Gary Reinhardt Baier
1960 - 2014
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Dan Smolnik - Hamden, CT - Friend posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
I was Gary's best friend from 1971 to forever. When I moved to Simsbury, he was my only friend and remained so. I know virtually every person who signed this log, and what you meant to Gary. He meant the world to me. Gary was my only connection to to real world. We were both nerds. We valused knowledge over popularity, and we understood each other. We stood up at each other's weddings. We went through life together. Gary was always smarter than me. Yet he always respected me. Gary was my brother. Those of you who knew us, knew us both. I was the one who wrote the love notes to his to-be wife. He was the one who consoled my soul. Were t not for his sready hand, I would have no direction. From Central School, to the Post Game Barbecue Dance, we were the nerds. Gary was my steadfastfriend. And my brother. He stuck by me when no one else would.
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A friend posted a condolence
Thursday, April 23, 2015
A gentleman, a fellow competitor with respect and drive. I have worked with Gary in our passion of the shooting sports for many years. Gary was one of the most dedicated sportsman I have ever spent time with. He will be dearly missed. May God bless. Respectfully, Jon Trudeau
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Paul Carlson - Deep River, CT - friiend posted a condolence
Sunday, November 16, 2014
I was so sad to hear about Gary's passing, I was devastated then and still are. So many memories of time shared watching our terrific girls from the sidelines throughout the state, screaming, laughing and coaching but always powerless but extremely supportive, it seems like it was yesterday. I'll always remember those times spent, they we're fantastic times. It was always so great to show up or he would arrive after me, and see that half full smiling face, enjoying his commentary not only on the games we watched but what was going in in our lives and throughout the world, he will be truly missed by all. My thoughts go out to all of you at this very sad time, but always find strength in all of those memories you shared, he will forever be in your hearts and all of our thoughts.
Paul Carlson
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Mara Johnson Burnett - Los Angeles, CA - family friend posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Baier: Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your son. Gary was my same age and we spent many years in school together. I remember him as a warm, kind and open-hearted boy and a playful, enthusiastic friend. May your memories of his wonderful nature comfort you in this time of loss. Mara Johnson Burnett
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Marilyn Malcarne - Deep River, CT posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Dear Jennifer, Rachel, Wendy and Jessica, I am heart broken to find Gary's (Dad's) obit. Always such a delightful man who obviously adored his girls. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you. xoxoxoxoxo
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Elizabeth Herbst - Essex - Friend and fellow church member posted a condolence
Monday, October 27, 2014
Gary was such a blessing to our lives. From the moment my family joined the ivoryton church his entire family greeted us . Always ready to help and shared great stories. This is such a huge loss to all of us , but especially his beautiful family. I am happy to have known Gary .
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Kevin McGrew - cazenovia, NY - Friend posted a condolence
Friday, October 24, 2014
He will be missed, it was nice having him up at the house this summer when he came to Canada
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sue - ivoryton, CT - friend posted a condolence
Friday, October 24, 2014
"Jessie Baier",I can hear Gary calling her name from the sidelines from the many Valley field hockey and lacrosse games we watched with all the other fans cheering on our girls. He was a lovely person so dedicated to his wife and family. Jen, Rachel, Wendy and Jessie, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Jack Watters - Millbury, MA posted a condolence
Friday, October 24, 2014
I will always remember his warm smile and his warm heart. With deepest sympathy in Tau Kappa Phi.
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Melanie and Doug Elliot - Clinton, CT - acquaintance posted a condolence
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Gary was a warm, funny and brilliant man. He taught Physics to our daughter Katie. She loved the class and learned so much. In addition, Gary was in the same fraternity as Doug at WPI. Therefore, they had many mutual friends. He will be missed and the students at Morgan who did benefit from his expertise, are all the better for having gotten to know him and have him as a teacher. Melanie and Doug Elliot
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Colleen Antone - Friend posted a condolence
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Gary and his family will always remain in our hearts as long time friends from our days at the Ivoryton Congregational Church -his happy smile was contagious. Our hearts go out to all his friends and his family during this time of sadness. God Bless you all, Colleen and George Antone
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Kenneth Fargnoli - Colchester, CT posted a condolence
Thursday, October 23, 2014
To the Baier family:
I express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends. My prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow.
