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Daryl G. Baerwald

1942 - 2015

Daryl G. Baerwald obituary, 1942-2015, Seattle, WA

Daryl Baerwald Obituary

Daryl G. Baerwald

Daryl Gary Baerwald died peacefully with family at his side on November 18, 2015 in Bothell, Washington.

Daryl was born on January 10, 1942 in Seattle, Washington to Herman and Iona (Lannoye) Baerwald. Daryl graduated from Lincoln High School in 1960. He attended the University of Washington and then transferred to Seattle Pacific University, playing for the baseball team and earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education. While there, Daryl made lifelong friendships and met the love of his life, Diane. Daryl retired in 1996 after 31 years of teaching elementary school in the Shoreline School District. He was a popular teacher who earned the Golden Acorn Award.

Daryl's love of sports continued throughout his life. He played baseball and basketball in high school, college, and later in recreational leagues with his fellow teachers and former SPU teammates. He coached baseball and basketball for his cousins and later his son. He also loved cheering on the Huskies as a longtime UW football and basketball season ticket holder.

Daryl treasured his time with friends and family, including playing sports, poker nights, and going on camping and hunting trips. A lifelong fisherman, he spent countless hours fishing for trout, steelhead, and salmon with his father, friends, children, and extended family. Daryl was an avid gardener who enjoyed growing fruit and vegetables to share with others.

Daryl was a devoted husband and father. He was always there to support his children in their school and sports events or to help out. Daryl loved spending time with his three grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

Daryl is survived by his wife of 48 years Diane (Damron), his children Elesa Field (Mark) and Jeff (Jeannette), and his grandchildren Ethan, Daniel, and Avery all of Bothell, WA. He also leaves behind his brother Dennis Baerwald (Bonnie) and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, brothers- and- sisters-in-law, and cousins.

A celebration of Daryl's life will be held in January. Donations in Daryl's memory may be sent to Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Nov. 29 to Nov. 30, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Karen Milnor

August 19, 2023

Mr Baerwald was my beloved 5th grade teacher and he profoundly changed my life for the better. He brought out the best in me and others and had an amazing way of teaching that had a lasting impact like the love of reading the classics, poetry and all genres, role playing adult careers with the correct age and educational level that had us really consider what we wanted to do.

But with me, he went above and beyond. I was going through a traumatic year in my life. My brother and father were horribly injured in an accident that left my brother paralyzed. On top of that at age 10/11 I had huge ovarian cysts and Endometriosis and I embarrassingly hemorrhaged twice at school. It was Mr Baerwald who guided me through this with deep empathy and compassion. Every day he asked me how I was doing with his full attention on me. No other adult had ever consistently shown such concern for my well-being. He taught me that I mattered and as a result I became more extroverted and learned to speak for myself, a survival skill I very much needed in my home and life.

All my love and gratitude to one of the world's most incredible teachers and human beings. God bless you and your family.

Brett Larrabee

March 7, 2023

Mr Baerwald was a magnificent human. He was empathetic, understanding and direct. Just a beautiful human who gave me so much positive reinforcement. Loved you Mr B.

Derek McFadden

March 18, 2022

Mr. Bearwald was my 5th grade teacher. I wouldn't have become the writer I am today without his encouragement. As a kid with cerebral palsy who grew up with the chance to get a full education, I am so grateful that Mr. Bearwald was a part of it.
I remember one day at recess when I told him how much I liked to write.
"You're good at it," he said.
"Thanks," I said.
"Do you know how to use the semi-colon?" he asked.
"I do! I just learned that one!" I said excitedly.
"If you can use the semi-colon," he told me, "you're a real writer."
Thank you, Mr. Bearwald.

Kai West

December 2, 2018

He was my fourth/fifth grade teacher and I had such a crush on him as a little girl! Fantastic, kind teacher.

Ann Morasch

January 4, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

December 11, 2015

I loved working with Daryl because he had this clam relaxing way that he handled everything in life. He was so dedicated to his students that he taught. He loved every child that passed through his classrooms and expected the best out of all of his kids. He had a great sense of humor and was always willing to help a fellow teacher. He also loved his wife and kids with all of his heart. I heard many a story about all of them and they were always told with love. I am sure he has earned his angel wings.

Jan Pembrooke- Briarcrest/ Parkwood

Julie Moe

December 2, 2015

Mr. Baerwald was my 4th grade teacher in the early 70's. He was a wonderful, dynamic teacher and I had a bit of a crush on him.

As a student at Shorewood High School, I returned to Highland Terrace Elementary and volunteered in his classroom.

In the late 80's, I was honored to become one of Daryl's teaching colleagues at Briarcrest. I taught 3rd grade just down the hall from his 5th grade classroom. He used to tease me about my messy desk. I can still hear his laugh.

Such a wonderful role model for so many students (and colleagues!) over the years!

Please accept my condolences on your great loss...

December 2, 2015

One of the very best teacher's I had at Briarcrest.
Ranee` Gigrich

Leanne Rafter

November 30, 2015

I enjoyed working with Daryl at Briarcrest. He was a great teacher, colleague, and a fine individual.

I will never forget the night I couldn't get my car out of the school driveway because of a snowstorm and Daryl took both me and another teacher all the way home in his little truck!

Such a nice man. Heaven must be happy to be welcoming him!

Nathan Gerards

November 30, 2015

Daryl Baerwald - or Mr Baerwald as we all knew him - was one of those teachers that they write movies about: tough, fun, character-building. Mr Baerwald was my 5th Grade teacher at Briarcrest in 1984. I owe him my times-tables, extensive reading

Roger Strand

November 30, 2015

I have always considered Mr. Baerwald to be the most inspiring and encouraging teacher in my life. Through his coaching and what seemed like endless shooting drills he sent me all the way to the Seattle Hoop Shoot Championships. This trophy from 6th grade is probably my most cherised and if I had a trophy case would sit on top of the others I had from high school and college athletics.

What he really taught me was to find your passion and work at it over and over again until you master it. The lessons learned from him in those formative elementary school years are priceless. I thank him and I am sure my patients who I adminster anesthesia to each day are thankful for formative teachers.

My Condolences

Patricia Shirley

November 29, 2015

I taught at Briarcrest and was a colleague with Daryl. Many of us teachers moved from Primary schools to an intermediate school (Briarcrest) to make K-6 schools. When I arrived, I found Daryl very friendly and kind. He was a stranger to me, but made huge efforts to welcome the new teachers into the building. I didn't get to know him at first because I was in primary grades, but eventually I taught fifth and sixth and that was when I got to know him much better. He and Mr. Ford were a twosome sharing all kinds of stories. As they shared stories Daryl couldn't resist those fish stories and his fishing trips and tips. He even tied a fly for me. Some of those fishing stories were so interesting. Daryl will be remember by me as a very gentle man who was always giving, kind, contemplative and wanting to do what was right for kids. His life touched many and he will be missed. I will pray for the families and those who knew him. May God be with you all. Thank you for sharing about his life. God Bless You
Patricia Shirley

Mary Bannister

November 29, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of loss and grief.
Mary Bannister

November 29, 2015

Very sad to hear of Daryl's passing, What an awesome man and incredible teacher. He was my 5th grade teacher in I think 1965 at Richmond Beach It may have been his first year as a teacher or close to that an I will always remember him as the best i ever had. Not to mention the cool red corvette that we all loved of course. I was just talking about my grandkids awesome teachers this morning here in Montana and told the story of Daryl, not an hour later my mother called to tell me of his passing, funny how life works. Please pass this on to all his family so they can know some of his great legacy. Thank you for sharing the story of his life, Kevin Demaray, Helena, Montana

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