Keith Neil Bajema, age 71, passed away at his home in Lacey, Washington on June 18, 2017 following a recurrence of cancer. Keith grew up in Bellingham with his parents, Neil and Grace (Fralick) Bajema; sister, Joyce;cousins; and friends. He attended Alderwood Grade School, Shuksan Junior High, and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1964, where he excelled in school government, and track and field. In 1968, Keith graduated with a Physics Degree from Western Washington State College and soon after began his career with the U.S. Navy at Naval Torpedo Station, Keyport, Washington – becoming a specialist in underwater acoustics. He later moved to Oahu and worked at Keyport’s Detachment at Lualualei, and retired in 2001 after 32 years of Civil Service. Following retirement, Keith moved to Lacey and pursued interests in home renovation projects, hiking and camping with his wife, gardening, and travel. These brought him great joy for many years.
Keith is survived by his wife, Melanie Carlos; two sons from previous marriage to Kathleen Gray – Bret and wife, Michelle,and their children, Brooke and Forrest, from Lacey; and Dax and wife, Katja, and their children, Myla, Grady, and Spencer, from Honolulu. Also surviving are his sister, Joyce, and brother-in-law, Brian Smith, from Ocala, Florida;and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from the Bellingham area.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 28th at 1:30 pm at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA 98042, followed by a reception. You may share memories of Keith at http://woodlawn-funeralhome.com/obituaries/.
