John Thomas Bajorek
November 5, 1944 – June 20, 2022
John Bajorek
John Bajorek, 78, of Kirkland, Washington, died peacefully on the morning of June 20, 2022, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and cancer. John was born on November 5, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph Bajorek and Marie Ralczynski. Dad was a proud Vietnam Veteran where he served courageously and was honorably discharged on August 12, 1966. While serving our country, John earned several medals including the Purple Heart.
On May 1, 1971, Dad married the love of his life, Susanlyn (Suzi Olson) Bajorek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. John and Suzi moved from Milwaukee, to Chicago, and then to Washington State where they found their forever home. John and Suzi both loved spending time in the Cascade Mountains where they enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, and spending time with family near Lake Wenatchee. Dad was known for watching historical documentaries, reading, and he held a deep love for sports (Go Mariners!).
John worked for Burlington Northern Railway and then spent many years as the transportation manager for Fluke Manufacturing. John initially retired in 1992. However, he then became a school bus driver for the Northshore School District. Dad started this semi-retired position because Mom said his first retirement was driving her crazy. Yet, this semi-retired, bus-driving position became a highlight of his life. He loved working with children of all ages, socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, and unique personalities.
Dad is finally back together with mom. John and Suzi are survived by their children, Kristen (Fa) Fairbank, Kelly (Casey) Hineman, and Joseph (Heidi) Bajorek; their grandchildren, Shiloh, Colton, Dylan, Jonah, Jonas, Victoria, and Jamie. John is also survived by many dearly loved cousins, friends, loving neighbors, and family —-too many to list. John is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Ray, Dick, and Tom. We hope that they are all fishing, camping, snowmobiling or otherwise engaged in shenanigans on the other side.
In lieu of flowers, Dad requested that donations be made to either: Seattle Children’s Hospital or Evergreen Hospice.
Seattle Children’s Hospital (https://give.seattlechildrens.org/give/284150/#!/donation/checkout)
Evergreen Hospice (https://evergreenhealthfoundation.com/donate/)
7 Responses to “John Thomas Bajorek”
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You are all in our prayers. Love and hugs.
Love and prayers to you all. John is pain free and reunited with Suzi.
I’m so sorry. Losing a parent is hard. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I know how you cared for your Dad in many ways. Sendings my condolences to you and your whole family. Losing a parent is a tough one. Thinking of you all.
Fun to work with. Lots more fun to golf with. A good man and friend who will be missed.
Kristy, Kelly, & Joe, I am so sorry to hear the news of your dad’s passing. We had such fun times with Suzi & John. They will always be remembered as wonderful friends. Sending you all love ❤️
Vickie Zahnow Nachtrieb
I grew up with John in Green Bay. He moved in next door and we became fast friends. We’d sneak around the neighborhood together and raid gardens. We built “go carts” and rode them to school. We had the kind of childhood you only read about. We stayed in touch after high school. In fact John and Suzi were Godparents for our oldest adopted son, Billy, when we lived in Michigan. My wife and I visited John and Suzi at the cabin in the Cascades on our way to visit Vancouver, BC. That was the last time we saw them. I’ve wondered what happened to my old friend, until I saw his obituary. I’m not sure if anyone will see this, but God bless and keep you John.