On December 24, 2021, Sheldon ("Shelly," also known as "Axel" by his family) Bajema passed from this life. surrounded by his family, as he said, "to sit in the lap of God".   

   Shelly  was born in Bellingham, Washington, on March 31,1938. He was  the son of Dr. Sheldon Charles and Lois (Horton) Bajema. His love of photography, hiking, projects, problem solving, and working with his hands began in his junior high years as he made a diving helmet, rebuilt his car, and built docks and other things. He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1956. He attended Western Washington University and Washington State University for two years before entering the army. He worked his way through college by fishing in Alaska.   

   During his two years in the army, he was introduced to and developed great interest in the field of occupational therapy. Upon his discharge from the army in 1964, he transferred to San Jose State College under the army student program and graduated in 1966 as a registered occupational therapist with a specialty in hand therapy and rehabilitation. He then received his commission as an officer and had a 20-year career in the Army Medical Specialist Corps with duty stations in Japan and throughout the U.S. He served at the 106th General Hospital in Yokohama, Japan, during the Vietnam War, meeting new challenges of severe war trauma. His ingenuity and problem-solving skills served him well during this time, as he developed many innovations in his field. He was the author and co-author of many professional articles and training manuals. He also had a two year assignment in the Army Medical Research Lab, was chief of many hospital occupational therapy clinics, and mentored many young therapists and corpsmen.  He often received letters from former patients and families thanking him for his personal interest, compassion and all the help he gave them.   

   While serving in Japan between 1967 and 1969, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Peacock. They were married in Tokyo, Japan, on January 13,1969, followed by a church wedding in Yokohama  on February 15,1969. He and Mary traveled and hiked extensively throughout Japan, Canada, and the U.S. They loved to travel.   

   While in the army, he attended the University of Washington in 1978 working towards his master's degree in occupational therapy. Throughout his career Shelly received many army commendations and awards.   

   After retiring from the army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1985, he developed the hand therapy program at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. He retired in 1990 to build his home in Anacortes where he and Mary have lived ever since. He attended Anacortes First Baptist Church. He was active in the Whidbey Island Camera Club and the Mt Baker Hiking Club.   

   Shelly will always be remembered for his love of nature and his inquisitive, intellectual mind. He greatly enjoyed deep philosophical and scientific discussions. He was blessed with incredible problem-solving skills and the ability to fix almost anything.  Shelly was a passionate and accomplished photographer. He had as much fun sharing his photographs with others as he did seeing theirs. He especially loved telling and hearing about the back stories surrounding those photographs.   

   Shelly was a teacher at heart. The lessons he imparted, the selfless love and encouragement he demonstrated to others, and his willingness to extend a helping hand when needed will serve an enduring memorial to him. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.   

   Shelly is survived by his wife Mary; daughter Deborah (Wade) Henrichs; son Kenneth (Ananda) Bajema; grandchildren  Lucian and Izabel Bajema, Breanna Henrichs; and step-grandchildren, Sam and Emilia (Arthur) Henrichs, and Casey Babcock; his brother Ralph; and several cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunts, uncles, and many cousins.   

   A private family burial will be at Enterprise Cemetery, in Ferndale, Washington, under the direction of  Evans Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be scheduled at a later date.   

   Memorials may be made to  Hospice of the Northwest  (227 Freeway Dr. Suite A, Mt Vernon, WA 98273) or  Anacortes First Baptist Church benevolence or mission funds  (2717 J. Ave., Anacortes, WA 98221).   

   To share memories of Shelly please sign his online guestbook.  Bookmark this link for future return visits:  https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/shelly-bajema