John David Baer

When I was President of the San Luis Obispo Symphony John told me we were not doing enough to help the younger generation appreciate the Symphony. I asked John to join the Board of Directors and take on the job of showing young people the importance of Symphony. He did become a Board Member and did and excellent, much appreciated job of exposing the younger generation to the Symphony instruments and music.

I met John at Lake Forest College and helped him set up his very nice ham radio set. His call sign was WA6AJB, which I thought was fairly special, having his initials in the call sign. He was incredibly fast on the telegraph key and preferred to communicate all over the world using Morse code, rather than voice. He also was a very talented organist, and had received permission to use the large organ at a nearby church in the evenings, where I often listened to the mighty pipe organ under his command.

So sorry to hear of John's passing. I'm just hearing about it now, a sad conclusion to my seeking to get back in touch after a few years. John lived with our family when he was a student at Lake Forest College in the 1960s and became a beloved family friend. As a kid, I especially enjoyed John's wry sense of humor and calm, loving nature. I was pleased to hear later of his connection with young musicians -- and his pet pig! Long ago, now, Becky, if you're out there, I hope you're doing well. Love and cheers from the Thomas family children! Owen,.

John joined the San Luis Obispo Symphony Board of Directors around 1997. He developed an active, effective program to encourage youth to play instruments and appreciate symphonic music. His work is greatly appreciated. Bob Danielson, past president of the SLO Symphony Orchestra.

John Baer is my beloved cousin, my dad was his Uncle Bob, Mike's brother. I would like to personally be in touch further to express my condolences and concern. I would appreciate any information anyone can provide to help me do so. My email address is [email protected].

Ron Baer