Odin Matthew Bakke

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Odin Matthew Bakke.

The little bugger was a hugger.

He was also an amazing athlete. He played football and basketball for Aden Bowman Collegiate, participated in track and tried a variety of other sports over the years. He particularly loved to skateboard and snowboard and enjoyed ski trips with his mom whenever the occasion arose.

Odin was full of confidence on the football field. He was a passionate competitor who flourished on the field; flashing a huge smile when he did something well. He was a natural athlete, quick and tough for his small size, a receiver and filled in as quarterback when needed. He was a dedicated team-player, learning all the team’s plays so he could add valuable support to others. He won several awards over the years for his exceptional play, including Rookie of the year, Special Teams Player of the year and a Leadership and Excellence Scholarship from SMF. He played on the Gold Medal winning U16 Provincial team in Kamloops, BC. So many thanks go out to all of the coaches and friends who believed in him and always encouraged him to come and play. He found so much joy on the field.

Odin loved to work with his hands and was learning to be a heavy duty mechanic. He easily learned how things fit together and had a passion for cars, tinkering on them with friends whenever he had a chance. His love of cars likely stemmed from the hours he spent with his Grandpa in the garage, washing the motorbike and fixing stuff. Odin loved F1 Racing, and his ultimate dream was to buy a right-hand drive drift car from Japan and fix it up.

Odin had a gentle spirit when it came to other kids. He spread kindness and would stand up for classmates and younger students that were picked on by others. He had a goofy sense of humour and friend’s children would often ask for Odin so that they could play together. Stepdad Phil shared this playfulness, and they bonded over jokes and crazy antics.

Odin had a very close relationship with his maternal grandparents and would often pop by to sit on the stool in the kitchen and kibitz with his grandmother while she cooked, sneaking juice and jars of peaches. Grandma never missed Odin’s football games and the two would watch the Riders together, discussing the finer points of the game in detail (even though he was a Stampeder’s fan). Fortunately, he was an even bigger Vikings fan, so he was forgiven for this. He never left without giving her a hug.

Odin spent more time with his father Michael as he got older, and they enjoyed time together going to football games and camping with the family. He bonded with his step-sister Danica over this love of football. His dad supported all his athletic endeavours and was often found on the sidelines cheering him on.

He was also stubborn, unlike his mother (she is “determined”), and no one loved Odin more. Julie was his biggest champion; going to every game, spending hours studying with him, welcoming his friends into their home, helping him apply for jobs, finding his first apartment, but most of all she was his best friend. The two of them were intrepid adventurers. When he began to struggle as a teen, she fought hard to find him supports, even getting him a cat though she was allergic. She had an unwavering belief in him and was proud of him no matter where he was in his journey. His compassion and kindness for others grew from her example.

Odin struggled with his mental health for many years, which ultimately led to him taking his own life. His illness made it hard for him to hear the positive messages of support from his family, his girlfriend and friends. He was fortunate to be loved by a wonderful girlfriend, Gabby, before he passed. She recognized his struggles and always saw through the mask. She was committed to using love to improve his mental health and we are forever grateful for her. We are also grateful to Michael Boechler, who was his rock and lifelong friend and was committed to supporting him until the end.

Odin is survived by his mother Julie Bakke (Phil Wildeman) and his Grandparents Phyllis and Al Bakke, Aunties and Uncles Cheryl (Dan), Charlene (Scott), his cousins Wynton (Zoë), Kienan, Espea, Danika, Alaya and girlfriend Gabrielle (Gabby) Charles. He is also survived by his father Michael Foster (Lynn Bussey), stepsister Danica, grandmother Lorna Foster, step-grandmother Margaret Foster, Aunties and Uncles Susan, Jerry (Amanda), Steve (Lyn), Scott, Katheryn (Aziz), cousins Braden, Brady, Jessica, Umah, Noah and many other extended cousins and relatives. He was predeceased by Grandfather Earl Foster.

As football was Odin’s biggest passion, we would like to invite you to come and remember Odin with us at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28th, 2023 at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field (1525 Avenue P South, Saskatoon). We will have a small Celebration of Odin's Life inside followed by Odin’s last football game on the field. Dress casual, bring a pair of runners and join in for a game, or even a play or two. Jerseys and Vikings purple are encouraged.

Any donations you wish to make can be made to the Saskatoon Minor Football Legacy Fund at https://www.sasksport.ca/donate/sport-legacy-fund. Please indicate the donation is for the Saskatoon Minor Football Legacy Scholarship Fund in memory of Odin Bakke. You can also use this form https://www.sasksport.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/NSTF_DonorForm.pdf to print and donate by cheque. These donations will go into a fund to support other young athletes who would like the opportunity to play football but might not otherwise be able to afford it.

So many thanks go out to all of the family and friends who have surrounded us with love, food, working hands, prayers, and compassion during this difficult time. Words cannot express how much this has meant to our family.

Arrangements entrusted to Thea Katchmar.