Wrangell Sentinel -

Fred John Bache, 78 died April 2, 2020, at home with the love and support of his family and friends.

He was born in Aberdeen, Washington on June 7, 1941, to Swiss immigrants August Bache and Johanna Stuber-Bache.

He 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 the communities in Southeast Alaska with his dentistry. He built a 50 ft 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 Southeast 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 Southeast 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.

In 2004, he and his wife were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses and he began using his middle name, John. He remained an active member of Aberdeen Jehovah’s Witness Congregation until his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Laurie Garner, Linda Rattie and brother Ralph Bache.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeannette Hallmark-Bache; daughters Jolena (Kris) Gienger of Hong Kong, Traci Pearl of Puyallup, and Trudy Swain, and son-in-law Bob Swain of Kenmore; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will take place once the COVID19 restrictions are lifted.