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David Blanchette Sr - Voluntown, CT - New London County Pistol League posted a condolence
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Gary was a fine Captain and shooter. It was always a challenge competing with his team and he made it fun. He will be missed.
President, New London County Pistol League
David Blanchette
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Carolyn Van Gemert - Chester, CT - Parent of his students posted a condolence
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Mr. Baier was a fine teacher and mentor to many of Morgan's students that needed a geek or science outlet. In fact, when it came time to attend parent-teacher conferences, my comments to him were: you are a fine teacher, if my student is not working to your level - first, let them know - because they respect you, then, let me know - and then my next comment was - simply - thank you.
Mr. Baier was a special teacher and a special man. He would teach the children and then offer them opportunities to learn by doing and give them free reign to supplies he had purchased himself (wrenches, screwdrivers, LED lights, duct tape in all sizes and colors). He would supervise but allow the creative process to take place with occasional nudging in one direction or another - the very best way to excite kids about science and life - and the very best way to serve as a positive guide and mentor. He is a loss not just to his former students - but to Morgan school and the future students that will not have the opportunity to meet a science teacher of the high caliber that expects the very highest learning level of his students. He is also a loss to a community that desperately needs leaders that are not afraid of science, of students, nor of expecting a higher learning capacity from even his very brightest students. During his last week before Christmas at Morgan, my son, Austin insisted we go to Ocean State and Hardware stores - so that he could purchase (with his OWN money) supplies to replenish items that he and his classmates were so generously offered throughout the years - to ensure there were screwdrivers and batteries and LED bulbs and duct tape to allow future students to learn both via textbook, lecture, classroom time AND by hands-on work. Austin was driven and hoping that Mr. Baier could return to give other students some of the same learning opportunities he felt fortunate to have had. He was that once (or, if you're lucky, twice) in a lifetime teacher.
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Lisa Neri - Clinton, CT posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
My oldest son had the privilege of having Mr. Baier for physics a couple of years ago. I will always remember that smiling face with the Einstein tie he always would wear at parent teacher conferences and open house. He loved teaching and his students - He was always excited telling us about the things they would be working on in class. I remember at the Project Graduation tag sale he bought this old beat up kiddie pool. He was going to use it for a project in his classroom - God knows where it was going to fit in there, but boy was he excited about it! He also chaperoned several trips with another of my boys with the Morgan Band. His has touched so many peoples lives. I am so glad my boys had the chance to have him in their lives. He will be missed by so many but all those wonderful memories will carry on his spirit forever.
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Dennis Hannons Family - West Simsbury, CT posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Gert, Charlie, and the extended Baier family,
We are sorry for your loss of your son, husband, father, brother, and uncle. We will keep all of you in our prayers and please let us know if we can be of help in any hour of need.
Dennis, Cricket, Gregory and Bryan
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Sandy Campbell Walsh - Simsbury, CT - Childhood Neighbor posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
My condolences to the Baier family. We were neighbors on Heritage Lane in Simsbury. I attended my 35th High School reunion in Simsbury the weekend of October 4 so the memories are very fresh. I drove around the old culdesac and remembered the Baier family and what good neighbors they were to us in the 1970's. Gary always had a smile on his face.
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Sy & Shirley Reitman - Avon, CT - Friends of family posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Gert & Charlie: Having also lost our son, Larry, in his 50's, we can appreciate the sorrow you are going through with the passing of Gary.
The pain will diminish over the years, but the memory of his life will abide forever with you and your family.
