Obituary

Lyle Jerome Bakken

Camp Verde, AZ - Lyle Jerome Bakken peacefully passed away from kidney failure on August 28th in Camp Verde, Arizona at the age of 82. Lyle was born June 1st, 1939, on the family farm in Alamo, North Dakota to parents Olga and Adolph Bakken. At age 5, the family moved to Bremerton to find work in support of the war effort. Adolph passed away when Lyle was 14. Lyle attended Bremerton High School and moved to the new East High School when it opened in 1956. He was labeled the original Knight at East High. Lyle was a star athlete in both basketball and track. He was named MVP of the 1958 Washington State basketball tournament where the Knights placed 5th. Lyle was the 1958 high hurdles state champion setting a school record that still stands more than 60 years later. While at East High Lyle would form a lifelong relationship with hall of fame basketball coach Les Eathorne.

Lyle was awarded a basketball scholarship to play for the University of Washington where he would star for three years and earn his degree in physical education. He played for several Seattle AAU teams and spent two years coaching the UW freshman basketball team. Lyle also coached the Olympic College team for two years starting in 1980. In 1962, Lyle met and married Judy Soderlund. They had four children, Kristi Baumann (Tim) of Ellensburg, Jeff Bakken (Hollye) of Maple Valley, Karin Weihe (Dan) of Maple Valley and Jay Ragland (Amanda) of Ellensburg. After college, Lyle entered the banking industry and moved to Spokane. Lyle and Judy divorced in 1977.

In 1977, Lyle returned to Bremerton, where he met and married Chardon May. They had two sons, Beau Bakken (Brittney) of Belfair and Scott Bakken (Jennifer) of Bremerton. Lyle and Chardon divorced in 1984. Lyle would spend time residing in Long Beach and Eastern WA, working for over 20 years for Washington State. Lyle spent countless days golfing and on the water fishing for salmon. Later in life, Lyle met and married Collette who he would spend the rest of his life with. For over 25 years, they served as respite and foster care givers for young children. Adopted son Malachi would become part of the family as an infant, raised by Lyle and Collette. Lyle and Collette moved to Arizona to enjoy retirement. Lyle is survived by his wife Collette, all his children and 14 grandchildren. A memorial service is being planned for Saturday, November 6th at 2pm at the former Bremerton East High School gymnasium on Wheaton Way.

Posted online on October 17, 2021