Obituary: Bauer, Delano R. “Del”
BAUER,
Delano R. “Del”
Some people make the world more special by just being in it.
We are so glad that Del shared his time with us.
His spirit moved to the other side on July 7, 2012.
Del was born in Spokane on March 15, 1938 as the only child to Rose and Solomon Bauer, from Paha, Washington.
He graduated from Ritzville High School and attended Columbia Basin College.
He knew, as well as anyone, that life will have its way with us, and that all we can hope to do is to keep ourselves in alignment for the bumpy ride.
He lived simply, loved generously, cared deeply, and spoke kindly.
He filled his life with humor and wonderful friends.
Del was married for over 50 exciting years to his beloved Lucy.
“Frisky Pony” was Lucy’s nickname for him.
They lived well, laughed often, and loved always.
He felt free to be himself, took time to get lost in his thoughts, and always sang praises of his children, grandchildren and others.
He considered his incredible children, Laurra, Brian and Adam his biggest accomplishment.
Del was grateful for the life choices they made.
When they married, he dearly loved their spouses Tony, Andrea, and Mary.
Del was known as “Bear” to his grandchildren Nicola, Marek, Bridgette, Andrew, Lucy, Helena, and Pace.
They filled his heart to the max.
He also leaves his in-laws, Alex Schmidt and Stacey Barnhill, Selma and Virgil Umbarger, and Bonnie Wilmot, as well as nieces and a nephew.
Del was always a wheat farmer from Paha, but he had many other ventures in his life.
His business acumen started when he was only 20 years old and he built and managed a nursing home in Ritzville with Dr. Charles Schmick.
After marrying, he and Lucy moved to Spokane where he started his own irrigation/landscape business.
He retired from that business after 38 successful years and moved to their “place on the river” in Newport.
Throughout his 74 years he enjoyed hunting in Paha with his good friend Pete Horn and the boys.
His passions included downhill skiing, water skiing, and memorizing poetry by Robert W. Service.
His favorite poem was “The Cremation of Sam McGee.”
He recited the poems by heart to the family when they were willing to listen.
Del was very generous with his time and resources and worked quietly to support his favorite causes.
Every day was the best day of his life.
In addition to wonderful friends and family who visited Del with food and great memories over the past several weeks, the family would like to thank the Tri-County and Spokane Hospice teams for all the incredible support they provided Del in the final days of his journey.
Special thanks also to Claudia McKinney who brightened so many days for both Del and Lucy over the past few years.
Memorial gifts in Del’s name may be directed to: Hospice of Spokane at PO Box 2215 Spokane, WA 99210-2215; or Pend Oreille County Youth Emergency Service at PO Box 944, Newport, WA 99156
Per Del’s request there will be no memorial services.
A gathering to share laughter, stories, food and spirits will be held on Saturday, July 14 from 1-4 p.m. at C.I.
Shenanigan’s Restaurant, 332 N Spokane Falls Ct., Spokane.