Fred John Bache died April 2, 2020, at home with the love and support of family and friends. Dr. Bache was born in Aberdeen, Washington, on June 7, 1941, to Swiss immigrants August Bache and Johanna Stuber-Bache. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeannette Hallmark-Bache. His daughters; Jolena(Kris) Gienger of Hong Kong, Traci Pearl of Puyallup, and Trudy Swain, and son-in-law Bob Swain of Kenmore, as well as six Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Laurie Garner, Linda Rattie, and brother Ralph Bache. He will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews. Fred went to schools in Aberdeen, graduating from Weatherwax High School in 1959, Grays Harbor College in 1961, and then completing his undergraduate and advanced degrees at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1966. He supported his education by working for Mayr Brothers Logging Company and commercial Halibut fishing in Alaska. His first Dental Practice was located in the town of Chehalis, where the Loggers World newspaper posted a story about Fred’s plans to build a boat for a dental office so that he could combine his love of the woods and sea to serve communities in South East Alaska with his Dentistry. He built a 50ft boat, The Jenny B, and launched her in 1968. He and his family made their first trip to Alaska in 1969 beginning in Coffman Cove on Prince of Wales Island. Each season would begin with them going to Alaska in Spring and returning in the Fall to his dental practice in Westport, then Aberdeen, and later in Hoquiam. He and his family were well received in the logging communities in South East Alaska and each summer as they continued to circle Prince of Wales Island their itinerary eventually included many families living and working at fish hatcheries and in small villages throughout South East Alaska until he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February of 2018. He enjoyed his family and life aboard the Jenny B for nearly 50 years.

Those who have worked in the woods or on the sea put their trust in the Grand Creator. In 2004 Fred and his wife were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses and he began using his middle name, John. He remained an active member of the Aberdeen Jehovah’s Witness Congregation until his passing. His family would like to give a special Thank you to Harbors Home Health and Hospice who eased Fred’s last days with their compassionate care and support to his wife, Jeannette. Thank You to Harrison Family Mortuary whose staff treated Fred with gentleness and grace. A memorial to celebrate the life of Fred John Bache will take place once we all see relief from COVID19 and restrictions are lifted.