Obituary of Max Jakob Baer

Max J Baer MIDDLE GRANVILLE, NY-Max Jacob Baer passed away on May 9, 2022, due to injuries sustained during an accident while on a business trip in Tennessee. Max was born to Max and Lydia (Renner) Bär on March 11, 1944, in the town of Kesswil, Switzerland. He served in the Swiss Army for 11 years. He competed with the Swiss National Gymnastics Team and was also an alternate for the Olympics. He found a new love for running and long-distance swimming, which took him through the peaks and lakes of the Alps. Max moved to the United States in the 1970's and lived in Connecticut before moving to Fort Edward. He and his brother, Rudolph, formed Baer Brothers, Inc., and ran a dairy farm in Hudson Falls from 1973 to 1981. He bought his home in Middle Granville in 1984. He also owned multiple rental properties in Granville. Max continued his career in farming and agriculture by working for Harvestore and other grain storage companies up until the time of his death. Max was always interested in farming and agriculture. He was introduced to beekeeping through acquaintances in the Granville area, who turned into life-long friends. His interests also included dining out (especially in authentic German restaurants) and traveling. Max was proud to become a naturalized US citizen in 2005. Max was knowledgeable in many areas, knew several languages, and could build or repair anything. However, his greatest attributes were his kindness and service to others. On any given day he would be helping someone, somewhere. Most of the time, his services would be rendered in a quiet way, without any fanfare. He visited friends in hospitals, nursing homes, care centers and their own homes. He did yard work, brought snacks and flowers, and shared his friendship and wit in a gentle, unassuming way. He served on the Founders' Committee and then the Board of Directors for the Haynes House of Hope. His biggest goal was to run across America to raise money for the home. It was called "The Trek for Hope", and his progress on the run was to be kept up through "Max Trax". He was unable to take on this challenge due to an injury that curtailed his running career. Max was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his brother Rudolph, several nieces, nephews and cousins, and friends throughout the world. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 14, at 11am at the South Granville Congregational Church at 7179 State Route 149, South Granville, NY, with interment to follow. A luncheon will be served immediately afterward in the Max Baer Fellowship Hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Max's memory to The Washington County Childrens' Fund, c/o Jane Lourie, 271 Beattie Hollow Road, Salem, NY, 12865; The Granville Food Pantry, PO Box 352, Granville, NY, 12832; and Haynes House of Hope, 7187 State Route 149, Granville NY 12832. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Robert M. King Funeral Home, 23 Church Street, Granville, NY, 12832