A man with a quick wit and a deep love for all of his girls, Al Baketel will be missed by many but remembered with love for his hearty laugh, wonderful sense of humor, ability to fix or build anything and a natural ability for electronics! Al passed away in Kennewick on June 8, 2010 surrounded by the family he loved, of pancreatic cancer. Born on July 3, 1935 in Portland, Oregon to Gliva and Frank Baketel, he often joked about not quite being born a firecracker! Al grew up in the Corvallis, Oregon area with his sisters Patricia and Billie. Al and Pat shared many memories of their childhood with the family, delighting us with stories like how the monkey stole Al's gink! We never tired of hearing that or the laughter the two would share when telling us of their adventures. Al was a very intelligent man who wanted to see all the world had to offer! At the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy. As part of the "SeaBees" Naval Construction Force, he ran phone patches for serviceman overseas so they could talk to their loved ones back home. Al continued his love of electronics and telecommunications as a civilian and was an Amateur Radio Operator HAM Radio, K7ZMO for over 50 years. He enjoyed talking with people all over the world at a time before anyone had ever thought of cell phones or internet! While Al was stationed in Corpus Christi, TX he met the love of his life, Georgia Polasek. After an exciting courtship, they were married in a double wedding ceremony with Georgia's sister, Helen and her fiancé Lynn Decker - also in the Navy. July 15, 2010 would have been the 57th wedding anniversary for both couples! Al's natural ability for electronics led him to a career as a Service Manager for Sears, which in turn brought him and his family to the Tri-Cities in 1971, 39 years ago! Al and Georgia quickly fell in love with this area and all the outdoor activities it has to offer. Al loved to camp, fish, sail, and just get in the car and take the family for a "Sunday drive"! He and Georgia had many great adventures sailing their San Juan 7-7 on the Columbia and Snake Rivers together with fellow members of the Walla Walla Yacht Club in the 1970's. During this time Al was also an active member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary #13 and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow Guard members. Al and Georgia raised their three daughters, Linda, Barbara and Deby in Kennewick. His girls were everything in the world to him. He would drop anything for them and they knew that help was always just a phone call away! It meant a lot to Al to be there for his daughters; he was such a wonderful "fix it" man and could come up with the most ingenious ways to fix any problem! We are all going to miss that, but he taught us well. Al was the proudest Grandpa that ever was. He was able to enjoy his granddaughters' lives and accomplishments and tried to make it to as many softball, dance team/cheerleading and volleyball events as he could, even when it was difficult for him to get around. One of the proudest moments for him was when he was given a signed ball by the Southridge HS Varsity Volleyball Team for being such a devoted cheerleader for them! Nichelle, Nicholle and Noelle loved their Grandpa and his fun sense of humor, big heart and big hugs and will miss him more than anything. Al is survived by Georgia, his loving wife of 57 years and his daughters Linda of Kennewick, Barbara Mitchell of Bickelton and Deby Sutter and her husband, Rick of Kennewick and granddaughters, Nichelle Wallskog, Nicholle Wallskog and Noelle Wallskog all of Kennewick. Al's sister, Patricia Bratton and her husband, Walt of Grandview also survive him, as well as his grandsons Lance Pattison of Ripon, California and Kris Kassman of Berlin, Germany. Al is also survived by his two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law and their spouses, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Al in death is his sister, Billie Waloski and grandson, Jason Dye. A Catholic Mass for Al will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. The family would like to thank Dr. Teresita Clar de Jesus and Hospice at The Chaplaincy for their endless support and asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice or Hospice at The Chaplaincy in lieu of flowers.