In the spring when I was 23 years old, it rained every day. I decided this cycling thing was maybe not such a great solution and I asked my dad if he would teach me to drive. He heartily agreed. Since we had just obtained new equipment at the graphics business, we were being trained all day to use it and in the evenings we got the pay work accomplished. So by late evening, Dad faithfully took me out for driving lessons every night. I usually didn't make it home until midnight. Learning in the rain and dark was quite an accomplishment and his patience was endless. He didn't always communicate right away so one evening was rather remarkable. He said, "turn here!" Without hesitation I turned the wheel nearly rolling it! When I came to a stop, we both let out a sigh of relief. Many times after that I'd take a corner too fast and he'd smile and say, "Maybe on all four wheels next time." Several months later when I had my license, the odometer on my car was about to roll 100,000. I excitedly went to go get him to see if he wanted to roll the car with me. As luck would have it, the odometer rolled in exactly the same spot where I nearly rolled the car the first time. There were a lot of fun memories I have of he and I like that.

My favorite phrases:

How are things?

Oh oh. The hood's up. (whether it was a car, the imagesetter, a computer...)

Just gotta get through this knot (going faster and faster weaving in and out of traffic)

You're not going to give me a ticket, are you? I just got one last night.

Many people say I'm a little mirror of Dad. I know that comes with good and bad. I sigh. I tie my shoes backwards because Dad taught me. He was a leftie. He shared my love of bran muffins, granola, and roller coasters. I loved his (and my) German heritage so I spoiled him with springerle and gingerbread houses and trains. He spoiled me by taking me to a Gingerbread House display one year. I played in a brass band. Not only did he come to every concert but he sat in the front row and recorded all the concerts... getting there before everybody else so he could get a front row seat to set up his recording equipment. He purchased newer and better recording equipment. He made recordings for everybody in the band and would personally deliver a recording to a guest soloist. He also took pictures with delight and gave those to people, too.

When I was a teenager I remember writing a letter to you... pretty much in five paragraph essay form detailing issues between us. I didn't see where my note had gone and I figured you'd thrown it away. Instead, you'd taken time out of your schedule making a red dot by each item with your Flair felt tipped red pen. You and I spent hours the next day talking (calmly) over that letter. I cherish this memory as well as so many others. I suspect many have been linked by your red pen!

We are thinking of Fred today as his memorial service is underway. Scott, please keep us posted about St. Paul in the spring. We want to be there.

Sorry to learn of Fred's passing.  East Lansing is a far better place to be because of the countless days AND years of Fred's devotion and volunteerism.  Thanks, Fred.

We are so sorry to learn of your passing. You and John were grammar school friends. We enjoyed the time you and Mary Joan visited us in St. Louis. Rest in Peace.

R.I.P. my friend. Thank you for the huge, positive impact you left on our community.

Very sad to hear of the passing of Fred Bauries. Many good memories from the years at the University of Minnesota. RIP Fred.

Been thinking about you and Mary Joan spending Christmas together and how happy you both must be.

Thanks for everything, Fred. From those very first Advertising classes to the conversations in your office to your help in many matters. A big smooch to MJ.

Rest in peace together again with MJ. Give her a hug from all of your Ad Club "children". Thank you both for the many lessons on the advertising business, life, and how to be a decent adult without losing your inner child. R.I.P. Fred.

I am saddened to hear that Fred Bauries has passed away. He was such a great member of our community and was a pleasure to work with on the Planning Commission during two of his terms. This world, and especially East Lansing, has lost a dedicated volunteer and community advocate!

I'm so saddened. I met Fred and Max while walking the neighborhood on my lunch hour a few years ago. He has become a dear friend. I made him a tea ring for his birthday/Christmas and was going to send him a Facebook message tonight to see if he would be walking tomorrow. Does anyone know who will be keeping Max? I will miss them both.

Just got word that Fred Bauries passed away. Fred and I served on the East Lansing Planning Commission together for four years, though that only covered a small portion of his service to East Lansing.

He was the eldest member, while I was the youngest. Despite that and a few other differences, we got along famously. He was always attentive to things happening in my life, from graduation to new jobs. He even noticed when I started to appear in pictures on social media with a "young woman" by the name of Adelyn.

There is not a policy in the city of East Lansing that does not have his fingerprints on it. You could go back decades into city archives and find his name there.

Rest in peace, Fred, here's hoping you've been welcomed into the heavens with stacks of minutes to correct, my friend.

Scott, I am so very sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope the Bauries family will draw comfort from the words found at Psalm 145:18.

Scott and Suzette, words cannot express the sorrow we feel. Fred and Mj were so important as good friends in our life. We are happy that  Fred was able to visit us in October in Phoenix.

I am shocked and saddened by the loss of an icon in the advertising business, in our community, Fred Bauries. Fred, a teacher, intellectual, craftsman, business own, community organizer and friend was a mentor to many, including myself. The long term impact Fred had on our community cannot be measured but will be missed. R.I.P. Fred, you were a gentleman and friend that I will never forget.

Close to 60 years of friendship, Fred, Sonia and I will miss you dearly. You were one of my groomsmen in our wedding in 1961 and we've managed to stay in contact all these years. I recall when you and I did a joint project for one of our photography classes at the University of Minnesota. Scott and Suzette, your Dad is one of the good guys. Thanks for the years.

Dear Scott, Suzette and family,
When I think about your dad, I will think of the big smile he always had on his face. He was a special man and he and your mom hold a spot in my heart. 
Thinking of you and thinking about where I will plant a tree. 
Sincerely,
Mel

OBITUARY

Fred Bruce Bauries

16 December, 1935 – 16 December, 2016

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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