Obituary of Joseph Bakkensen

Joe and Gwynn Bakkensen were together till the end. Joe died at 92, on November 8, joining his wife Gwynn who died on November 1. They were married for 68 years, had 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Joe’s family was his pride and joy, and the center of his life. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Laurie Bakkensen Odlum (Jim) and survived by Nancy Bakkensen Plumlee (Maury) from Vancouver, Washington, Joni Bakkensen Juergens (Eric) from Madison, Wisconsin, Drew Bakkensen (Debbie) from Portland and Jim Bakkensen (Laura) from Scappoose.

Joseph Edward Bakkensen was born at home, in Astoria, Oregon on February 9, 1929. He was the youngest of nine children in a loud and loving Scandinavian family. Joe graduated from Astoria High School early and joined the Army at 17. He served in WWII in Japan, and then returned to Oregon, using the GI Bill to attend Linfield College. Joe was president of his fraternity and his class while a student at Linfield. He married Gwynn Marie Calkins the weekend after he graduated from college on June 6, 1953. They lived in Portland and Seattle, returning to Astoria when Joe became a Sales Representative for Bumble Bee Seafoods. Later to avoid relocation out of state, Joe became Vice President of Barbey Packing Company. Joe purchased Barbey Packing and expanded the business to include Union Fish. Joe was fond of retiring but was not good at it. After he sold Barbey, he went to work as business manager of Claterbos Construction. Next Joe put his political acumen to work as Clatsop County Commissioner. Finally, he worked for the Federal Government with NOAA. Joe provided many opportunities for his children and grandchildren that he did not have growing up, and for him that was the measure of success.

Joe had an infectious enthusiasm for life. He was a raconteur and thoroughly entertaining. He could remember events in great detail, up until the end of his life. One constant in Joe’s life was a dog. From his first dog Wacky, to his last dog Hari, they could always be seen by his side. They were usually waiting for a table scrap or a ride in his truck, and they were important to him. He even suggested his loyal companion Hari should be nominated for Sainthood.

He was devoted to Astoria and served the community in numerous ways. He volunteered for, was on the board for, or was president of many local business and non-profit organizations. Joe never met an organization he didn’t want to join and lead. He was known by his colleagues for his intelligence, but was quick to remind his children, “It’s nice to be smart, but it’s smarter to be nice.”

Joe loved playing, watching and coaching sports of all kinds. Golf was his primary sport, and something he shared with his family. He had 3 holes in one. Joe and Gwynn enjoyed international travel for work and pleasure, often with golf clubs in tow. Joe was a Grandmaster at Bridge, and he loved a good bridge tournament. In June 2014, Joe, Gwynn, and their youngest son Jim were thrilled to attend an honor flight to Washington D. C.

A Celebration of Life for Joe and Gwynn will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, in Seaside on March 5. A reception will follow. To accommodate any Covid related changes to this plan, please RSVP to gwynn.joe.service@gmail.com To honor Joe’s love of golf and education, memorial donations may go to the Evans Scholarship for caddies. Evans Scholars Foundation, 2501 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL 60626-8022