Obituary of Harry Baeten

Harry Baeten 9/30/1949-11/7/2011 Harry Baeten was born on 9/30/1949 in Aalst, Belgium to Adolin and Bertha Baeten. He and his parents immigrated to the United States in 1950 and lived in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of five, he moved to Southern California. As a teenager, he, his mother Bertha and sister Maria moved to Shelton, Washington. As a child, spent many hours in the Mohave dessert searching for lizards, snakes, and any other bugs or animals he could find and would bring them home as pets. This was an activity that he didn’t outgrow, but keeping them as pets wasn’t as welcome in later life. He graduated from Shelton High School in 1967. He attended Olympic College with major studies in Science and Herpetology. No degree was earned, but he continued his education on his own. He was an avid reader, enjoyed learning about history, science, military history, archeology, and anything he could debate about. He was a self-employed contractor and house painter. As he always said, just a jack of all trades. He had several hobbies. He enjoyed hiking, camping, metal detecting, and collecting many things, including his most recent, videos. His favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren. In his later years, he became involved in several local community clubs and organizations. He was a member of The Optimist Club, Co-Chairman of the Friends of the Library, PTSO for Bordeaux Elementary. He was also the “Popcorn Man” at Bordeaux Elementary and volunteered at Treasures Thrift store. Harry passed away on November 7, 2011 at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife and soul mate Denise Avery-Baeten, daughter and son-in-law Tia and Russ Gearhart, sister Maria Simcox, nephew Terry Barnhardt, grandsons, Chase, Tyler, and Jon, and granddaughter Alexandra. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Friends of the Library or Mason County Optimist Club in Harry Baeten’s name. Please leave memories of Harry or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.