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Daniel Baum Obituary
Born Jan. 24, 1944, in Long Beach, Calif., Dan graduated from high school there, served a stint in the U.S. Army, and is a graduate of University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Dan retired in April 1999 after a 27-year career with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. When his two sons were growing up, Dan was engaged in their sports and Boy Scout activities, and was very proud that they both graduated college. Christopher taught school, and now bar tends in Nantucket, Mass., and Patrick owns a commercial fishing boat in Southeast Alaska. Dan was very proud of his two boys, who were able to come home to be with him during his last weeks.
Following his retirement, Dan thoroughly enjoyed test-driving prototype cars for a major company. It was common to run into him in Delta Junction or elsewhere along the road. UAF and DOT&PF are where Dan met many of his life-long friends. He is remembered for his big grin, wry and irreverent sense of humor and loyalty to family and friends. He and his wife Kathie enjoyed gardening together, producing beautiful flowers. They also recently enjoyed traveling in their motor home.
Dan collected friends the way some people collect stamps - many and varied. Judging by those visiting him during his final month, he subscribed to the theory, "Friends are relatives that you make for yourself." (Eustache Deschamps).
His parents, Herman and Ruth preceded him in death.
Dan is survived by his wife Katherine (Booth) Baum; sons, Christopher of Nantucket, Mass., and Patrick of Juneau, and his sister Louann (Dick) Parmalee. He also leaves a host of family on the East Coast, California, Colorado, and friends everywhere, most specially in Fairbanks.
The family asks that donations be made to the GCI Salmon Patties team in the Fairbanks American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Fairbanks on Saturday, April 23, 2011. The potluck celebration is 2 to 6 p.m. at the Fairbanks Curling Club, 1962 Second Ave. Please bring a dish and remembrances of Dan to share.
A smaller family celebration will occur on June 28 at the family summer home in Maine. Condolences may be sent to: PO Box 81241, Fairbanks, AK 99708.
Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Baum
Pamela Lewis
April 14, 2021
I cannot believe it has been 10 years already since Dan left us. Dan was my closest male friend and I cannot understate that. My very best female friend, Donna, had left us a few months earlier due to brain cancer. So, in a matter of a few months, both of my best friends were gone and I still grieve them both. Dan and Donna--you are both in my heart. Pam
May 2, 2011
I met Dan and Kathie in the 80's when I was involved with the cub scouts. We send our prayers to your family. Dan was always friendly when we'd meet and his passing came way too soon.
Greg Higdon
April 25, 2011
Kathie, I remember when we all went skiing together except that Dan and I didn't want to ski ! So he and I went shopping and had a blast! He bought a cowboy hat! I pray for comfort for you and the boys during this very sad time and that your many memories will carry you through. Ellen Cooper
Nancy Kailing
April 24, 2011
Dear Kathie, I am so sorry for your loss. Steve did not work much with Dan but he and Lorena Hegdal drove all over the back roads of Nome together and he got to know him pretty well then. Steve enjoyed his company.
Patricia Holloway
April 24, 2011
Dan and Kathie spent many hours as volunteers at the botanical garden, and son Patrick worked with us during the summer. We are all saddened by Dan's passing and send sincere condolences to his family. What a kind, positive, generous man!
Eric Anslow
April 23, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Teresa Anderson
April 22, 2011
Dan always had a friendly smile for all of us who knew him and worked with him at DOT. He will be greatly missed!
Birdie Kennedy
April 19, 2011
Dear Kathie, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys.
April 19, 2011
I knew Dan at UAF; at that time, he was also smiling, pleasant, and in a good mood. Pretty awesome way to live a life.
Condolences to his friends and family.
Dianne Young
April 18, 2011
Since 1995 Dan was on the Board of Directors for us here at Chena Goldstream Fire & Rescue. I always enjoyed our converstaions and his stories and it was especially pleasant that he always had a smile and seemed to be in such a good mood. I will also miss you Dan and you'll always have a special place in our hearts.
Pam and Grant Lewis
April 17, 2011
To have been friends for the better part of 40 years is special. We will miss you, Dan, and just thinking of you brings smiles all around. We will always carry your memory in our hearts.
Jeanie Brooks
April 17, 2011
You left us way too soon Dan.... I will always think of "How lucky we are to be living in Alaska" because of you. Working with you was such a pleasure, and I will always remember you and your great sense of humor! You brightened so many of my days with your witty comebacks...life certainly won't be the same without you! Good bye for now my friend!
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