William H. Baumann Jr.

William H. Baumann, Jr.

Randolph, VT - William H. Baumann Jr., passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born in Oceanside, Long Island, the son of William and Patricia (Dawson) Baumann. He graduated from Plainfield High School and Norwich University. He was proud that several members of his family also graduated from Norwich. He is survived by his wife Shirley (Fowler), who was his high school sweetheart, lifelong love, and soulmate.

After graduating from college, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army and stationed in Huntsville, Alabama. Following an honorable discharge from the Army, the family relocated to Syracuse, New York where Bill advanced his civil engineering career.

After visiting the Randolph community, Bill and Shirley chose to make it their forever home. He accepted a position at DuBois & King, recognizing the opportunity to raise their family in a special place, and become an active member of the community. Bill jumped right into volunteer work. He was active with the Pinnacle Skiways and Randolph Youth Baseball, where he coached and was the president of the league for many years. He also was instrumental in the organization and start up of the Randolph Youth Softball program. He was an enthusiastic supporter of all his childrens' interests and passions. Bill loved his family and enjoyed helping his children grow up. He was a proud father.

Bill was a dedicated downhill skier, who taught his children and grandchildren the finer techniques of the sport as soon as they could stand. He enjoyed sharing this passion with new members of the family as well. Ski days and vacations were special times with family and friends. Playing cribbage was an integral part of family camping trips and gatherings. One of his favorite pastimes was fly fishing and tying his own flies. He also enjoyed playing golf, especially at Montague Golf Course. Additionally, Bill was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable gardener. He was very proud of his vegetable gardens and found even greater satisfaction in sharing the yield.

Bill was proactive in Randolph's recovery after the historic devastating downtown fires. He was honored with multiple awards over his professional career including Business Executive of the Year by the Randolph Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Engineer of the Year. He also served on numerous boards in civic capacities, such as the Governor's Vermont Environmental Advisory Council, Gifford Board of Trustees, RACDC, and the Norwich University Board of Fellows.

In a move that was emblematic of his devotion to the community, he relocated DuBois & King's corporate headquarters to the site of the former Randolph Elementary School to help keep the downtown vital.

Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley. Their marriage marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with love, happiness, shared experiences, and travel. His children, Catherine L (Charles) Bacon of Randolph, Vermont, John W (Barbara) Baumann of Randolph, Vermont, William H Baumann III (Jennifer) of Braintree, Vermont, and Karen B (Kenneth) Colby of Chelsea, Vermont, as well as Christel Dahl of Stockholm, Sweden, who joined the family through a student-exchange program. He leaves grandchildren, Matthew Bacon, Nicolas (Jacki) Bacon, Eric (Lucy) Bacon, Nathan (Sarah) Bacon, Joshua Baumann, Brandon (Kathrine) Baumann, Kenneth Colby, and Emma Colby. He is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren. In addition, Bill is survived by his sister, Patricia Randall, and brothers BG (R) Charles (Joan) Baumann, and Gary Baumann.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, William and Patricia, brother-in-law, William Randall and sister-in-law, Janet Baumann.

His final engineering project, prior to retirement, was the centennial renovation and expansion of the Chandler Music Hall. Therefore it is fitting that his Celebration of Life will be held at Chandler, on June 8, 2024 in Randolph, Vermont at 11:00am. Onsite reception to follow. Online condolences and streaming information can be found at www.dayfunerals.com. Burial to happen at a later date. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to local organizations, Gifford Medical Center, 44 South Main Street, Randolph, VT 05060 or Chandler Center for the Arts, 71 North Main Street, Randolph, VT 05060. Arrangements are in the care of Day Funeral Home.