November 17, 1959 �" December 10, 2013
Donald Christopher Baer, deaf son of Donald C. Baer and Barbara C. Baer (deceased), passed away quietly in his sleep on December 10, 2013 after a long battle with ALS. Don celebrated his life at each opportunity. He enjoyed the outdoors, his friends, traveling, the arts, and was an activist in the deaf community. He followed his dreams throughout his short life always ready to take on new challenges and share his happiness and positive attitude with everyone.
Don attended the California School for the Deaf, Riverside and later transferred to the CSD Berkeley/Fremont schools. He was heavily involved in the arts and theater and promoting the deaf culture through his professional and social activities. He created a legacy by using his unique talents to create life-size three-dimensional wax figures of prominent and noteworthy deaf and hearing individuals to promote deaf history and awareness. He founded DeafWax, a nonprofit organization, for exhibiting the wax figures and they have been shown in many venues throughout California and Texas. He was also a strong supporter of the deaf gay community, and AIDS awareness groups, holding a number of positions in various organizations.
His professional life led him to work at Disneyland, the Salk Institute, and the Bay Area Communication Access Company. He continued to display his positive attitude during his last years with ALS and shared his unique issues with having the disease. His life made many positive impacts in so many ways and to so many people.
He is survived by his father and his siblings: Jennifer (and husband William), James, Randolph, Jeanette, Carolyn; and nieces Renee (and family) and Brandi. He also left behind many friends and colleagues who will miss him greatly.
A memorial service will be held February 8 at 11 a.m. at the California School for the Deaf, Klopping Theatre, 39350 Gallaudet Drive, Fremont, CA. In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to the following: DeafWax Deaf Heritage (http://deafwax.com/donate.html) and DeafHood Foundation ( http://www.deafhoodfoundation.org/Deafhood/Donate.html)
Don, we will look for you in rainbows until we meet again.