Sincerely, Sy & Shirley Reitman
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Catherine Mahar Camerato - Plainville, CT - Co-worker of Jenn's posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Dear Jenn and family,
How very sad it was to read of your husband's and father's passing. The community has lost one of its very best. He will be long remembered for all lives he has touched. My deepest sympathy is with you and your family at this very sad and difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike and Cathy Mahar Camerato
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Ken Aransky - East Hatford, CT - Co-Worker posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
I'm very sorry for your loss.
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A friend posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
This picture of Gary is how I remember him as a classmate in high school-a smile that comes from within.A smart man, and a warm human being. Gary, it was a privilege to know you. May God be with your family and comfort them, and I will pray for all of you.
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Sue Wolf - Southington, CT posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss, may your beautiful memories comfort you in this time of sorrow.
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Mark Kasmin - Colebrook, CT - former teacher posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Gary was a music student of mine back in Simsbury in the early 70's .....I believe it was at Central school and what a charmer he was even back then! He was such a welcome addition to our music classroom and it's rewarding to see that he also became a teacher as well. Please accept my deepest and sincerest sympathy at this difficult time.
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Elena Hudson - Chicago, IL - Friend posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Rachel, Wendy, Jessie and Mrs. Baier - I am so deeply sorry to hear this. I can't imagine what you must be feeling - I remember him as such a kind and genuine person. My love and prayers are with you.
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Rebecca Borton - Chester, CT - student/crew member posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Gary was a great mentor for the crew in VRMP, where he was so helpful, knowledgeable, and funny! I feel lucky to have spent time under his tutelage. His big smile lives on his wonderful daughters. A big hug for you both.
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Pam Murphy - Ivoryton, CT - Friend posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
We are so sad about the news. Our love,thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Michael A Gordon - clever, MO - classmate posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
I was born in 1959 so I did go to school with him in Simsbury but was not a close friend. I wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss.From what I read he enjoyed his life and had a loving family. I am sorry though he was so young. I hope he did not suffer. God bless you all. He is in Gods hands now.
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Kim LaCross Smith - Norwich, CT - Friend posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
I still remember the first time I met the Baier family, I was in the nursery at the Ivoryton Congregational Church. Rachel was 4 and Wendy was just a few months old. They soon became my first "real" babysitting job, but their family meant so much more to me than a job. I looked up to Gary and Jen, and loved their girls. Even after moving away as a teen, we kept in touch. Unfortunately, as time went on, we grew out of touch and it's been years since I've seen or talked to them although I think of them often. Gary's passing came as a shock, I didn't even know he was sick. Jen, Rachel, Wendy, and Jessie, I am sorry for your loss. May God bless you and help you through your time of sorrow and healing.
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Anne A Hudson - Essex, CT - friend posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Campbell, Elena, and Anne remember Gary fondly from Girl Scouts, EES, Valley, and other happy and fun times. He was a wonderful guy. We send you our love and prayers that you find peace over time.
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Ingrid Walsh - Ivoryton, CT - friend and colleague posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
It is with a great heavy heart that I write about Gary. The last writing was a recommendation to the Morgan School for a man I truly believed would be a huge asset and phenomenal teacher. Gary was the first dedicated person/Dad that I knew when beginning work with the musicals within our school district. He guided me and helped see our projects thru with his vast knowledge, patience, wit, determination to solve problems, but mostly to be a teacher to all around him. Guiding the kids on crew to wear safety goggles, follow certain protocols and understand what they were doing, not just do. From teaching me the simplicity of using clear plastic tubs to store things so you can see what is inside, to always being the loudest laugh in the audience. VRMP got its strength and courage to grow from Gary's generosity of character and spirit. He knew how to enjoy. He knew how to love. His family is cherished, supported, respected and loved within our community. They are strong, beautiful, self confident and courageous. My heart goes out to them at this time. I am ever so grateful to have known your father and husband.
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Pam Murphy - Ivoryton, CT posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
We are so sad by the news. Our love,thoughts and prayers are with you ??
