Hans Ulrich Baurmeister of Manchester VT, sadly passed away on June 3rd 2023. He was 85 years old. He is survived by his loving wife, Wendy, his three children, Norris, Lyn and Eric, six grandchildren, Jordie, Will, Eva, Clara, Hans, Lexi and his sisters, Fe and Usch.
Hans was born in Kiel, Germany in October 1937 to Ulrich, a banker and his wife Eva. The family moved to Oberstdorf in the Bavarian Alps in 1941 to escape the frequent air raids in Kiel during World War II. Hans graduated from the local high school in 1956. He spent most of his free time in the mountains, enjoying climbing in the summer and skiing in the winter. Hans’ love of skiing continued throughout his life as he competed with “some success” in his youth and well into his adult life. After graduation, Hans attended the Technical University of Munich, graduating in 1962 with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. He stayed on for an additional year to obtain an MBA, supporting himself as a Teaching Assistant. After a short stint at the IFO Institute, he was offered a scholarship to attend the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, which led to him coming to the United States in 1964 and resulted in a MS in Operations Research.
He began his career at Corning Glass works in Corning, NY which led to a fateful encounter at Greek Peak, a local ski area. Through mutual friends, Hans met the love of his life, Wendy. They married in 1968. Wendy brought two children, Norris and Lyn, with her into the marriage and Hans immediately loved and cared for them as his own. A third child, Eric, was added “post haste” in 1970. In 1971, the family moved to Wendy’s hometown of Philadelphia and he took a position at ESB rising to corporate wide responsibility for Materials Management, Distribution and Logistics. In1983 the family moved to Northampton, MA and Hans to a senior management position at Hardigg Industries. Due to a failed buyout, he left Hardigg for the Farrel Corporation in Ansonia, CT and a position as General Manager for the Rubber Machinery Division.
In 2001, Hans retired from Farrel and moved with Wendy to Londonderry, VT where they had owned a home since 1996. This began many years of happiness, enjoying all that Southern Vermont has to offer. In the summers, golf at Ekwanok CC was the main activity. When the weather allowed, Hans could be found “walking his seven iron around” the course in the winter as well. But skiing remained his winter passion to the end. Hans skied often, mostly at Bromley Mountain with the Silver Griffins in his later years. During much of his adult life Hans competed around New England at the Master’s level of ski racing as well. In 2013 Wendy and Hans downsized to Manchester and moved again in 2021 to the Equinox Village in Manchester Center after Hans had a lung related health scare.
Hans is remembered as an extremely proud grandfather, a true “gentle man”, gregarious with a wry sense of humor, a man who enjoyed giving and taking good natured ribbing and despite his attempts at a gruff exterior, a man who cared deeply for his friends and family. He will forever be in our hearts.
There will be a “Celebration of Life” in Manchester VT in early September. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Bennington County Habitat for Humanity P.O. Box 1159 Manchester VT, 05254
