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George Baumgarten
06/30/1935 — 09/26/2005
From West, Richland, WA, US | Born in Limon, Colorado
George Baumgarten
George Baumgarten West Richland, WA
He was born June 30, 1935 in Limon, Colorado to Ellen and Herman Baumgarten.
He loved and played sports until graduating from Limon H.S. in 1953. He lived in Denver, CO where he met Kathryn. They eloped in 1957. They were employed at Denver Chicago Trucking and started raising their family in Westminster, CO.
George continued to stay with the trucking industry while they lived in Grand Junction, CO for fifteen years. In 1977 he brought his family to Richland, WA when he became a salesman for Tri-City Fence.
In 1981 he helped his wife establish Baums Candy in Richland. In 1982, in order to support his wifes expensive hobby, he was one of the first group of bus drivers at Ben Franklin Transit. He stayed there until retirement in 2000. Never completely retired, he puttered around the candy store where he was known as Mr. Chocolate.
To know him was to love him, as did his passengers, co-workers who referred to him as the old goat, friends and, especially, family.
George was a good sport with a kind and gentle spirit. A bigger heart could not be found. Hed give anyone the shirt off his back and expect nothing in return. He was an avid sports fan, mostly football and the Green Bay Packers. He was also a World War II history buff. He loved working in his garage with his dog and constant companion Belle at his side.
His recent illness was more than his heart could handle. He passed away at Kadlec Medical Center on September 26, 2005 with an excellent staff and his family by his bedside.
He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Kathryn; daughter Brenda Eric Moya and granddaughters Aris and Tess of Denver, CO; son Scott Baumgarten Linda of Benton City, WA and grandchildren Isaac, Amber Seth Williams, Brandi Garrett Sallee and Stephanie Terry Baker; son Jeff Baumgarten Donna of Richland, WA and grandchildren Cody, Elizabeth and Michael; four great-grandchildren; brother Fred Williams Judy of Buffalo, WY; several nieces and nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many good friends.
Gorgeous, dont pitter patter too much in heaven. Happy trails.
Memorial service will be held 3:00 PM Friday, September 30, 2005 at Einans Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Benton Franklin Humane Society.
George was a great guy. He always was there for me and and was like my own grandpa. I know that he is in a great place right now and watching down at all of us. Don’t ever feel down because every second of our lives, he is always going to be watching over us and right beside us, he is just invisible. He is a great angel now just like he was a great person. Once in a while, when i went up to my aunt Linda’s, george would be there, and he would always be there to give you a hug or talk to you. I love george very much and always will. He was very special. I also wanted to say that dont worry Kathee because soon we will all meet hime again so you have to think of it that way. He will always be waiting right there for every one of us. I love you all so much, Emylee Hirsch
i remember the last i talked to george. he was ready to go . baggage had been packed a while ago for heaven, he is where he wanted to be. and with that there is comfort , i well miss the times when we had dinner out there at his house and he was the last to eat, being a slow eater that iam he was always there to share his dinner, and talk. great memrories, great guy, love to all. joy n frank
Kathy, Scott, Linda, Jeff, Donna, Brenda, Eric & families:
Oh my, this is so sad to me. You are all like my extended family and it is so hard to lose a loved one even if it’s best for them. George was always such a gentle man even though I also remember the boy’s getting him going. I will never forget the Pizza dinners on G. Way those were the best! I love you all, my heart goes out to each of you.
Grace
Dear Kathy and family – I am very sad to hear that our sweet George has passed away. He will be missed by so many who knew and loved him. I feel very fortunate to have known him and called him Friend for so many years. I will surely be thinking of you as you go through this difficult time. I have been down that road and know how hard it will be. Bless you and your family. Love Sue
There are not enough good words to describe you George, you were one of a kind. I do not think there was a kid who didn’t enjoy your special touch. You were a Grandpa to them all and a special Dad to all of us. We’re going to miss your smile and the comfort that went along with it. May God bless and keep your family and friends until we all met again. John 3:16.
My dear heart,
we knew the time was near, but parting is not sweet nor is it bitter, it is just plain sorrow. You surely know I never married you for money, it was that infectious smile, and after 48 years it still melted me. Thanks for the memories, and the children you gave me. Through them I will draw strength. I know your ravaged body needs rest, free from pain. Be peaceful and wait for me, you know I will have a project. Your loving wife
Oh George,you really had no idea just how much you are loved by absolutely everyone and you always will be. We miss you already sooo much. But we also know that you are happy and peaceful and not in any pain and that puts me at peace. I miss your tight squeezes when you hug, but as im writing this I can feel you hugging me right now. I love you so much then now and forever. Love your granddaughter Brandi
Dear Kathy and Family, George was one of the most well-liked and admired employees at BFT. We all thought of him as a special friend. Years ago my husband told me he saw a bus pulled over on a busy street. A driver got out and helped a frail elderly man cross the street. I knew immediately it had to be George. He was never too busy to extend acts of kindness to everyone he met.
My heart goes out to your entire family. God bless you all.
God looked around his garden, and found an empty space.
He then looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face.
He saw that the roads were get rough and the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “peace be thine”.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You will not be forgotten!
Dad, you know i wasn’t ready to give you up, but now you’re painless for this is good. I’ll be a better man for having known you, i’m so lucky to have had the honor. with all my love your son jeff l. baumgarten
You all are in our thoughts and prayers, I never met a man more willing to do anything for you and not think of himself. We owe so awful much to George and his son Scott….
God be with you,
Clay and Blondy
I am sorry to hear about your loss, I too know the feeling of losing a loved one and wanted to share with you what bought me comfort at Revelation chapter twenty one verses three and four, and also there is a brochure that I would like to send you, if it is ok.
