholic Church. At the time of his death, he was a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. Mr. Bajoie was the devoted husband of Shirley Scovell Bajoie. He was the loving son of the late Ethel Bajoie Walker and Ferdinand Bajoie of New Roads, LA. Olander was preceded in death by his former wife, Julia Roudeze Bajoie. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Olander P. Bajoie, Jr., Nolan J. Bajoie, Sr. (Eunice), Diana E. Bajoie, Paulette B. Ross, Reginald Bajoie (Paphine)-Gonzales, LA, Judy G. Bajoie, and Aaron Bajoie-Charlotte NC; two stepdaughters, Annette Giles- Charlotte NC, and Phyliss Bocage (Michael)-Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Nolan J. Bajoie Jr., Nicole Bajoie-Ford, Reginald Bajoie II, Reggie Bajoie III, Christy Noel Ross, Rayna Bajoie-Ingram, Lester Bajoie, Jr.-Phoenix, AZ, Daniel Ross, David Ross, Rechell Bajoie, Roxanne B. Owens-Atlanta, GA, Arlette Bailey-Charlotte NC, Danielle Bocage-Buford GA, and Michelle Bocage-Suwanee GA.; and great grandfather of 24. He is also survived by a host of caring nieces and nephews and numerous beloved family members. He was preceded in death by his son Lester Charles Bajoie, Sr., two sisters Teresa B. Gilbert-Los Angeles, CA. and Rosalie B. Roberts as well as 7 sisters-in-law and 4 brothers-in-law. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Visitation on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home, 2120 Jackson Avenue from 9:00 am until 10:00 am. Followed by Funeral Services at 10:00 am. Interment McDonoghville Cemetery, 520 Hancock Street, Gretna, LA. You may sign the guest book on www.gertrudegeddeswillis.com GERTRUDE GEDDES WILLIS FUNERAL HOME INC., IN CHARGE (504) 522-2525.