Here is how the obituary reads: John R. Baer, beloved husband and father, lifelong lover of sports cars, cooking, dogs and the arts, John Baer passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 12, 2008. Born August 10, 1943 in New York City, John was educated at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He spent the first two decades of his impressive international banking career in New York, where he managed business development for European American Bank in Europe, Africa and Asia. Fluent in French, he held assignments in Paris and London as well as in New York City.
John moved to Dallas in 1985, and in 1999 joined the Dallas Symphony Association, where he held directorial posts in endowments, planned giving and Board of Governors relations. He will be remembered by his colleagues as a caring friend and a passionate supporter of the Dallas Symphony. John held many leadership roles in Highland Park Presbyterian Church over his two decades of membership, including president of the Chancel Choir and Church Elder. Preceded in death by his father, Dr. Rudolph Baer, mother, Louise Baer and brother, Andrew Baer, John is survived by his loving wife, Sherri Lynn Baer, and his daughters, Alexandra King Baer and Abigail Lynn Baer.
John is a remarkable man. A caring friend who gave generously of himself to his family, his city, his church. From our first meeting in the offices of the Dallas Symphony Association to our last lunch together, John’s grace never wavered. He handled huge egos, unrealistic demands and expectations, and people of prominence and commonness with the same gentle spirit. I shall miss him greatly; Sheri, Alexandra, and Abigail will miss him immeasurably. My prayers are with them. Like John, they are remarkable people, extraordinary souls.
See you in heaven someday soon, John. I’m sure the heavenly music will be better for your involvement!