With Deepest Sympathy,
J. Knoble
I worked with George in the early days of BFT. I recall that it seemed to cause him physical pain to say anything unkind about anyone. He always had a smile and was a joy to know.
I’ll miss you George
I had the privelage to work with George at BFT. He was never hesitant to share a funny story or talk about his candy store. He will be sorely missed by all who new him.
George was a great guy. He always was there for me and and was like my own grandpa. I know that he is in a great place right now and watching down at all of us. Don’t ever feel down because every second of our lives, he is always going to be watching over us and right beside us, he is just invisible. He is a great angel now just like he was a great person. Once in a while, when i went up to my aunt Linda’s, george would be there, and he would always be there to give you a hug or talk to you. I love george very much and always will. He was very special. I also wanted to say that dont worry Kathee because soon we will all meet hime again so you have to think of it that way. He will always be waiting right there for every one of us. I love you all so much, Emylee Hirsch
i remember the last i talked to george. he was ready to go . baggage had been packed a while ago for heaven, he is where he wanted to be. and with that there is comfort , i well miss the times when we had dinner out there at his house and he was the last to eat, being a slow eater that iam he was always there to share his dinner, and talk. great memrories, great guy, love to all. joy n frank
Kathy, Scott, Linda, Jeff, Donna, Brenda, Eric & families:
Oh my, this is so sad to me. You are all like my extended family and it is so hard to lose a loved one even if it’s best for them. George was always such a gentle man even though I also remember the boy’s getting him going. I will never forget the Pizza dinners on G. Way those were the best! I love you all, my heart goes out to each of you.
Grace
Dear Kathy and family – I am very sad to hear that our sweet George has passed away. He will be missed by so many who knew and loved him. I feel very fortunate to have known him and called him Friend for so many years. I will surely be thinking of you as you go through this difficult time. I have been down that road and know how hard it will be. Bless you and your family. Love Sue
There are not enough good words to describe you George, you were one of a kind. I do not think there was a kid who didn’t enjoy your special touch. You were a Grandpa to them all and a special Dad to all of us. We’re going to miss your smile and the comfort that went along with it. May God bless and keep your family and friends until we all met again. John 3:16.
My dear heart,
we knew the time was near, but parting is not sweet nor is it bitter, it is just plain sorrow. You surely know I never married you for money, it was that infectious smile, and after 48 years it still melted me. Thanks for the memories, and the children you gave me. Through them I will draw strength. I know your ravaged body needs rest, free from pain. Be peaceful and wait for me, you know I will have a project. Your loving wife
Oh George,you really had no idea just how much you are loved by absolutely everyone and you always will be. We miss you already sooo much. But we also know that you are happy and peaceful and not in any pain and that puts me at peace. I miss your tight squeezes when you hug, but as im writing this I can feel you hugging me right now. I love you so much then now and forever. Love your granddaughter Brandi
Dear Kathy and Family, George was one of the most well-liked and admired employees at BFT. We all thought of him as a special friend. Years ago my husband told me he saw a bus pulled over on a busy street. A driver got out and helped a frail elderly man cross the street. I knew immediately it had to be George. He was never too busy to extend acts of kindness to everyone he met.
My heart goes out to your entire family. God bless you all.
God looked around his garden, and found an empty space.
He then looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face.
He saw that the roads were get rough and the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “peace be thine”.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You will not be forgotten!
Dad, you know i wasn’t ready to give you up, but now you’re painless for this is good. I’ll be a better man for having known you, i’m so lucky to have had the honor. with all my love your son jeff l. baumgarten
You all are in our thoughts and prayers, I never met a man more willing to do anything for you and not think of himself. We owe so awful much to George and his son Scott….
God be with you,
Clay and Blondy
I am sorry to hear about your loss, I too know the feeling of losing a loved one and wanted to share with you what bought me comfort at Revelation chapter twenty one verses three and four, and also there is a brochure that I would like to send you, if it is ok.
With Deepest Sympathy,
J. Knoble
I worked with George in the early days of BFT. I recall that it seemed to cause him physical pain to say anything unkind about anyone. He always had a smile and was a joy to know.
I’ll miss you George
I had the privelage to work with George at BFT. He was never hesitant to share a funny story or talk about his candy store. He will be sorely missed by all who new him.
Dearest Grandpa George,
Not a day has gone by that you hav’nt been in my thought’s. To this day I still miss you like it was yesturday that you left us. Sitting here now thinking of your oh so sweet and squishy hugs makes me tear up. Oh what I would give right now to have one of those hugs. I love you dearly, Maddi and Shaly say Hi.
WE LOVE YOU AND YOU WILL BE MISSED THIS SHOULD HANVE NOT HAPPENED TO YOU I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH I LOVE YOU,YOU HAVE A HEART OF GOLD. ILVE YOU STEPHANIE
Dear Kathryn & Family,we are sorry for your loss. George was one of those special people that you always remember for his wonderful smile and great sense of humor. He was a true professional in performing his duties as a coach operator. He helped make the transit system what it is today and we will always remember him as the wonderful man he was.
Oh Kathy, I was so sad to read of George’s passing. I remember well his smile and chit chat around Westgate. I think I can speak for all of us girls at the old “Hair Hut” when I say we will be praying for comfort and peace for you and your family. We Love You, Janis
Well remember him!
In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
Well remember him;
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
Well remember him;
In the opening of the buds and in the warmth of summer,
Well remember him;
In the rustling of leaves and the beauty of autumn,
Well remember him;
In the beginning of the year, and when it ends,
Well remember him;
When we are weary and in need of strength,
Well remember him;
When we are lost and sick at heart,
Well remember him;
When we have joys we yearn to share,
Well remember him;
So long as we live, he too shall live,
For he is a part of us as
We remember him..
Our George
Guestbook for
George Baumgarten