Bj Bjorneby
Mar. 23, 1935 – April 28, 2025

Bj was born in Kalispell Montana March 23, 1935. He passed away in Des Moines, WA on April 28, 2025.

He moved to Washington when he was 6. He grew up in Bremerton where he met Anna. They married in 1956. They were married for over 67 years until Anna passed in October 2024. They moved to Des Moines in 1968 where they built a home on North Hill and lived there until moving to Wesley Des Moines just a year ago. They had 4 Children. Patti, Bob, Wendy and Norman. Norman passed away in 2017. Bj had 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and one great great grandson.

Bj started his business Bjorneby Auto Rebuild in 1964 in the basement of an old church where his high school buddy had just started his cabinet business upstairs. After a year his business grew and he needed more space so he moved to 194th and Des Moines Memorial Drive. In 1974 the business needed to move again due to the property the business was on was bought to expand 509, which is just now happening.

He relocated to S 188th Street, and in 2002 the business was forced to move again due to the 3rd runway expansion at SeaTac. This move was to 222nd and Pacific Hwy. South in Des Moines where Bj’s Grandson now owns the Auto Collision shop.

When Bj and Anna retired in 2014, their business legacy lived on. All of Bj and Anna’s children had worked in the business at some time. Patti worked in the business in many capacities through the 50 years and went on to manage it in the later years and is now retired.

Bob and Wendy went on to start their own Auto Collision Repair businesses which are still thriving. Wendy’s son Kyle (third generation) now owns the shop at 222nd and Pacific Hwy. S.

When the business needed to move to the Des Moines location the building they were moving to needed to be thoroughly remodeled. Bj was always thinking of how to help his community, so he hired students from the Highline Occupation Skills Center’s Construction Program to do the remodeling supervised by Patti’s husband Bob McDaniel a Union Carpenter

He was a member of the Automotive Service Association and served in many roles locally and statewide. He is a Past President of the Des Moines Lions Club. He was very involved and promoted the importance of membership in the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and the South King County Chamber of Commerce, now Seattle Southside and worked for the organizations in many capacities to promote business. He was Des Moines Waterland Co-Director with Anna as well as Des Moines Waterland Parade Director for many years. Bj was a Past Commodore of the Des Moines Yacht Club. 

And, he served as an active member of the Rotary Club of Des Moines Normandy Park. Rotary was a very important part of his later years in life. Bj believed in and emulated Rotary International’s 4-way test. “Of the things we say think or do. 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4.Will it be BENEFICIAL to all Concerned?”

Honoring Bj in the Waterland Parade

This year, in honor of Bj and Anna’s enduring legacy, their family will take part in the Des Moines Waterland Grand Parade on Saturday, July 19. They will showcase their many cherished family vehicles that tell the story of their lives together. The parade will feature:

  • Bj’s 1957 Chevrolet Pickup: Bj’s first Business vehicle, his 1957 Chevrolet Pickup that he purchased in 1964, was reconditioned by his kids, employees and vendors after sitting for several years and presented to him restored at the business’s 25th Anniversary. He thought it had been stolen, but with the help of a family friend, was removed from the stolen vehicle listing. It was a huge surprise to him to get it back restored. The Pickup will be driven by Wendy, Bj’s daughter and her Husband Pat and some of their grandkids riding along.
  • Bj’s 1947 Plymouth: Bj’s 1947 Plymouth which he had one in his early driving career will also be in the Parade. Bj first saw the current Plymouth in the parking lot at Foster High School. He left a note on the windshield stating that he would like to purchase the vehicle. The owner was a student, and she agreed to sell it to Bj when she was ready to sell it. Bj purchased it in 1976 and chopped the roof and turned it into a Circa 55 vehicle. He regarded it as a great achievement and source of satisfaction. Much of the vehicle is original, including the 6-volt system and engine. Bj’s son Bob Bjorneby will be the driver in the parade.
  • Anna’s White 1967 Mercedes Convertible: Anna’s little White 67 Mercedes Convertible that symbolizes Anna’s spirit was a fixture in the Waterland Parade for many years. It carried Waterland Commodores, Local Celebrities, and Waterland Queens, to name a few. As Bj always said “She will have it forever” and she did. The convertible will be driven by Bj and Anna’s granddaughter Theresa.
  • Anna’s 1938 Ford Coupe: Anna’s 38 Ford Coupe will be in the Parade driven by daughter Patti’s Husband who now is humbled and proud to own it. Anna’s first car was 1938 Ford Coupe. Son Bob had the idea of buying a ’38 Ford and restoring it with the help of family and friends for Anna’s Christmas present in 2000.
  • Patti’s 1952 Chevrolet Coupe: Patti and Stacy’s 1952 Chevrolet Coupe will be driven by Stacy. It was Patti’s first car, bought for $51 at an abandoned vehicle auction at Pete’s Towing in 1975. Bj had another Chevy at his shop, so Patti combined the good parts of each car and painted it. The car was driven for many years with the original engine and transmission. Her family and friends remember push starting it many times. Patti handed down the Chevy to Stacy and upgraded the car with 12 volt, rewiring, 350 engine, power steering, and reupholstery. Stacy proudly drove it during high school and while going to Central Washington University. 

As we all remember Bj, let’s celebrate the love he shared, the values he instilled, and the profound impact he made on all who knew him. His legacy will continue to thrive in the hearts of his family and the community he cherished. Bj Bjorneby will forever be remembered as a man of integrity, generosity, and unwavering love.

Thank you, Bj, for your countless contributions and the love you shared with all of us. You will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.

Celebration of Life will be Sunday, July 20