Chemical engineering Professor Emeritus Alva Baer passed away on
September 26, 2012 at the age of 84.
Born in Salt Lake City, Baer graduated from South High School in 1945,
and served in the United States Navy in World War II, where he completed
the Naval radio electronics program.
With the help of the GI Bill, he earned B.S. and M.S. degrees followed
by a Ph.D. in chemical engineering in 1959, all from the University of
Utah. An expert in combustion, Baer was a professor in University of
Utah’s Department of Chemical Engineering until his retirement in 1995.
“Our department is saddened at the loss of Al Baer. He was a former
chemical engineering student and a beloved member of our faculty for 36
years,” said JoAnn Lighty, department chair and professor of chemical
engineering at the University of Utah. “Al was a dedicated teacher and
researcher, and a wonderful colleague. He loved the outdoors and I
always enjoyed catching up with him.”
“Al was a friend and a colleague, in the best sense of both terms,”
said Noel deNevers, professor emeritus of chemical engineering at the
University of Utah. “Our students and fellow faculty were always glad
to be with him, enjoying his warmth, humor and technical skills.”
Baer was an avid skier, backpacker and hiker and spent time on many
wilderness trails throughout Utah and the Grand Canyon.
He is survived by his wife Carol, sons Sam and Tom, his daughter
Amanda, and two grandchildren Jane and Carolann.
The family has asked for donations to be made to the Southern Utah
Wilderness Alliance or the University of Utah Chemical Engineering
Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday September 29, 2012 at
10 a.m. prior to the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Holbrook Mortuary,
3251 South 2300 East in Salt Lake City. Interment will follow at Wasatch
Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive in Salt Lake City.