Deaf Ministry Pioneer called to rest

Rev. Dr. Robert Bauer signs the name of Jesus.

Rev. Dr. Robert (Bob) Bauer, a well-known advocate for the Deaf, passed away peacefully into the arms of His Lord on September 3, 2020 at the age of 90. Dr. Bauer was born on January 27, 1930 just outside of Stony Plain, Alberta. A farm boy at heart, some his fondest memories were of growing up in the country his large family, riding his horse to school, and his mother’s strong faith. His father’s untimely death almost led him to withdraw from higher education, but his brothers Herb and Walter, convinced him to stay in college.

Dr. Bauer received his first degree from Concordia College in Edmonton, where he met his wife Ellie. He studied for the pastoral ministry at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Vicarage service among Deaf minority congregations in the southern United States launched his interest in this specialized ministry.

Ordained in 1956, Rev. Bauer served as a missionary for western Canada for several years, travelling weekly to Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina to hold services. As other missionaries were placed in the West, he focused on serving the Deaf community of Edmonton. He and other friends built a chapel near the Alberta School of the Deaf. In 1962, Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Edmonton was dedicated, and bilingual services have been conducted there ever since.

In the early 1970s, Dr. Bauer and members of his congregation founded Pax Natura Society for the Rehabilitation of the Deaf, a Lutheran social service outreach program. The program operated Pax Natura Ranch near Clyde, Alberta, which taught life skills in a rural setting. The Society also operated a halfway house near the University of Alberta, offering supervised independent living to Deaf clients transitioning into the community.

In addition to pastoral ministry to the Deaf in his community, Dr. Bauer also served as mentor for seminary and Deaf Institute of Theology students; an acting parole officer and court interpreter; as a volunteer chaplain for Edmonton Ex-Service Women and the Legion of Frontiersmen.

Dr. Bauer’s accolades included inclusion in Who’s Who in Alberta, and awards spanning six decades from various organizations, including Alberta Rehabilitation Council for the Disabled; Canadian Association of the Deaf (including the “Man of the Year” award); Canadian Bible Society; the Good Samaritan Society; the Government of Alberta’s Achievement Award; International Lions Club; and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. In 2000, he was bestowed an honourary Doctor of Divinity degree by Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton.

Dr. Bauer’s ministry spanned sixty years, until at the age of 86 declining health in recent years prompted a move from his family home to several care facilities. His final days took place at the Royal Alexander Hospital in Edmonton. Even in these final years, he made a lasting impression on staff, continuing to preach, teach, and socialize.

Dr. Bauer is survived by his wife, Eleonore (Ellie), with whom he celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary in August. He is also survived by children: Kathy, Martin (Tammi), Chris (Sheonagh), and Jean (Dennis); and grandchildren: Jesse, Iain (Jenny), Breagh, Georgia, Angus, Jakob, and Karl. This past summer he had become the proud great grandfather of Wallace. Dr. Bauer was predeceased by his seven siblings (Charlotte, Herb, Esther, Bernie, Walter, Emily, and Ed), with only his elder sister Helen surviving him. His extended family of nephews, nieces, and other relatives number in the hundreds.

Current pandemic restrictions made a public funeral impossible, so a private service was held in early October. Donations in honour of Dr. Bauer’s life and service may be sent to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Edmonton, Alberta (11460-60 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB  T6H 1J5).

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