Sunday, September 13, 2015
There are few people who can really touch someone’s life and make such a difference. Phil Baur was one of those kinds of people. I knew Mr. Baur when I was a child from church in the sixties. I will always remember the times that my family was invited to their home. One time they were shearing the sheep and Mr. Baur was kind enough to offer to give us a lamb that was being bottle fed. I remember going to see their gerbils which were really quite rare at that time. Halloween and getting Tastycakes and running through their farm fields back to their creek. And the central figure was always Mr. Baur.
I remember the time that he came to our front door, I do not know why he was there but my grandmother had just made deep fried donuts with sugar on them and she offered one to Mr. Baur. He took one bite and offered to buy the recipe. I don’t know if he was serious or kidding but he certainly charmed my grandmother.
You could see the love in his eyes when he looked at his wife and the twinkle in his eyes when he was around his kids. He had a goodness in his soul. I have met many people in my life in the Hotel business: Politicians, Actors, Corporate Heads and Religious Leaders and to this day I can tell you with all honesty that he was the finest man I have ever met! Generous, kind, respectful and good, Phil Baur was truly an example of his Christian Faith.
As I have gone through life, eating my Tastycake chocolate donuts which I love (but certainly do not need) I have reflected often on the example that Phil Baur set. If I ever could be half the person that he was, I would consider my life a success. He touched my life more than any person outside of my family and I grieved when I heard of his passing. I know my parents would have liked to have come to his service if they were able, but my thoughts as well as those of my parents are with you in this time of sadness.
1500 Old York Road, Abington, PA