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Alexander Swett - Clinton, CT - Former Student posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
When I heard the news, I couldn`t believe it. I had known about Mr. Baier`s ongoing battle for some time and sent him my support. Mr. Baier was a special kind of teacher. He was a teacher that clearly showed a deep passion for the knowledge that he passed down to students each year. He was willing to do everything possible to assist his students and make their learning experience both fun and successful. If that meant staying after school for hours to make sure that I understood a concept, then he gladly accepted the task.
The problem-solving skills that he imbued in me my Senior year have proven unbelievably useful in my subsequent college courses. I remember many enjoyable moments from Physics; from the corny science jokes, to the awesome projects, Mr. Baier helped my peers and I along every step of the way. He fanned the flames of my already-burning passion for science, and I will never forget that. Senior Physics is an experience that I will carry for years to come.
He may have left us here on Earth, but his spirit remains. It remains through the knowledge and skills that he has given to every student that has passed through his classroom. As long as we live, his memory will never fade. Life is ephemeral. In the end, we all share a common fate. The knowledge and experience that we pass to the next generation however, that lives on long after our departure from this world.
I have a feeling that this is part of what it means to be a teacher; to prepare for the future and ensure that such knowledge is not lost. I will never fully understand what it means to be a teacher, but I believe that this is close. Mr. Baier was more than successful in this sense.
While his passing saddens my former classmates and I greatly, I believe that Mr. Baier passed doing what he loved doing so much. My heart goes out to the entire family, because his heart certainly went out to all of us, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
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Cliff Boyle - Hingham, MA - childhood friend posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Gary was a childhood friend. I remember he was both witty and smart. In 10th grade he wrote a satire of Thoreau's passage in Walden where Thoreau was determined to know beans. Gary was determined to know rocks. I knew it was funny at the time, but it took me years to understand it was also spot on criticism.
I lost contact with Gary over the years, but never lost the memories of friendship and respect for the man. It is nice to know he had a loving family life and robust career. Of course!
He will be missed. I pray that he is safe with God. Amen.
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Vicky - Franklin, MA - Long time friend posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
God speed my friend - we will miss your physical presence here in this life but know you will always be around to help all of us and most especially for Jen, Rach, Wen and Jessie...and ok, Loki! I am honored to be friends with such a soul as you. Love, Vic
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Kalli Schutz - Clinton - friend posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I have fond memories of him at Morgan. Often he could be seen teaching some exciting lesson to his students not only in his classroom but outside on the fields and also in the gymnasiums! I could tell that his students really were connected to him and the lessons he taught. I loved his enthusiasm as a teacher and repected him as a collegue. He had a positive impact on many and will be missed! My respect and condolences to his family.
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Jeanne Ayotte - CLINTON, CT - parent of a Morgan Alumni posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
When you ask my son which teacher most influenced him in High School he proudly states, "Mr. Baier". Mr. Baier believed in Tyler. From the day they met in Tyler's freshman year, Mr. Baier began mentoring and challenging Tyler to rise to his potential, and beyond. Tyler has so many fond memories of his experiences with Mr. Baier, in the classroom, in casual conversations, on band trips, and just in passing moments. He has had a huge positive effect on my son's life, and for that I am eternally grateful. Tyler is studying to be a firefighter, EMT and so much more. Tyler has already made a difference in peoples lives, and will continue to do so every day. Thank you Mr. Baier for believing in Tyler (when others gave up on him), for continuing to let him know you believed in him, and for challenging him. You will be remembered forever!!! Jeanne Ayotte
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Brian Vitelli - Guilford, CT - Colleague posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
I worked with Gary at Morgan School.He was a wonderful guy, a good friend and an excellent colleague. He will be missed. BV
Visitation
October 22, 2014
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home
34 Main St.
Centerbrook, CT 06409
Memorial Service
October 23, 2014
11:00 AM
Ivoryton Congregational Church
57 Main Street
Ivoryton, CT 06442
Interment
Riverview Cemetery
North Main St
Essex, CT 06426
- 34 Main St | PO Box 105 | Centerbrook, CT | 06409 | (860) 767-8000
www.rwwfh1894@gmail.com