Phillip Allan “Bogo” Bajari was born on May 20, 1941 to Pat and Shirley (Harrington) Bajari in French Lake, MN where he resided the remainder of his life.
He attended Lee School west of French Lake until 8th grade and then Annandale High School. When young, he worked for Barton Sand and Gravel and French Lake Auto Parts. He married Diana Dawson in 1961. They celebrated their 63rd anniversary on July 24th.
He bought Windy Hill Auto Parts from Roger Christianson in 1964 with his dad Pat acting as a somewhat silent partner. With his brother Larry, they grew 5 acres and 150 cars into 160 acres and over 10,000 cars, specializing in “classics” that drew customers from all over the world. He worked there until the day before his death which was one day short of his lifelong wish. He also owned Sisseton Salvage from 1977 to 1983 and spent many happy years crushing cars on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota.
Bogo was an avid reader with interests spanning from World War II and the Korean War to Native American, Finnish, and Russian culture. His love of music ranged from Tom T Hall, Waylon and Willie, Merle Haggard, and Patsy Cline, to Buddy Red Bow, John Lee Hooker, CCR, Neil Young, and Steppenwolf.
Although a confirmed atheist, he lived a Christian life – opening his home to hitchhikers, young people with bad home lives, stray cats, and anyone else that needed help. He anxiously awaited Lenten fish fries.
He loved little kids, working, coffee, saunas, and interesting people. He proudly never drank, yet failed to admit to his last 13 years of smoking after a 40 year hiatus.
He will forever be remembered for his remarkable memory, efficient conversations, his work ethic, being a good neighbor and champion of the underdog, a penchant for not suffering fools, and an ability to get a hold of people even before cell phones. He had a stoic (or crabby) exterior but a very soft heart.
He is survived by his wife Diana, children Davey (Rita) of French Lake, Hannah (David) Voss of Paynesville, Willie of New London, grand children Greta (Kyle) Johnson of Buffalo, Halley Bajari of French Lake, Storm (Lydia) Bajari of St. Cloud, Susan (Timmy) Kallock and great granddaughter Eden of Paynesville, Hunter (Katie Holtzclaw) Voss of Paynesville; siblings Betty Jane Schaefer of Sun Lakes, AZ, Jerry Joe (Ann) Bajari of French Lake, Larry (Pam) of New London, Linda (Pat) Kerrigan of LaCrescent, MN and Joey (Brad) of Wisconsin; Sister in law Wanda (Dwayne) Lamprecht of Florida and 18 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Riika, parents Pat and Shirley Bajari, inlaws Babe and Ada Dawson, brother in law Allan Schaefer, brother in law Ollie Dawson, niece Sarah Schaefer Lange, uncle Melvin Alama, unadopted son Thomas G. (Heavy) Hanson, and best friend Allan Peterson.
Funeral will be at Kingston Community Center (30840 722nd Ave, Dassel MN 555325) on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 12:00 with visitation one hour before. In his honor, read a book.
