Rev. Dr. Delmar “Del” Leander Baier

Passed away peacefully, with family by his side, in his 89th year at the Champlain Manor Assisted Living Centre home in Orillia, Ontario on July 5th, 2023.

Del is the beloved husband of the late Mardelle Baier (nee Meyer) and cherished papa of Maria (Paul), and Martin (Bua).  He was much loved by his two grandsons Aaron, and Luc.  In addition, Del is the beloved little brother of the late Lucille Rochon, Dorothy Michie, and Carl Beier.  His three nieces Kathy Miller, Pat Jumisko, and Jeanne Adwani loved their uncle, and remained close to Del throughout his life.  Del was the youngest child of the late William and Elizabeth Beier, born in Marine City, Michigan on April 26, 1934.

Del had a great love for his home community, especially the waters of the St. Clair River and surrounding area.  There, along with his friends, he would man a home-made sailboat, enjoying many adventures.  As a young man, he worked aboard a lake freighter on Lake Michigan.  Del’s children and grandchildren enjoyed the many stories that he shared about this time of his life.

After high school, Del’s love of God and knowledge lead him to complete a BA at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.  He spent many happy days at St. Augustine House in Michigan as a Lutheran monk.  He was ordained in 1961 at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary.  Over the years, Pastor Del completed post graduate studies at both Michigan State University and Waterloo Lutheran University (Wilfred Laurier University), eventually obtaining a MDiv.  Later in life he completed a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree at St. Elias School of Orthodox Theology.

While a student at MSU, Del met his beautiful future wife Mardelle (nee Meyer).  After they were married, the couple settled in Waterloo, Ontario.  Del and Mardelle later lived in New Brunswick, Hamilton, Brantford, Niagara Falls and finally settled in Innisfil, Ontario to be closer to their daughter and family.

Del loved his wife, children and grandchildren deeply and never hesitated to share the joy and pride that they brought to his life.

Father Del had an interesting and varied career which included his ministry at various parishes, teaching positions at various academic institutions, including McMaster University.  He also worked for many years as a residential counselor (and later a supervisor) at the W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind in Brantford, Ontario.  In addition, Del frequently worked alongside and supported Mardelle in her leadership in the peace and environmental movement.

As a strong and passionate leader in church and wider society, Father Del always did his best to help and care for those around him.  He will certainly be remembered as a hardworking pastor who was always concerned for the well-being of others, whether they were congregation members or community members in need.  His pastoral outreach also included the students he worked with at W. Ross McDonald School for the Blind, several of whom remained friends with Del and Mardelle until Del’s final days.  His sensitivity, knowledge and intellectual ability was appreciated by his colleagues and friends, many of whom enjoyed deeply personal theological, philosophical, and even political discussions with Del.

While God now has him in his keeping, we have him in our hearts forever.

Private requiem mass to be held at the Martin Luther Court Chapel (Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lutheran World Relief (www.clwr.org ) or St. Augustine’s Lutheran Monastery and Retreat House (www.staugustines.house).  Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca