Gilbert Bakke

Gilbert "Gil" Bakke - Gil passed away at home on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 surrounded by family and his devoted care giver, Jenn Harrison. This courageous and gentle giant spent the last three and a half years fighting his way back to life after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Each day was a challenge, one he met with love, grace and humor. Gil was born in San Francisco to Arthur and Catherine Bakke on May 6, 1947. He is survived by his three sisters; Shirley Collins, Donna Barretta, and Anna Mary Hanavan for whom he began cooking breakfast while standing on a stool when he was 6 years old. Cooking and becoming a chef was always a dream for Gil. After finishing his first 30 year career as a ship-fitter foreman at Mare Island , Gil attended and graduated from the California Culinary Academy in 1997. One of his goals was to serve the elderly. Before retiring, Gil served as head chef at Petaluma â??s Springfield Place . It was more than a job, it was a calling and a service that came from his heart. He loved that population and they loved him in return. Gil is survived by his beloved wife, Tammy Cotter, his children Alison Sax (Scott), Michael Bakke (Chrissy), his grandchildren; Gabriel Bakke, Daniel Bakke, Carly, Cassandra, and Shayla Sax, his devoted step-children; Kevin, Paul, and Jamie Cotter who were a loving and integral part of his support team over the last three and a half years; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Catherine, his brother in laws Robert Thurban and John Hanavan, his nephew Robert Thurban Jr. and his beloved granddaughter, Madison Bakke. Through this three year journey Gil and Tammy were lovingly supported by Dr. Richard Olcese, the team from Redwood Caregiver Resource Center , the Disability Resource Center at Santa Rosa Junior College , and in the final months of Gilâ??s life by Hospice of Petaluma. A celebration of Gilâ??s life will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma. A Visitation will be held on Friday, February 19, 2010 from 11:00 a.m., until 8:00 p.m. with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. at the mortuary. Donations in Gilbert Bakkeâ??s name may be made to BIRC (Brain Injury Resource Center) c/o Dr. Richard Olcese 1260 North Dutton Avenue Santa Rosa CA 95407 or to Hospice of Petaluma,416 Payran Street, Petaluma 94954