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Paul Baria Obituary
Paul Collins Baria (1954-2020) was a man for all seasons. Born in Abilene, Texas, he moved to Corpus Christi during junior high school and later graduated from Carroll High School in 1972. He earned his BS from the University of Texas, Austin (1976) in Electrical Engineering and was also a proud member of the Longhorn Band Color Guard. He loved to explore how things worked, and always had some construction project going from puzzles to robots. While working in the private sector, he earned several patents. His passion for mathematics and science and his joy in sharing it with the next generation then led him into teaching at the secondary level, first in Wimberley, and later at the Austin Waldorf School. He loved the adventure of travel and visited innumerable places from Tasmania to Antarctica. He loved science fiction and always was immersed in the latest lengthy mind-stretching tome. His curiosity and knowledge were so vast that he carried many a trivia team. His musicality was so broad and his ear so good, he was always able to "Name That Tune." He was an early adopter of Apple devices and was the family "go-to" for technological advice. He was a fiercely loyal friend, and his decades' long and deeply loved Austin Supper Club group (Elizabeth, Tucker and Paul P.) were truly there for him throughout his cancer battle. They will now carry on the tradition of Paul's famous creme brulee torch. His friend Freeman spent many a fun evening with him, chronicling many in beautiful artwork. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bettye Baria of Corpus Christi. He is survived by his sister Lynn Baria (Corpus Christi) and brother Joseph Murry Baria (Davis, CA), and his nephew Joseph W. Baria and niece Anne B. Cavalero and her husband Anthony Cavalero, all of Los Angeles, CA. A small private service will take place at the First United Methodist Church Columbarium. His life will always be celebrated and his gusto for adventures with a playful twinkle in his eye will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, in Paul's memory, please cook and share a fabulous meal, plan a dream trip, solve a crossword puzzle, learn about the stars, cheer for your favorite football teams (Longhorns and Cowboys for Paul!), or consider donating to the Bamberger Ranch Preserve in Johnson City, TX (where so many students are inspired by nature), or to the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History (where Paul's first job was guarding the moon rock!).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Baria
Pamela Martin
November 15, 2021
Paul was a great friend. When playing trivia you always wanted him on your team! Gone too soon.
Ariana Zaia
November 29, 2020
Mr. Baria was a wonderful teacher and I will remember him fondly from my highschool math classes at the Austin Waldorf School. He had a refreshingly practical approach to the subject, and taught us some really important life skills including how to set up a retirement account. He is the reason I have one today. He was truly a delight to have around and I know he will be missed.
Michael
November 24, 2020
Mr. Baria was my favorite math teacher. He made learning fun engaging. He knew how to make everyone feel important. He was a great mentor and was fun to be around.
Courtney
November 24, 2020
You were a true inspiration to all your students and my all time favorite teacher. Thank you for your patience, kindness and confidence in all of us.
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Jeanette
November 23, 2020
Most amazing, passionate, with an amazing love for life and teacher. Best teacher I’ve ever known. He will truly be missed. Shine on in heaven Mr. Baria
Sarah Millard Lanahan
November 23, 2020
Mr. Baria was a true gift to education and inspired so many. He helped me so much with my confidence in math as I jumped from on level Alg 2 to PreAP Precalc and never lost faith in me, even when I lost it in myself.
I'll never forget standing in the hallway outside of his classroom my sophomore year in college when I visited him to show him that I really was majoring in math and I was being successful and truly understood what was going on. We both had tears in our eyes and I while I knew my parents were proud of me it was wonderful to know that he was too after so many hours spent at his Monday tutoring sessions. Now as a UT employee that supports math and technology teachers around the state I find myself channeling his enthusiasm and love for educating all, even those that are struggling.
He helped so many truly understand and love math. Mr. Baria was a true gift to the teaching profession and a man ahead of his time. He will be missed by so many but he will never be forgotten and his impact will be felt forever.
LeeAnn Rojas
November 23, 2020
Mr. Baria was my Algebra 2 teacher in wimberley. He mad e learning fun and challenging and always had an encouraging word. He is one of the reasons I became a teacher was in hopes to be just like him. He will be greatly missed I am glad I got to cross paths with him as he helped shape mine.
Pamela Martin
November 23, 2020
Kind, generous, humorous and smart! Paul was a lovely human. Sending love to his family.
Trapper Pace
November 22, 2020
What an incredible educator, one who took the time to help students understand what he was teaching while making it fun. He’s the reason I was able to understand the FOIL method. Thanks Mr. B.! WHS Class of 1997
Lorena
November 22, 2020
You were one of my all time favorite teachers growing up. You made science so much fun. So much that I chose to study it even more in college. You inspired me to continue to learn and to do so with ambition and fun. As a mother, I often found myself explaining the universe with the enthusiasm you had. Making telescopes and eclipse views with Pringle cans and tape thanks to you. I earned cool mom points with my son thanks to the amount of information I learned from you while in high school astronomy class. Your smile as you greeted your students and your energy while teaching is something I enjoyed so much growing up.
I am blessed to have you as a teacher and positive role model. Thank you for allowing my curiously to flourish.
I hope you’re having the best star party where ever you are.
Merle & Oesim Masters
November 22, 2020
Paul was a good friend
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