Henry Walser Funeral Home Ltd. logo

Bom-Wrapper

The Memorial Candle Program has been designed to help offset the costs associated with the hosting this Tribute Website in perpetuity. Through the lighting of a memorial candle, your thoughtful gesture will be recorded in the Book of Memories and the proceeds will go directly towards helping ensure that the family and friends of Don Bauer can continue to memorialize, re-visit, interact with each other and enhance this tribute for future generations.

Thank you.

Cancel
Select Candle

Obituary for Don Bauer

Don Bauer
Donald Roy Bauer

September 23, 1927 - November 15, 2017

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don Bauer at age 90 years.

He will be greatly missed by Janet, his loving wife of 67 years, his last surviving sister Dorothy, his two sons Kim (Jane), Jason (Kimberly), and his two daughters Carrie (Wayne) and Joan (Bill). He was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren - Morgan, Dirk, Brooke, Sean, Brittany, McKenzie, Paige, Cain, Ryerson and Thomas, and his nine great-grandchildren - Dominic, Matthew, Liam, Jacob, Gabrielle, Hope, Lucia, Lukane and Rowen.

During Don's early years he made his mark as a skilled athlete, particularly in baseball and hockey. His hockey potential was recognized by an invitation to attend the Toronto Maple Leafs Training Camp at the young age of 16 years. This was followed by several years with the Allen Cup Champion KW Dutchmen, Canada's representative in the 1956 Olympics.

In his late teens he joined the family business, Bauer Skates. During a 32 year career at Bauer Skates, he was the driving force in transforming the company into the Global Leader in Hockey Skates. Don was instrumental in Bauer's entry into the United States market and later, its expansion into European and Asian markets. He spearheaded a variety of product innovations that transformed Bauer into a technology leader. His signing of endorsement contracts with marquee hockey players further contributed to elevating the Bauer brand to the market leadership position it enjoys today.

Upon his retirement in 1978, Don channelled his energies into golf and fishing while enjoying their Muskoka property. An active member of Westmount Golf & CC, Don enjoyed his passion for golf and cultivated many friendships. He was a talented and ferocious golf competitor who enjoyed the "19th hole" as much as the game. Don and Janet spent their winters in Naples, Florida to ensure 200 plus rounds of golf a year. For almost 30 years, Don and Janet enjoyed their many friends in Naples, relieving many of his playing partners of their retirement funds.

The balance of each year was spent at Don's beloved Muskoka Lakes. An active member of the Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club, Don golfed 4 - 5 times per week and was involved on the Board for many years. Don was a fixture on Lake Rosseau, touring the waters in his boat "The Bauery" and listening to Patsy Cline and Willy Nelson. Always happy to tour family and friends around the lake, then cocktails overlooking the beautiful view from their Muskoka home.

The family wishes to thank the compassionate and professional nurses and support workers who cared for him in his final days at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, as well as his friend and family physician, Dr. Kent Phillips and Dr. Vicki Dechert, who oversaw his final days and helped the family through this very difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the South Muskoka Hospital.

Don's family will receive relatives and friends from 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. on, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2017 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

Visit www.henrywalser.com for Don's memorial.
Order Flowers
Recently Shared Condolences
Recently Shared Stories
Recently Shared Photos
Share by: