Bauman, Erik Randolph

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Erik Randolph Bauman, 42, of Blacksburg, Va., died Wednesday night, March 11, 2009, at Montgomery Regional Hospital. Erik had courageously and without complaint battled the progressive and fatal motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) for eight years.

Earlier in life, he had endured and overcome obstacles as a gay man to achieve a bachelor of arts degree from State University of New York, and master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees in psychology at Yeshiva University, New York, N.Y. Erik was licensed as a psychologist and served group homes in New York City as a counselor prior to his illness.

Erik is survived by his partner, Daniel Hart; his sister, Lisa Wolf, her son, Kip and his family; brother, Dave, and his children, Katrina and Chris; brother, Ken and his wife, Robin; father, Dick; aunt, Pat Dole; cousin, Deirdre Wray, and her son, Patrick; cousins, Fred Bauman, David Bauman, Jane Sparling, and Jim Bauman; and his two dogs, Robin and Brandon. Erik was predeceased by his beloved mother, Peg.

We, his family, hold Erik with great love in our hearts and will always cherish the memory of his gentle goodness and amazing spirit.

A private family service of remembrance will be held Saturday, March 21, 2009, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Blacksburg with the Rev. Christine Brownlie leading the celebration of Erik’s life.